Canada ignores Cipro patent

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Canada Ignores Cipro Patent

Germany's Bayer To Discuss Issue With Canadian Officials

Canada has decided to ignore German drug maker Bayer's patent on the anthrax antibiotic Cipro and is letting a Canadian company make it.

Bayer's patent doesn't run out until the end of 2003, and a company spokeswoman said its representatives will be discussing the matter with the Canadian health ministry.

The United States claims it has the right to waive the patent, too, but hasn't done so. Bayer said it is tripling Cipro production and can crank out enough to meet U.S. needs.

Cipro is one of a number of antibiotics that can be used against anthrax.

And it was Bayer's top seller even before the current anthrax cases, with more than $1.5 billion in sales last year.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

Answers

Typical of the Canadian gov't. Make your own to save money so the patent-holder can sue your butt off, so it all costs more in the end. I really don't think too many Canadians are very concerned about a problem here with Anthrax. I wish I could have taken the "Waste More Money Faster 101" course so I could be a Canadian politician, too! Naw, then I'd have to drop a few hundred IQ points. It all reeks of the current Prime Minister's axing of the new helicopters ordered (and desparately needed) when he first took office. Darned if we don't need 'em now! Great up to date ships with 1950's helicopter technology on board. Sea Kings s**k! But hey, the deal dropped, we were sued, we payed (I think), and ended up needing them. Great, ain't it? Sorry, had to vent.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

Good vent. We don't get a whole lot of insight from Canada (as you well know!).

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

Bayer could just license others to make the stuff and collect a royalty. They could also just turn over the rights to the drug as a gesture of good will under the circumstances. Bayer has done well with that drug so far. Maybe they will get into a "community service" mood about it. Ya think? I mean, it's an item that will expire for them within 2 years, or less, so they covered their R&D expenses a long time back and have been reaping profits ever since. Hope they decide to just "do the right thing" now.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

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