World Trade Organisation Holds Discussion on Extending TRIPS Decision to Covid-19 Therapeutics and Diagnostics

On October 9 in New Delhi, members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) convened a discussion with various stakeholders including civil society, business representatives and academia on the possibility of extending the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) decision to Covid-19 therapeutics and diagnostics. This deliberation took place during an informal thematic session for external stakeholders at the TRIPS Council meet.

Stakeholders' Inputs on Extending TRIPS Decision

The goal of this meeting was to gather facts and take stock of relevant Covid-19-related developments from different perspectives. Representatives from several organizations such as Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge, Medicines Law and Policy, Third World Network, and Health Justice Initiative shared their viewpoints. They emphasized that despite some progress made globally in combating Covid-19 through vaccination drives and improved treatments, many regions continue to face dire situations due to lack of access to these medical resources.

Contention Over IP Suspension

A contentious issue discussed during this meeting was over intellectual property (IP) rights related to Covid-19 therapeutics and diagnostics. Some participants argued against suspending IP rights claiming that it is now an outdated proposal as they believe there's no longer demand for it. However, this argument was contested by an official who highlighted that many regions are still grappling with severe impacts of the pandemic due to limited access to vaccines or treatments.

Role Of IP In Pandemic Response

Business representatives countered by stating that IP has played a crucial role in enabling innovation response during the pandemic. It has facilitated companies in rapidly developing commercial vaccines and therapeutic solutions using existing technology and knowhow which otherwise would have been impossible without these protections.

Forthcoming Discussions At WTO Ministerial Conference

In light of these arguments and counterarguments, it was agreed upon during the 12th ministerial conference in Geneva scheduled for 2022 that member countries would continue discussing this matter. This decision reflects the ongoing global debate on balancing IP rights with public health needs especially in times of a pandemic.

In conclusion, the meeting held by WTO members with various stakeholders served as an important platform to discuss the extension of TRIPS decision to Covid-19 therapeutics and diagnostics. While some argue against suspending IP rights stating it's no longer necessary, others highlight that many regions still face severe impacts due to limited access to medical resources. Business representatives point out that IP has been vital for rapid development and commercialization of vaccines and treatments. As these debates continue, further discussions on this matter will take place at the forthcoming WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva next year.