How critics say drug companies play “games” to stave off generic competitors

February 13 09:35 2018 by ushadmin

Lawmakers are considering a bill to address what President Trump called a top priority in his State of the Union speech: lowering prescription drug prices. Critics say some drug companies who want to hold onto their exclusive sales of a brand-name drug – and their profits – are playing games to stave off generic competitors, leaving patients out in the cold. The FDA commissioner has called the tactics “shenanigans” and “unfair and exploitative practices”.

For Pam Holt, keeping her multiple myeloma – blood cancer – at bay requires a drug called Revlimid. Her co-pay runs $640 per month. But Holt can’t get a generic, not because other companies aren’t trying to make one, but because critics say Revlimid is one of a number of drugs for which companies are using unfair tactics to stifle generic competition, reports CBS News’ Anna Werner.

“This does not help consumers. They’re paying more money than they should be paying,” said Rutgers law professor Michael Carrier.

Carrier studies what he calls the “games” drug companies play to protect their profits…