In developing countries, generic drugs often play a more crucial role in the population’s access to health services as compared to developed countries. In developing countries funds that both the individual and the government are able to commit to health care are often greatly limited. In such countries, a pharmaceutical company that holds a patent on a drug and, therefore, can set the price of the drug, will often mean that many people are denied access to necessary treatment.
Such has been the case with Thailand and efavirenz. As reported by Médecins Sans Frontières, until recently, Merck has held the patent within Thailand for efavirenz. Efavirenz is an important drug in HIV/AIDS treatment and is recommended by the WHO.
