A group of 39 pharmaceutical companies has dropped its lawsuit against the government of South Africa. They had taken South Africa to court over its Medicines and Related Substances Act. The main issue was Amendment 15(c) which would allow TRIPS-compliant compulsory licensing and parallel imports of medicines in South Africa. The suit was first filed on February 18, 1998.

On March 6, 2001, the South African court hearing the case ruled that the Treatment Access Campaign (TAC) would be granted a friend of the court role. It also adjourned the case until April 18, bowing to threats from the PMA to file an appeal on the grounds that they needed additional time to response to the new evidence and issues raised by TAC.

On April 19, 2001, the pharmaceuticals companies, under an exremely high amount of international pressure, dropped their case.

CPTech Documents

• April 19, 2001. US Consumer Groups Respond to Industry Capitulation in South Africa Drug Case. Joint press release with Essential Action.
• April 10, 2001. Affidavit of James Love.
• March 13, 2001. CPT Statement on South Africa's Options Regarding Compulsory Licensing.
• March 6, 2001 Report on the court case, including information on the Trial's postponement.
• March 5, 2001. Report on the Court Case.
• March 4, 2001 Report on the court case.
• August 5, 1999 Time-line of Disputes over Compulsory Licensing and Parallel Importation in South Africa