A temporary intellectual-property waiver for COVID-19 vaccines will not boost access, because the main obstacle isn't patents, but trade secrets. With political will, however, the threat of an IP waiver can help shift vaccine producers' incentives and catalyze mass production for low- and middle-income countries.
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reveal shocking underlying infrastructural inequalities around the world. While the United States rapidly rolls out vaccines even to children, countries like India suffer devastating numbers of fatalities each day. India recently reported more than 340,000 daily coronavirus cases – nearly half the global total – and the country seemingly has no end to its crisis in sight.
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reveal shocking underlying infrastructural inequalities around the world. While the United States rapidly rolls out vaccines even to children, countries like India suffer devastating numbers of fatalities each day. India recently reported more than 340,000 daily coronavirus cases – nearly half the global total – and the country seemingly has no end to its crisis in sight.