Wikileaks: U.S. backing pharmaceuticals in Trans-Pacific Partnership draft

[xchrom]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/11/13/wikileaks-u-s-backing-pharmaceuticals-in-trans-pacific-partnership-draft/



The United States is seeking broader protections for its pharmaceutical and other companies in negotiations on an ambitious Pacific trade deal, according to a document released Wednesday by WikiLeaks.

Julian Assange’s anti-secrecy activist website published what it said was the draft text as of late August for a chapter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is being negotiated among 12 countries that comprise more than 40 percent of the world economy.

The text shows widespread disagreements among negotiators, despite calls from President Barack Obama to seal the agreement by the end of the year. Talks are scheduled to resume Tuesday in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In multiple passages in the documents, the United States is seen as pressing for greater leeway for companies to seek patents in the medical field, a move that could potentially restrict cheaper generic drugs in the vast area.

[WinkyDink]

1. "potentially restrict cheaper generic drugs" = Good thing this isn't a Republican Admin! *sarcasm*

[cali]

2. I don't recall where I read it, xchrom, but

evidently the U.S. is pushing for a two tiered system that would make exempt poor countries from high drug prices- in order to get nations like Vietnam on board.

disgusting.

President Obama is owned by corporate interests. Period.

[newfie11]

3. +infinity

[xchrom]

4. +1

because of the reagan years and the epidemic -- i have a relationship with 'cheaper drugs saves lives' as well as the unfairness of the existing patent system.

[Laelth]

5. k&r for exposure. n/t

-Laelth