Vaccine patents accord possible in 'weeks': WTO

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An accord between rich nations and developing countries on intellectual property waivers for Covid-19 vaccines could be just weeks away, the head of the World Trade Organisation has said, according to AFP.

“We hope that within the next few weeks we can have a breakthrough” on what has been a bone of contention for months, WTO leader Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told a press conference.

“We believe there could be a sensible landing zone, a sensible compromise solution that would allow developing countries more access to technology transfer and IP whilst protecting innovation and research, not discouraging it,” she added.

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