The TPP and END of U.S. Generic Access

[Coach Mike]

Get while the getting can be got.

https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/tpp/tpp/the-dirtiest-deal-you-ve-never-heard-of

[FutureThinker]

Thanks Coach Mike, I'll do some reading on the TPP.  It just never ends, does it? FT

[Coach Mike]

Money. Follow the money.
I really had no clue until I researched the TPP. Gilead could theoretically sue the government for knowingly allowing generics that infringed on its patent to enter the country.
Sad. People are simply trying to heal themselves.
What have we become?
cm

[FutureThinker]

Hey Coach Mike, I read several articles yesterday on the TPP deal.  It's a lengthy document that sounds like will affect some aspect, if not many, in most of our lives, so we do need to learn more about it. I have to admit it's a topic I've not paid a great deal of attention to in the past......

We are currently in the ratifying stage of this process, which is to take 2 years, so that is the next topic I'll search. Thanks, FT

[KimInTheForest]

This is a big issue in Canada as well (the TPP curtailing access to generic drugs) and has been reported in major Canadian news media:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/drug-prices-expected-to-rise-as-result-of-trade-deal/article27627091/

kim

[Coach Mike]

Yes FT & Kim,
This thing, as one aspiring politician would say, is "HUGE", even IF his hands are a bit on the smallish side...
It's hard to say, given our current political state, when, if ever, this thing might get approved.
I don't like big, complicated acts that I can't fully understand.
This qualifies.
cm

[FutureThinker]

Yes, this document is very complex and long, but I see re: ratification that it looks like we have some time to contact our respective senators and reps and give our opinion. Japan and the US are the largest countries involved out of the 12 and carry a lot of weight in this process.  Japan has started their process; due to our election, most say our congress won't be looking at this seriously until after the election. So we have some time to devise our statements and get them in. Six of the 12 countries must ratify, so who knows how that will go, as protests have & are being held in various countries in opposition.

While I appreciate the skepticism that our voices don't seem to be heard much, we have the right to express our opinions, and should. Perhaps we can use this as a "teachable moment" re: the trials and frustration for so many with obtaining HCV treatment. Another form of education.

In addition to the most important aspect of potentially limiting lifesaving drugs to patients around the world, another aspect is our continued high cost of healthcare in the US.  If generics were to be limited as a viable option, that will only add to costs. I personally don't think our current healthcare system could handle this.

Thanks for bringing this important topic up for all of us. Money is the real "American Idol" if you ask me............ FT