MSF's policy position on expansion of the MPP mandate to cover hepatitis C and tuberculosis

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) supports the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) playing a key role in facilitating and accelerating entry of new and critical medical commodities into markets, including by reducing intellectual property (IP) barriers that undermine innovation and access. This year, the UNITAID Board will evaluate whether the Medicines Patent Pool should expand its mandate to negotiate voluntary licenses for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and tuberculosis (TB) medicines. MSF supports the proposition that the MPP immediately begin work to facilitate voluntary licenses for TB medicines and to manage an IP pool for development of future TB regimens. The MPP should consider expanding its mandate to HCV only after certain conditions are met and after careful consideration of key issues.