The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry claims (Letters, February 20) drug companies do not register patents in most poor countries, so patents are not an issue in the debate about access to Aids treatment. In fact, the most appropriate combinations of anti-retrovirals are patented in 37 out of 53 African countries and almost all of Asia and Latin America. Even if companies did relax patents, a WTO rule makes it impossible for poor countries to import cheaper generic versions. Trade ministers promised to remove this scandalous clause last year, but the US government (on behalf of their pharmaceutical companies) is now backtracking from this commitment.

(guardian.co.uk, WORLD NEWS )