Bird Flu Fears: Is There a Better Way to Develop Drugs?


 

Publication Date:

Publisher: Center for Economic and Policy Research

Author(s): Dean Baker

Research Area: Manufacturing and industry

Keywords: Patent protection; Prescription drugs; Tamiflu

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Government-granted patent monopolies have limited the ability to produce and stockpile large quantities of the drugs deemed most effective in treating the Avian Flu. This report examines alternative mechanisms for financing the development of pharmaceutical products.