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The reinforcement of IPR protection resulting from the entry into force of the TRIPs agreement has had significant consequences for access to drugs in poor countries. This highly sensitive issue has sparked off a vivid debate and a great deal of controversy. Public/private partnership agreements between international organizations active in the field of healthcare, such as the WHO, various NGOs, and pharmaceutical companies are among the strategies explored in order to overcome the drawbacks of enhanced protection for IPRs as regards access to drugs. This paper analyzes the efficiency of those partnership agreements with a focus on their potential as well as the challenges they face in ensuring improved access to drugs in poor countries.