GAfPA’s Statement Supporting the USMCA Signing at the G20 Summit

A new international treaty has important implications for patients’ access to innovative treatments.

On November 30, during the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires Argentina, President Trump, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Peña Nieto signed the new U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement. Once approved by the U.S. Congress, this trade deal will replace NAFTA as the free trade agreement between the three North American countries.

At least one aspect of the treaty bodes well for patient access: Patent exclusivity will now last a minimum of 10 years for biologic medications. An extended period of patent exclusivity will encourage medical innovation, increasing patients’ access to more and better treatment options in various disease states.

This change marks an increase from Canada’s eight-year exclusivity period and Mexico’s five-year exclusivity period.

Recent Posts