7 years enough to protect biologic drugs, White House says

(Yahoo! News) UPDATED 2009-06-25

White House officials say seven years is long enough for biologic medications to have patent protection from less expensive generic rivals. The length of drug patent protection is a sticking point among lawmakers trying to find paths to cheaper biologic drugs. Industry groups that represent the drug companies want patent protection for the drugs that lasts 12 to 14 years, saying this time period will encourage companies to invest in new drug research. But lawmakers say seven years "strikes the right balance between innovation and competition" in drug development. Industry advocates disagree, saying the short time period will discourage the development of new medications for such conditions as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Brandname versions of biologics can cost patients tens of thousands of dollars per year. Read full story >

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