Dear Reader,Government of India is currently negotiating a limited trade deal with USA which is likely to be signed after the US elections. Although, the current negotiations do not cover the Intellectual Properties (IP) or Pharmaceuticals, a limited deal if concluded successfully is expected to be followed by a full Trade Deal (FTA), which will include IP and Pharmaceuticals too.In spite of all the negative (or positive?) consequences of COVID-19, the Sars2CoV virus has provided humanity with a great learning experience. Repurposing of known drugs, bio-natural products, biologicals and vaccines such as TB, Leprosy, BCG have all been undertaken in the desperate search for prophylactic, therapeutic as well as preventive options. However it is interesting to note and appreciate that except for pre-existing patent rights (ex:-Remdesivir), there have hardly been any emphases on protecting the Covid remedies through patenting.
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