India is the source of most of the generic drugs used in the developing world. It can only do this thanks to its flexible patent laws. But today, through a new free trade agreement, the European Union is seeking to impose new restrictions on Indian intellectual property law, posing a threat to the production and to the export to the developing world of generic drugs at affordable prices.

Maris Müller (Medical coordinator / MSF Kenya) – "Here in Kenya, the government cannot afford to pay more money for ARTs. So the current success of the programs will be severely hampered. If this trade agreement is passed, it could stop generic drugs from being registered and marketed, and the legal duration of patents would be extended. These changes would block competition and keep drugs at unaffordably high prices - the costs of treatment would increase all over the developing world."

Margaret (patient) – "If the generic drug can be stopped like today, surely we can die. Because like me I'm taking the drug, me and one of my child."

The agreement, which is to be finalized this year in Brussels, would have a direct impact on the well being of millions of people living in developing countries. Médecins Sans Frontières treats 150,000 patients living with HIV/AIDS in its programs worldwide. 80% of MSF's AIDS drugs come from India.