An editorial in the November issue of the Bulletin of the World Health Organization claims that despite considerable investments in research and development (R & D), and the availability of powerful scientific and technological tools, innovation in the pharmaceutical industry has declined drastically in the last decade. In addition, most of the new molecules introduced into the market do not entail genuine therapeutic innovations or target the diseases that prevail in developing countries. Most importantly, the prices charged for new pharmaceutical products are unaffordable to the poor and, increasingly, to patients and social security systems, even in developed countries. The editorial describes a new effort to start multilateral negotiations for the possible adoption of a binding convention on health R & D.
NY appeal court: Shooting victim may sue gun maker
The Wall Street Journal reported last month that a former high school athlete, who was shot in 2003, may sue the companies that made and distributed the handgun used in the crime. The suit brought an appellate court ruling that gun control advocates say will keep irresponsible gun makers and sellers from taking advantage of a federal law shielding them from lawsuits. The ruling by the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court reversed a lower court’s 2011 dismissal of victim Daniel Williams’ complaint, which accused Ohio gun maker Hi-Point and distributor MKS Supply Inc. of Ohio of intentionally supplying handguns to irresponsible dealers because they profited from sales to the criminal gun market.
Corporations and Health Watch 