Priti Krishtel

Priti Krishtel is a health justice lawyer and a prominent advocate for equitable access to medicines. She is best known for her work in challenging patent laws and practices that restrict access to affordable medicines in low- and middle-income countries. Krishtel co-founded the Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge (I-MAK), a nonprofit organization that uses patent law to fight for access to medicines.

Early Life and Education

Priti Krishtel was born in the United States to immigrant parents. From a young age, she was exposed to the disparities in health and access to healthcare between the U.S. and her family's country of origin. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future career in health justice. Krishtel earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and later received her Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law, where she focused on public interest law.

Career

After completing her education, Krishtel worked in India with the Lawyers Collective, an organization known for its work on HIV/AIDS and access to medicines. Her work in India, particularly on patent oppositions that helped to lower the cost of essential drugs, highlighted the global impact of patent laws on access to medicines.

In 2006, Krishtel co-founded I-MAK with Tahir Amin, aiming to increase global access to affordable medicines through patent law reform. Under her leadership, I-MAK has challenged numerous drug patents in the U.S. and abroad, arguing that many patents are unjustly granted, thereby blocking generic competition and keeping drug prices high. Krishtel's work has contributed to significant public debates about the balance between pharmaceutical innovation and public health needs.

Advocacy and Impact

Krishtel's advocacy extends beyond the courtroom. She is a vocal critic of the current patent system, which she argues disproportionately favors pharmaceutical companies at the expense of public health. Krishtel has been involved in high-profile cases, including efforts to make hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS medications more affordable and accessible. Her work has not only led to price reductions in several key drugs but has also spurred discussions on the need for a more equitable system of drug development and distribution.

Krishtel has been recognized for her contributions to public health and justice. She has spoken at numerous international forums, including the World Health Organization, and has been featured in various media outlets for her expertise on patent law and access to medicines.

Challenges and Controversies

Krishtel's work has not been without controversy. The pharmaceutical industry often criticizes her and I-MAK's efforts, arguing that patent protections are necessary to fund the research and development of new drugs. Krishtel counters that the current system is inefficient and leads to unnecessary exclusivities that hinder access to life-saving medications.

Personal Life

Details about Krishtel's personal life are not widely publicized, reflecting her preference to keep her private life separate from her professional and public advocacy work.

Legacy and Future Directions

Priti Krishtel continues to be a leading figure in the fight for equitable access to medicines. Her work challenges the status quo and pushes for systemic changes in how drugs are patented and distributed globally. As the debate over drug pricing and patent reform continues, Krishtel's advocacy offers a critical perspective on the need for a balance between innovation and access.