Argentina

Argentina has around 126,000 people living with HIV, of which fewer than 70,000 people are on antiretroviral therapy.

The problem

The government in Argentina pays high prices for basic medicines and doesn’t receive any donor assistance. The high prices of antiretroviral drugs limits the number of people that the public health system can support in treatment.

The background

Argentina is at the forefront in the region to promote health safeguards in patent laws, and its domestic industry is poised to supply medicines to other countries, which will improve affordable access to medicines throughout Latin America.

There is a strong domestic generic drug manufacturing industry in the country, and the government has recently made progress in curbing evergreening. This government initiative is driving down prices on essential medicines.

The country passed a resolution preventing the patenting of new forms of known drugs, which will mean more affordable prices for antiretroviral drugs if the resolution stands, and is properly implemented. However, the resolution is under attack by industry groups that have filed a lawsuit to overturn it. The National Institute of Industrial Property will defend the lawsuit, with help from Fundación Grupo Efecto Positivo.

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