US attempts to steer NZ drug regulation - Yahoo! New Zealand News

Leaked US documents show the US Government's been working hand in glove with drug companies to change New Zealand's laws and regulations around pharmaceuticals.

According to the cables released by Wikileaks, the US Embassy in Wellington worked with drug companies to influence local views on pharmaceutical issues and change the set up that gives Pharmac dominance in the supply of drugs in New Zealand.

The embassy worked with companies to bring speakers to New Zealand to educate health practitioners, policymakers, and consumers.

The emphasis was to be on the advantages of expanding access to medicines and sending the message that by keeping drug expenses artificially low, our Government was denying consumers access to modern medicine.

Cables from the US Embassy in Wellington also show a number of US drug companies hope a free trade deal between New Zealand and the United States could be a lever for improving their access to the New Zealand market.

The documents say US companies struggle in what they view as one of the most restricted markets in the free world.

The drug industry criticises Pharmac for a lack of transparency and regards its patent protections as inadequate.

It describes a possible trade deal as one last avenue to change New Zealand's policies that limit access to pharmaceuticals.

Green MP Sue Kedgley says it reveals there's been an orchestrated effort over many years to try to weaken Pharmac.

"Very questionable ethics and really a deliberate effort by the American Embassy to, you could argue, interfere in the policy direction of the New Zealand Government."

Ms Kedgley says it makes her look at the recent pro-Herceptin campaign in a new light.

By Felix Marwick and Katie Bradford-Crozier

via nz.news.yahoo.com