British charity Oxfam today said 37 of the 39 drug firms mounting a legal case against the South African government over imports of copies of patented medicines had withdrawn from the case.
"We understand that 37 of the 39 companies have pulled out of the case and the dispute now centres on who amongst the drug firms will settle the legal bill," Oxfam senior policy adviser Mr Kevin Watkins told reporters.
The landmark court case between the South African government and 39 pharmaceutical firms was adjourned for four hours today as the companies' lawyer said talks would continue to find a settlement.
"We wish to continue certain discussions that may shorten the need for further proceedings," lawyer Mr Fanie Cilliers told judge Bernard Ngoepe in the Pretoria High Court as the case resumed this morning.
"These are discussions with a view to finding an overall settlement in this matter," he said.
The court case is scheduled to resume tomorrow.
AFP