Asian Journal Of Social Pharmacy

Abstract: Objective To explore the extent to which the drug-patent linkage system should be implemented in China. Methods The present situation of drug-patent linkage system internationally was analyzed. Then the practices of drug-patent linkage system were discussed through such methods as literature reviews and quantitative scoring methods in combination of selecting the representative countries. Finally the extent to which the drugpatent linkage system should be implemented in China was explored through comparative analysis. Results and Conclusion Compared with the United States, China should establish a drug-patent linkage system that will weaken the protection of original patented drugs and promote the timely marketing of high-quality generic drugs and appropriately prevent the patent abuse.

Key words: drug-patent linkage system, original patented drug, generic drug, patent abuse