As the Trump administration seeks ways to pressure other countries over drug pricing, the U.S. Trade Representative is reportedly being encouraged to revamp a trade agreement with Colombia, in part to force the South American nation to alter policies that have upset the pharmaceutical industry.
The move comes in response to ongoing concerns by the pharmaceutical industry that the Colombian government continues to consider the use of compulsory licensing to create lower-cost alternatives to expensive medicines, according to World Trade Online. U.S. Trade Rep Robert Lighthizer is also reportedly being urged to examine government policies in Chile and Peru over the same issue. A U.S. Trade Rep spokeswoman wrote us that the agency did not confirm the report; she also did not deny it.
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