LTE: Support the Trans Pacific Partnership

Dear Editor, 

With another round of negotiations for the Trans Pacific Partnership just days away, I wanted to express my support for this trade agreement as long as our researchers are protected.   

The Trans Pacific Partnership will bring great opportunities for the biopharmaceuticals industry by allowing for trade with countries such as Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand.  But even with an increased ability for trade, the biopharmaceuticals industry would be endangered without the necessary precautions.  These precautions include securing a high-standards agreement that protects intellectual property rights and the confidentiality of the research conducted by our scientists.  These precautions should be for a period of 12 years, just as currently done under U.S. law.   

We should absolutely take advantage of the opportunity to become a larger part of the global marketplace, however, we must proceed with caution.  I urge negotiators to broker a deal that protects the very people that save and improve our lives through biopharmaceuticals. 

M. David Skiles