Initiative For Medicines Access &knowledge I-Mak Inc

Causes: Crime & Law, Public Interest Law

Mission: I-mak is a team of lawyers and scientists increasing access to affordable medicines by making sure the patent system works. We at i-mak believe:the patent system was designed to balance innovation in medicines and the dissemination of new treatments to society. The current patent system disproportionately represents and upholds private interests over the public good. This can and must change. Such change should be informed by patients' needs. Armed with the best evidence, our lawyers and scientists are giving the public a voice in a system that impacts their health and lives.

Programs: I-mak attorneys have been active in mapping the ip landscape for essential medicines and challenging non-meritorious patents on selected drugs. In india, for example, any person can oppose the granting of a patent prior to its grant/rejection. In selected cases where we feel the patents do not comply with the law, we provide technical analysis and legal support. Here are examples of our cases:sofosbuvir (solvadi) (hcv)lopinavir/ritonavir (kaletra/aluvia/norvir)(hiv)abacavir sulfate (ziagen) (hiv)nevirapine hemihydrate (hiv)oseltamivir (tamiflu)(avian flu)tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (viread)(hiv)