Countries Challenge Big Pharma Over Access to Affordable TB and HIV Drugs

In the Wake of COVID-19, Nations Strive for Self-Reliance in Health Care

South Africa, Colombia and other countries are challenging pharmaceutical companies over access to affordable tuberculosis (TB) and HIV drugs.
Countries are becoming more self-reliant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted global disparities in vaccine access.
Johnson & Johnson's patent on the TB drug bedaquiline has been a particular point of contention, with the company recently announcing it would drop its patent in over 130 countries.
In Colombia, the government has issued a compulsory license for the HIV drug dolutegravir without permission from the patent-holder, Viiv Healthcare.
Experts argue that more robust health systems and changes to intellectual property laws are needed to ensure equal access to treatments and vaccines.