Initiative for Medicines, Access, and Knowledge (I-MAK)

People worldwide – including in the United States – are not receiving the lifesaving treatment they need due to skyrocketing drug prices. All too often, drug companies apply for unmerited patents to block competition. When these and other anti-competitive strategies are successful, a company can corner the market, artificially inflate the price of treatment, and block access to affordable medicines for decades.

Unmerited patents are one of the root causes of exorbitant drug pricing that prevents people from getting the treatment they need. The patent system in the U.S. and in countries around the world disproportionately upholds private interests over public good. By challenging and ultimately repairing the patent system, we can ensure people can get the lifesaving medicine they need to get well.

I-MAK envisions a world in which lifesaving medicines are readily available without excessive individual or social cost. In 2006, I-MAK was established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Over the past 10+ years, we have worked to increase access to 20 therapies for eight diseases in 49 countries.