The best of times and the worst of times

The full gamut of human and corporate behaviour is on show with the TAMIFLU/bird flu issue.

Faced with concern that Roche would not be able to manufacture sufficient TAMIFLU product, US senators have held discussions to persuade Roche to enter discussions with generic manufacturers to avoid a critical shortfall in supplies - and have even indicated they would be prepared to introduce legislation to compel compulsory licensing. Interesting how a problem coming closer to home seems to focus the mind. Despite much media attention, however, so far as I'm aware no agreement has yet been reached with generic or other manufacturers.

Possibly not entirely coincidentally the WTO email update service last week provided a link to a Q and A on TRIPS, compulsory licensing and public health. A clear and helpful summary - it can all seem quite simple when the realities of life are excluded.... See http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/trips_e/public_health_faq_e.htm

And finally, disappointing but perhaps not surprising to see that offers to sell TAMIFLU are appearing on the web, and that there are many warnings appearing that TAMIFLU should not be bought online or without a prescription. Potential crises do seem to bring out the vultures.