What role should research universities play in ensuring access to essential medicines in the developing world?

Abstract

The human devastation wrought by the AIDS epidemic has focused attention on the desperate need for essential medicines in the developing world. Recently, research universities in the United States have been pressured to take actions to increase access to essential medicines. Universities play a central role in the development of new medicines, and control important medical patents. Their commitment to serving the public raises important questions about what measures they can and should take to see their creations shared around the world.