Pfizer’s and Merck’s anounce agreement of voluntary licensing with the Medicines Patent Pool

19 Nov 2021

Pfizer’s and Merck’s decision to share the license for their COVID-19 pill with the Medicines Patent Pool been all over the headlines in the past weeks. A less trained eye could mistake wolves for lambs, though.

Looking at the wider context, this announcement is just a photo-op to show that the private sector can deliver the necessary solutions to COVID-19 treatment equity ahead of the World Trade Organizations Ministerial Conference that will take place from 29 November to 3 December. The MC12 is the higher decision body of the WTO and the TRIPS waiver will be on the table.

That’s why all corporate efforts are focused on watering down the proposal. They pretend to be benevolently sharing technology, but when you read between the lines, the deal will actually only strengthen their market and increase their profits. We are still relying on the voluntary “goodwill” of Pharma to see us through this crisis.

We must not let them divert us. We must stand in support of the TRIPS waiver. It is the only way to break down Big Pharma’s oligopoly.

#Fem4PeoplesVaccine #TRIPSwaiver #Pfizer #Merck #COVID19 #COVIDpill #MC12