Relief in South Africa after J&J reversal allows key tuberculosis drug production at lower prices

Johnson and Johnson successfully applied for a patent extension on bedaquiline; however, in a big win for LMI countries, the company has decided not to enforce its patent, allowing generic producers to manufacture the drug. Additionally, J&J has reduced the price of bedaquiline for South Africa by around 40%, making it more affordable for the country. J&J’s reversal of its past decisions regarding bedaquiline was prompted by an investigation of the company’s pricing policies led by the South African government. Learn more here.