Healthy Skepticism Library item: 16049

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Watson R.
European Commission berates drug industry for delays in access to generics
BMJ. 2009 Jul 14; 339:
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/short/339/jul14_1/b2843

Abstract:

A combination of illegal business practices and regulatory obstacles is delaying the arrival of generic drugs and novel drugs onto the market, concludes an 18 month investigation of the drug industry by the European Commission.

Taking a sample of drugs that faced losing their exclusivity between 2000 and 2007 in 17 European Union countries, the inquiry found that the public had to wait more than seven months after patents had expired before cheaper generic products became available.

Announcing the findings, Neelie Kroes, the EU’s competition commissioner, called for “more competition and less red tape” in the sector and warned that she would use her considerable legal powers to tackle illegal behaviour.

She said, “When it comes to generic entry, every week and month of delay costs money to patients and taxpayers. We will not hesitate to apply the antitrust rules where such delays result from anticompetitive practices,” she said.

The . . .