The debate over the temporary lifting of patents on Covid-19 vaccines is once again surfacing. This controversy is a confrontation between countries producing Covid vaccines, pharmaceutical giants, and low-income nations.
The pro-patent lifting parties emphasize the lack of vaccine production in the current pandemic period and its impact on the health and economic environment.
They also point out that the companies have relied on large state subsidies to develop their products. For example, the United States dedicated 14 billion USD to the "Warp Speed" operation, which resulted in the production of an anti-Covid-19 vaccine in less than a year.
However, pharmaceutical companies claim that the production of a vaccine or a drug is not simply a matter of lifting a patent. It requires state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified personnel.
Another key argument is that raw materials are already hard to obtain, and the arrival of new competitors will only complicate the situation.
Finally, intellectual property is a source of innovation. Without it, laboratories will have no interest in investing in research.
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