1. Generics Bulletin

Roche Tocilizumab IP Relaxation Does Not Go Far Enough

MSF Says Non-Enforcement Of Actemra/RoActemra Patents Should Go Beyond LMICs

 
• By Dave Wallace

After the WHO recommended the use of IL-6 receptor blockers to treat patients hospitalized with severe or critical COVID-19, Actemra/RoActemra originator Roche pledged not to enforce IP covering the tocilizumab brand in low- and middle-income countries during the pandemic. But humanitarian organization MSF says this does not go far enough.

Tocilizumab injection Syringe
Roche has promised not to enforce tocilizumab patents in LMICs • Source: Alamy

In the wake of a World Health Organization recommendation to use interleukin-6 receptor blockers to treat patients hospitalized with severe or critical COVID-19, Actemra/RoActemra (tocilizumab) originator Roche has pledged not to enforce intellectual property covering the brand in low- and middle-income countries during the pandemic.

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