CL under legal review

Government Pharmaceutical Organisation chairman Vichai Chokviwat yesterday met with the council for three hours to explain how the process works and why it was used.

The Public Health Ministry imposed compulsory licensing in January. The manufacturer on June 9 demanded the government review the policy for legality under the Intellectual Property Act. The Commerce Ministry then sent the matter to the council.

Sanofi said the enforcement of compulsory licensing for docetaxel is unlawful, as is the import of its generic version.

Vichai told the council that the government's policy complied with domestic law, which covers life-saving drugs not for commercial use.

Vichai said the government's legal advisory arm would take some time to consider the matter before making its ruling.