Re: [Patents] Hungary protests planned extension of data exclusivity period for pharma products in EU

[Hartmut Pilch <phm@a2e.de>]

> According to current rules, member states' registration authorities
> cannot approve generic drugs whose application refers to original drugs
> that were authorized less than six years ago. The planned modification,
> under discussions in the European Parliament since June, would extend
> this period to ten years, and would be applicable to new member states
> as well once they enter the EU next May.

[...] 
 
> Extending the data exclusivity period could create better conditions for
> innovation, Szekely said, adding that research and development of a new
> product normally costs an innovative producer USD 600-800 million over a
> typical period of 10-15 years. "Sooner or later, Hungarian producers
> will also have original products; then, they will have the loudest voice
> defending patents," Szekely noted.

How is "data exclusivity period" related to patents?

Does the period only apply to drugs which are covered by patents?

Or is Szekely confusing something?

-- 
Hartmut Pilch, FFII & Eurolinux Alliance              tel. +49-89-18979927
Protecting Innovation against Patent Inflation       http://swpat.ffii.org/
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