Management Across Cultures - Pharm Companies, Intellectual Prop and the Global Aids Epidemic
Pharmaceutical Companies,
Intellectual Property, And the Global AIDS Epidemic
National American University
Abstract
No business opens its doors with the expectation of loss. The pharmaceutical world is a business and, as with any business, profits are key. Often the business world conflicts head on with the ethical world. This is the case here, especially as we examine the question of responsibility, intellectual property and morality. As we consider the rights of a business and its responsibility to share proprietary information in the face of a global AIDS epidemic, it is difficult to look at this situation through business eyes. A sense of morality must prevail and this is where the conflict occurs. Do pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to distribute drugs for free or at low cost in developing countries? How does intellectual property fit in to this quandary? What impact would South Africa’s decision to levy duties on drugs in the country have on the international distribution of drugs? Was the change that provided patent protection for pharmaceutical companies an appropriate change or a dangerous precedent? Was it necessary to relax intellectual property rules in order to ensure that adequate supplies of AIDS medications would be available for distribution in the developing world? What role do multi-national corporations have in providing funding or other assistance to international organizations such as the Global Fund? Perceptions guide as one considers the answers to these questions. Arguments can be made for and against each answer. Should morality rule or profits? Ultimately, this is one world and, no matter the borders, everyone must live together, taking care of each other. The question is, “How do we do that and still take care of ourselves?”
Pharmaceutical Companies, Intellectual Property,
And the Global AIDS Epidemic
Acquiring affordable and effective medical treatment in the current economic situation
Intellectual Property, And the Global AIDS Epidemic
National American University
Abstract
No business opens its doors with the expectation of loss. The pharmaceutical world is a business and, as with any business, profits are key. Often the business world conflicts head on with the ethical world. This is the case here, especially as we examine the question of responsibility, intellectual property and morality. As we consider the rights of a business and its responsibility to share proprietary information in the face of a global AIDS epidemic, it is difficult to look at this situation through business eyes. A sense of morality must prevail and this is where the conflict occurs. Do pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to distribute drugs for free or at low cost in developing countries? How does intellectual property fit in to this quandary? What impact would South Africa’s decision to levy duties on drugs in the country have on the international distribution of drugs? Was the change that provided patent protection for pharmaceutical companies an appropriate change or a dangerous precedent? Was it necessary to relax intellectual property rules in order to ensure that adequate supplies of AIDS medications would be available for distribution in the developing world? What role do multi-national corporations have in providing funding or other assistance to international organizations such as the Global Fund? Perceptions guide as one considers the answers to these questions. Arguments can be made for and against each answer. Should morality rule or profits? Ultimately, this is one world and, no matter the borders, everyone must live together, taking care of each other. The question is, “How do we do that and still take care of ourselves?”
Pharmaceutical Companies, Intellectual Property,
And the Global AIDS Epidemic
Acquiring affordable and effective medical treatment in the current economic situation