US Federal Trade Commission and the lawmakers have scorned “reverse payment” also called “pay-for delay” in the pharmaceutical business. US House of Representative recently voted 239-182 to restrict such payments in the hopes that stopping such payments will reduce the cost of drugs to the consumer. Legislators would like to see the drug costs lowered for their constituents. Everyone had expected that the entry of generics would significantly reduce the drug prices. Generics have put some pressure on brand companies but their presence has not lowered the costs of drugs by significant percentage.
US Federal Trade Commission estimates that the “reverse payments” could save US customers about $ 3.5 billion dollars per year. These savings might be there but they are not worth the effort and squabble compared to the yearly US drug revenue of about $480 billion dollars. These payments are less than three day’s revenue. Since every company wants to maximize their profits for the patented drugs, use of “reverse payment” is part of doing business. These costs are passed on to the consumer. In US customers, who are covered by a health plan do not know the real prices of the prescription drugs they just pay the co-pay.
Legislation is not going to lower the drug costs. Fundamental reason for the companies to be in the business is “profits”. If any government limits the profit margins or sets the prices, they that will be in direct conflict with the charter of every company i.e. to have the highest profits. Government’s price control would discourage innovation.
We need to understand the factors of prices/costs, how they can be lowered and passed on to the consumers. Underlying fact is that all of us want to extend our life and we will pay anything for that. Drug prices are based on this sentiment. Prices are set at the highest level companies believe customers can afford. Every company in the supply chain has used this sentiment for pricing. This also covers inefficiencies of the companies.
Limiting profits is against the economic principles. Laws of economics teach us that in a fair game, only competition can lower prices. Brand companies have lowered prices when they want to promote and/or grab the market share as evidenced by recent price drops in the selected developing countries. In the recent years limited number of prescription drugs are available from well-known merchandisers [$4.00 for 30 day and $10.00 for 90 day supply]. This is a clear indication that the drug prices can be lowered and everyone in the supply chain can make their desired profit.
Regulatory and appropriate government bodies have to facilitate competition. Companies in the supply chain also have to participate in this endeavor. Lowering of drug costs to the consumer by 8-10 percent or higher will have value for consumers provided they are passed on. Less than one percent cost reduction is of no value. Addressing minor issues like “reverse payment” just placates the constituents without accomplishing anything and upsets the brand pharmaceutical companies.
Real issues that will lower the drug costs need to be addressed and no one is addressing them.
Girish MALHOTRA, PE
Pharmaceutical, Specialty and Fine Chemicals and Coating process and manufacturing technologies have to be simple to have the best possible process. Processes have to be safe and best of the methods need to be included to minimize the environmental impact due to air, water or soil discharges. Conservation is a necessity. Simple and good technology will result in a profitable and consistent quality product. This is the intent of every developer, chemist and chemical engineer.
