Patent protections under Drug Price

After patent protection expires, competing drug companies will at once market successful (i.e., profitable) pharmaceuticals as second-submission successor (or follow-on ) preparations. Since no research expenses are involved at this point, successor drugs can be offered at a cheaper price, either as generics (INN + company name) or under new fancy names. Thus some common drugs circulate under 10 to 20 different trade names. An extreme example is presented in B for the analgesic ibuprofen. 

Essential medicines are a public good and not simply just another commodity. Patents for pharmaceuticals should be managed in a balanced manner, protecting the interest of the patent holder yet safeguarding public health principles. Measures consistent with the TRIPS agreement which may be used under specific circumstances to reduce drug prices and increase access include prompt availability of... 

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