In our view the real significance of this case was not so much the legal issues, but rather in showing that world public opinion will no longer allow lifesaving medicines to be priced out of reach of millions of people in poor countries in order to avoid the risk of disturbing lucrative markets in rich countries. Three years ago when the case was filed, very few people were aware of this issue. Now millions are aware, and millions are demanding access to treatment.
Industry is welcome to help in developing systems that work, rules everyone can live with.
When industry fails to provide viable leadership, the work will be done without them.