Policies & Legislation
FDA amends citizen petition rules to reduce delays to generics and biosimilars
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended the requirements for filing citizen petitions and petitions for stay of action to avoid unnecessarily delaying generics or biosimilars applications.
TTIP could further delay access to generics
The European Union (EU) and the US risk being locked into higher drug prices during negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), according to a joint report released by Health Action International (HAI), the Commons Network and Public Citizen.
Colombia to enforce declaration of public interest for Glivec
Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MinSalud) confirmed on 14 September 2016 that it was to enforce a declaration of public interest and cut the prices for blockbuster cancer drug Glivec (imatinib) by 45%.
FDA and industry agree on terms of GDUFA II reauthorization
According to minutes from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–Industry Generic Drug User Fee Amendments (GDUFA) Reauthorization Meeting, held on 24 August 2016, FDA and industry have agreed on the terms of a GDUFA II reauthorization package and negotiations have concluded.
EU upholds decision to fine Lundbeck for violating competition law
Lundbeck’s appeal of a 2013 decision to fine the company over Euros 90 million for ‘pay-to-delay’ deals on its blockbuster anti-depressant Cipramil (citalopram) has been rejected by European Union (EU) courts.
Australia cuts prices of more than 2,000 brand-name drugs
Australia’s Department of Health announced on 4 September 2016 that it would be reducing the cost of more than 2,000 brand-name drugs, some by 50% or more.
FDA lowers fees for generic drug applications
An expected increase in generic drug submissions has prompted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower its fees for abbreviated new drug applications (ANDA) and prior approval supplements (PAS). The changes will come into effect on 1 October 2016.
Mylan gives up two generic drugs to allow for acquisition of Meda
US-based generics manufacturer, Mylan, has divested the rights to two generic drugs. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission‘s (FTC) demands and will allow Mylan to acquire the Swedish pharmaceutical company Meda.
New proposed bipartisan legislation would cut biologicals exclusivity to seven years
Back in 2009, President Barack Obama’s government pledged to reduce the cost of biosimilar drugs for consumers and the time taken for those drugs to reach market in an effort to cut healthcare spending, but little has been achieved to date.
New bill would stop brand-name pharma restricting drug samples
A new Senate bill would stop brand-name drugmakers from blocking generics competition by closing regulatory loopholes preventing generics makers from obtaining samples of the reference materials needed to test candidate generics and biosimilars.
