Generic drug makers seek changes to patent law
Consumers would benefit from lower costs, says industry
A challenge launched by the generic drug makers seeking shorter patent regulations will be heard Tuesday in Federal Court.
The generic drug manufacturers suggest that changing current rules — which block them from reproducing brand-name drugs for eight years once a patent expires — could result in consumer savings worth $115 million annually.
"The generic industry is challenging these extended monopoly rights because they go beyond Canada's international trade obligations and will add more than $125 million to Canada's prescription drug bill each year," said Jim Keon, president of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association in a release.
"These rules will increase brand-name drug companies' profits at the expense of provincial governments, employers and consumers who will have to pay monopoly drug prices for much longer than they should."
But companies that produce brand-name drugs defend the current system, noting the regulations help manufacturers protect and pay for expensive clinical trials needed to bring a drug to market.
"These changes, which were approved after years of consultation with governments, industry and health stakeholders, represent a tangible step forward and will result in a wider range of potentially life-saving medicines and vaccines," said Russell Williams, president of Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies.
Williams also noted regulations in the European Union protect drug patents for 10 years.
With files from the Canadian Press