Mixed response to COVID-19 intellectual property waiver: The global health community says the draft outcome—between the EU, the USA, India, and South Africa—falls short of expectations. John Zarocostas reports from Geneva.

摘要

A tentative compromise deal brokered in trade talks between the EU, the USA, India, and South Africa (the Quad) on a World Trade Organization (WTO) intellectual property waiver for COVID-19 vaccines has drawn mixed responses. The agreement authorises eligible WTO members to use patented ingredients and processes for the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines without the consent of the right holder. The draft text says that WTO members will decide on its extension to cover COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics no later than 6 months from the date of the decision on vaccines. The duration of the waiver is also still not agreed on and could be for a 3-year or 5-year period.