How the transnational pharmaceutical industry pursues its interests through international trade and investment agreements: a case study of the Trans Pacific Partnership

Abstract

This chapter explores the strategies used by transnational pharmaceutical companies and their industry associations to advance their economic interests through international trade and investment agreements. We begin by characterizing the research-based pharmaceutical industry as a transnational industry with a concerted global agenda to expand and extend monopolies over its products, thereby increasing returns for its shareholders. We describe the broad set of strategies employed to meet these objectives. We then give an historical overview of attempts by the industry to use international trade agreements to expand intellectual property rights and constrain the operation of pharmaceutical coverage programs. Focusing specifically on the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement, we explore the ways in which pharmaceutical industry bodies in the US and other TPP countries have sought to influence the negotiations to further their agenda and protect and promote the industry’s interests.