PATENTED MEDICINES
Prophylaxis an intellectual property boon
In the same way a vaccine works, the correct steps can protect IP from harmful infringers, write At van Rooy and Christina Moraal
Prophylactic medicines, such as vaccines, are administered to healthy people to prime their immune systems against infection, thus preventing or minimising the chances or effect of infection. On April 25, World Malaria Day, the World Health Organisation announced a vaccine against malaria had been developed by Glaxo Smith Kline. The vaccine, RTS,S, is the culmination of nearly two decades of research. Malaria is an illness of particular concern in sub-Saharan Africa, which has 88% of cases and contributes to 90% of global malaria deaths. It is caused by the plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to people through the bite of a mosquito. Current malaria therapy includes the use of antimalarial drugs, but the treatment can be complicated due to drug-resistant malaria strains. The best method available in the fight against malaria has always been prevention, which includes bed nets, insecticides and preventative medication. RTS,S has the potential to fill an enormous gap and such a ...
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