WTO APPROVES STEPS TO ENHANCE DRUG ACCESS

The World TradeOrganization (WTO) hastaken action to helpdeveloping countrieshave access to genericmedications for communicable diseasessuch as AIDS. The approved changes tothe WTO's intellectual property agreementwould make permanent a waivercurrently in place and allow economicallystrapped countries lacking pharmaceuticalmanufacturing capacities toimport cheaper copies of patented medicinesfor humanitarian purposes.

The organization has set December 1,2007, as a deadline to approve theamendment. The revision would need tobe approved by two thirds of the 148members.