This portrait of the global debate over patent law and access to essential medicines focuses on public health concerns about HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, the SARS virus, influenza, and diseases of poverty. The essays explore the diplomatic negotiations and disputes in key international fora, such as the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization. Drawing upon international trade law, innovation policy, intellectual property law, health law, human rights and philosophy, the authors seek to canvass policy solutions which encourage and reward worthwhile pharmaceutical innovation while ensuring affordable access to advanced medicines. A number of creative policy options are critically assessed, including the development of a Health Impact Fund, prizes for medical innovation, the use of patent pools, open-source drug development and forms of 'creative capitalism'.

'This is a well edited collection from leading international scholars on the subject of global health, one that provides a comprehensive analysis on the role of innovation in promoting health. Although the literature on this subject is vast, this volume presents new and challenging insights. Short, focussed chapters cover a good breadth of topics and shed fresh and clear light on the public side of the debate on access to essential medicines … this book is a valuable volume that will inform and stimulate academics, health campaigners, policy makers and students.'

Chamundeeswari Kuppuswamy Source: British Yearbook of International Law