Israel Uses Powers to Override Drug Patent for Coronavirus Use

Israel approved the import of a generic version of Kaletra, a patent-protected drug that is intended for treatment of HIV, for use in coronavirus cases, the Justice Ministry said.

• This is the first time since the 1967 patent law came into force that the Attorney General is making use of an article in the law that permits approval of a generic version of a patent-protected drug
• Drug was found by Health Ministry to be a possible treatment for coronavirus and therefore is urgently needed to protect public health
• The company holding the patent is unable to supply the necessary amount ...