2016: KEI objections to NIH licenses to Vital Spark, Kalytera Therapeutics, CB1 receptor mediating compounds

(More on government funded inventions here. Other KEI comments on NIH licenses are found here.) May 4, 2016 Betty Tong, Ph.D. Senior Licensing and Patenting Manager Technology Advancement Office National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 12A South… Continue Reading

WHO CEWG 2016: Statement of Health Action International, Knowledge Ecology International and STOPAIDS

On Monday, 2 May 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened the 2016 open-ended member states meeting of the Consultative Expert Working Group on Research and Development: Financing and Coordination (CEWG). The 2016 CEWG is chaired by Bhanu Pratap Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The Vice-Chair is Tania Dussey- Cavassini, Vice-Director General, Ambassador for Global Health, Federal Office of Public Health, Switzerland.

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Rep. Lloyd Doggett keynote address at CAP drug pricing event highlights Xtandi, federal funding of pharmaceutical R&D

On April 26, 2016, Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) delivered the keynote address at a panel discussion on drug pricing at the Center for American Progress, where he addressed the Federal government’s role in subsidizing drug development, ensuring affordable access at reasonable prices for U.S. citizens, industry practices related to monopoly pricing, and legislative solutions to promote rational and affordable drug prices.


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WHO releases program of work and progress report in advance of Consultative Expert Working Group on R&D (2-4 May 2016)

The World Health Organization (WHO) is convening an open-ended meeting of member states on the Follow-up of the report of the Consultative Expert Working Group on Research and Development: Financing and Coordination (CEWG) in Geneva, Switzerland at WHO headquarters from 2 May 2016 to 4 May 2016. The WHO has published the provisional agenda, the proposed program of work and progress report. Continue Reading

Letter to HHS and NIH regarding impact of high prices on cost effectiveness of Xtandi

KEI submitted the attached letter to Secretary Burwell and Director Collins in support of the KEI/UACT petition that asked the NIH (or the Army) to use the federal government rights in the patents on the prostate cancer drug Xtandi, to remedy the excessive and discriminatory price in the United States. The letter calls attention to findings of an article from the the Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, in which the authors conclude that a reduction in price would make Xtandi the most-cost effective option.

The text of the letter follows:

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