What Role Do International Agreements Play in Cancer Patents?
International agreements like the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) play a crucial role in harmonizing patent laws across countries. TRIPS sets minimum standards for patent protection that member countries must adhere to, impacting how cancer research and treatments are patented globally. However, there is ongoing debate about how these agreements can accommodate public health needs, with some advocating for more flexible approaches to ensure that essential medicines remain accessible.