Generics

There's been some really fascinating and important stuff written in the last few weeks on generic cancer drugs, and the potential problems that they can create -- and potential problems they can solve.

As the New York Times reports, drug companies are lobbying state legislatures to limit the creation of generic treatments, particularly drugs like Rituxan, which is not simply a bunch of chemicals, but something created from cells. The generic versions, some argue, are not the same thing as the real thing. They are often called "biosimilar," rather than "generic," because they are sort of the same thing, but not exactly the same thing. At least potentially.

In the meantime, the generic/biosimilars are coming closer to reality. At least 6 companies are working on biosimilars for Rituxan. And the FDA has approved a generic version of Doxil, used to treat several cancer, hoping to help with some of the shortages that have created problems over the last couple of years.

This is a pretty complex issue. On the one hand, generics and biosimilars might help end shortages and might lower the cost of treatment. On the other hand, there are issues of quality (are the biosimilars as effective as the originals?) and fairness (are the original companies given their due to recoup research costs?).

No easy answers, and certainly something that bears watching.