COVID-19, IP and Access: Will the Current System of Medical Innovation and Access to Medicines Meet Global Expectations?

Forthcoming in the Journal of Generic Medicines

12 Pages Posted: 26 Jan 2021

See all articles by Olga Gurgula

Olga Gurgula

Brunel University London - Brunel Law School

Wen Hwa Lee

University of Oxford - Oxford Martin School

Date Written: January 23, 2021

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fundamental flaws in the current system of medical innovation and access to medicines, which require urgent attention from the global community. This is prompted by the experience of the past decades, which has proven that this system was ineffective in securing adequate access to medicines for all. The understanding of the deficiencies of the existing system is crucial today, as it may help to design effective approaches for improving access. This article will also consider mechanisms that may be implemented by governments for the protection of public health. These include short-term mechanisms, such as compulsory licensing and government use, as well as the long-term design of a new innovation model, including state-coordinated research of medicines and open innovation. The current system should be reconsidered to ensure the prompt development of COVID-19 therapy accessible to everyone and full preparedness for the pandemics of the future.

Keywords: COVID-19, patents, access to medicines, affordable medicines, compulsory licensing, open innovation

Suggested Citation

Gurgula, Olga and Lee, Wen Hwa, COVID-19, IP and Access: Will the Current System of Medical Innovation and Access to Medicines Meet Global Expectations? (January 23, 2021). Forthcoming in the Journal of Generic Medicines , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3771935 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3771935

Olga Gurgula (Contact Author)

Brunel University London - Brunel Law School ( email )

Kingston Lane
Elliott Jaques Building
Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH
United Kingdom

Wen Hwa Lee

University of Oxford - Oxford Martin School ( email )

University of Oxford
34 Broad Street
Oxford, OX1 3BD
United Kingdom

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