Colombia advances on compulsory licenses for HIV drug

Colombia's Ministry of Health and Social Protection is moving forward with the adoption of a compulsory license for the patented compound dolutegravir, which reduces the amount of HIV in the blood and strengthens the immune system.

Since the drug was declared of public interest in October 2023, the Ministry has rejected three appeals against it. One of the aims of this measure is to ensure access to generic versions of the drug and to prevent an increase in the national epidemic. However, concerns remain about the country's financial capacity to afford the cost of acquiring the patented product.