Last Updated on December 31, 2023 by The Health Master
Anti TB Drug
Bedaquiline Supply: In a significant stride towards global tuberculosis (TB) treatment accessibility, Indian pharmaceutical companies are poised to supply generic versions of the crucial anti-TB drug, Bedaquiline, to nations worldwide.
This monumental step comes following multinational pharmaceutical titan Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) decision not to enforce secondary patents for Bedaquiline in low and middle-income countries.
The Assurance from Johnson & Johnson
J&J’s proclamation provides resounding assurance to current and future generic manufacturers.
It grants them the freedom to produce and distribute high-quality generic renditions of SIRTURO, a brand of Bedaquiline.
This liberty is granted under the condition that these generic versions adhere to stringent quality standards, maintain medical acceptability, and are exclusively employed in the 134 designated low- and middle-income countries.
The statement from J&J released last week emphatically reinforced this commitment.
The Patent Expiry that Paved the Way
The expiration of the patent on Bedaquiline marks a turning point, clearing the path for generic manufacturers such as Lupin and Macleods to commence supplies.
This development promises a dual benefit: the drug becomes more accessible, and its cost is significantly reduced.
J&J’s Bid for Patent Extension
In a bid to prolong its patent, J&J sought to file a secondary patent in India, aiming for an additional four-year monopoly on this pivotal anti-TB drug.
Unfortunately for the company, this attempt was met with a setback in April when the Indian patent office rejected the application.
This secondary patent, which pertained to the Fumarate salt of Bedaquiline, was originally filed in 2008 with the ambition of extending the patent till the end of 2027.
The tactic employed, known as “patent evergreening,” is a strategy often utilized by companies to maintain high prices, thereby excluding more affordable generic alternatives from the market.
Conclusion: A Triumph for Affordable Healthcare
The decision by Johnson & Johnson not to enforce secondary patents for Bedaquiline in low and middle-income countries is a resounding victory for global public health.
It paves the way for Indian pharmaceutical companies to extend their reach in supplying generic versions of this vital Anti TB drug, ensuring wider accessibility and affordability.
This breakthrough serves as a testament to the collective efforts aimed at combating TB on a global scale, ultimately bringing us one step closer to a world free from the grip of this devastating disease.
Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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