The decision of the court in the intrigue case filed against us is a good start for the strengthening of the Cheaper Medicine Act “This is the statement of Muhammad Ateeque, president and co-owner of Sahar International Trading Inc. after the Makati Regional Trail Court dismissed the patent infringement case filed by Pfizer against them.
Ateeque said that the availability of cheap medicine in the Philippines will save the lives of many Filipinos who cannot afford expensive medicines.
The filed case stems from the sale and distribution of the drug in the Philippines with the pharmaceutical ingredient Atorvastatin.
Atorvastatin is used to lower bad cholesterol and prevent heart attacks and strokes, and other diseases.
In his 14-page decision issued on March 11, 2911, Judge Cesar Untalan said that private parties have the right to import or possess unregistered drugs in the Philippines based on the Implementing Rules of Republic Act 9502 or the Cheaper Medicine Act.
He explained that under Act 27 of RA 9502 passed on November 4, 2008, the patent owner cannot stop third parties from selling the drug even if it does not have the authorization of the drug patent owner.
(Armida Rico)
