By Anthony Zurcher

The World Health Organization has issued a report suggesting a possible rapid spread of the Zika virus across North and South America. The infection, generally carried by mosquitoes, has caused thousands of babies to be born with underdeveloped brains and also causes symptoms in adults such as fever. No current treatment is available to help combat the disease, and the Pan American Health Organization has urgently advised people to protect themselves with insect repellant. The governments of some South American countries, notably Brazil and Colombia, are even asking women to avoid pregnancy until daily inspections are conducted.

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February 01, 2016

By Nathaniel DeLucia

As the fight against Ebola continues, with some 9,216 reported cases worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to look for new ways to combat the disease.  The WHO has been using the anti-bodies from Ebola survivors and traditional anti-virals to try and contain the disease.  Additionally, the WHO is considering the implementation of vaccines, which were quickly developed by pharmaceutical companies.  These vaccines, if they prove to be as effective as initially suspected, could dramatically slow the spread of Ebola.  The problem is the cost.  These vaccines are the intellectual property of their respective companies, who often own several patents on them.  The challenge for the WHO is to work with international grant and licensing companies to try and acquire these vaccines at a lower price.

For the complete story on the tension between patent laws and the need for cheap medicine to fight Ebola, check out IP-Watch’s article, here.

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November 12, 2014