Colombian court upholds compulsory license for HIV drug, affirming legal framework

The Court of Justice of the Andean Community ruled that Colombia's issuance of a compulsory license for an HIV medicine two years ago was lawful.

The tribunal said the government had a valid public interest justification and set an appropriate expiration date, meeting Andean regulations.

Consumer advocates hailed the decision as historic, noting its potential impact on medicine access across the region.

The ruling confirms that compulsory licensing remains a viable tool for governments to address public health needs, providing a precedent for future cases.