Protecting global health and human rights: Why and how the Patent Act should be amended to allow generic drug exports to developing countries

Brief position paper arguing for changes to the Canadian Patent Act so that generic and cheaper HIV medicines can be exported to poor countries in the developing world. The paper describes the following: Why cheaper, generic drugs are needed in developing counties; World Trade Organization rules regarding drug exports; and how the Patent Act should be amended (by not limiting exports to emergencies; not limiting exports to only certain countries; and allowing drugs that treat any health condition (e.g., diabetes) to be exported.