As this piece from BioProcess Blog points out, biosimilar competition is only one hazard faced by biopharma producers of the world's top bio drugs. In addition to increased price competition, there are the unscrupulous drug counterfeiters (see recent Avastin issues). There is also the possibility of compulsory licenses being invoked in places like India (see recent Nexavar case).
Biosimilar Competition is Only One of Several Threats Facing Biopharma Blockbuster Drugs.
These type of developments led PhRMA President and CEO John Castellani recently to comment, "If countries begin to routinely use complusory licenses, we could see a 'race to the bottom' in which governments in the developing world walk awayfrom their responsibility to support research and innovation in public health. In the absence of investment made by our members, and the resulting research and development, there would be no generic medicines for the world's patients."
As we say in Oz, "Biosimilars, Counterfeits and Compulsory Licenses, Oh My!"
Posted by Bruce Lehr May 8th 2012.
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