[e-drug] Attaran/Gillespie-White and PhRMA patent surveys (cont'd)

[James Russo <jbrusso@aol.com>]

E-drug: Attaran/Gillespie-White and PhRMA patent surveys (cont'd)
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I am disappointed that so much time is being wasted on whether or
how much patents play a role in discovery. I know enough history
to observe that there is a correlation not just between patents and
invention but (more important if you happen to be sick) between
patents and availability of needed inventions.

One recent E-drug observer, for example, said something to the
effect that antibiotics emerged without patents, implying that the
patent system is not a stimulant to invention in that field. History
demonstrates a different set of facts entirely.

Penicillin is often cited as an example of an important antibiotic that
was not patented, and that's true. What is more important is this:
Alexander Fleming's fundamental discovery in 1928 was not
pursued, in part, precisely because he did not take out patents and
had no rights he could license to commercial firms in return for
funding to retain the chemists and others a microbiologist like him
needed to bring his discovery to the bedside. This is not not my
view: it is the testimony of his laboratory partner and widow, Lady
Amalia Fleming.

So? In the 12-year interim between Fleming's discovery and its
commercialization, his work was closed to public view and millions
died.

It is important to debate patents and access. But truly, debating
whether patents stimulate invention is utterly silly and a waste. Can
we please move on?

James B. Russo
Executive Director
The Partnership for Quality Medical Donations 
146 Koenig Road
Bernville, PA 19506, USA
610 488 8303
610 488 7036 (fax)
e-mail: jbrusso@aol.com


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