this post was submitted on 10 Oct 2024
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It's weird that they call them knock-offs, they're the same drug, just made by a different company with a different name.
This is bad because it will increase prices for these drugs.
Does the US not have generic unbranded drugs?
Generics are literally a fact of life over here (UK) and the fact that Americans are going insane over them is wild to me. The NHS will prescribe generics as standard because they're cheaper to supply and they're literally the same drug.
My mother has a whole goody-bag of medication and there's not a single brand name to be seen. They've kept her going for >10 years.
New drugs get a period of time where the company that developed it has exclusive manufacturing rights. The idea is that if anyone can start making the drug immediately, there's not a good reason for companies to spend money to develop new drugs. However if demand for a drug is greater than the ability of the creating company to produce the drug, other companies are allowed to temporarily step in and make up the difference.
I think there's something similar in terms of initial patent rights, but it's awful that people who need these meds are footing the bill. I realise now that I have been spoiled by the NHS. The idea of charging people for medical care that they need is unthinkable to me. It's heartbreaking.