Norvasc Patent Expiring: Will hypertensive Filipinos finally get the much deserved financial relief?
Posted on May 31, 2007
Filed Under Health and Beauty, Thoughts | Viewed 4652 times
I posted an article, named Norvasc, Amvasc, Let Me Ask, on 29 January 2007, in the hope that I would be enlightened on why hypertensive medicines continue to be so expensive, particularly the leading brand which most Filipinos believe in and continue to patronize because it is highly recommended by doctors.
A few days ago, I chanced upon an editorial written by Mr. Jarious Bondoc, Hypertensive Filipinos deserve price relief, which showed print in the Philippine Star. I thought it should really have appeared as a news item, rather than as an editorial, as it was presented in the newspaper
I quote some excerpts:
Nearly eight million Filipinos have hypertension. Stressfully high medicine prices worsen their ailment. But relief is probably in sight. The state-owned Philippine International Trading Corp. is seeking to void the local patent of the hot-selling hypertension drug Norvasc. And it has strong legal basis for it.The petition, pending at the Intellectual Property Office, is supported by Sen. Mar Roxas. It is similar to the cancellation last March of Norvasc’s US patent by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. If the Philippines follows suit, the PITC can now legally import Norvasc at only one-eighth its usual price. Filipino generic drug makers also would be able to produce it locally.
Norvasc manufacturer Pfizer Inc. expectedly will resist the PITC plea for patent annulment. But it already lost its US license when a three-man panel ruled that Norvasc’s active ingredient, amlodipine besylate salt, was not the result of discovery but of predictable experiment, with the result obvious and not novel. The magistrates also found the patent unenforceable due to Pfizer’s alleged inequitable conduct before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Taking the cue, the PITC in April asked the IPO to drop Norvasc’s local patent as well because the drug was not new, novel or inventive but instead “contrary to public order and morality.”
Amlodipine is a member of a class of compounds referred to as dihydropyridines. Three US district courts earlier disallowed three drug makers from producing amlodipine besylate on grounds of patent infringement. One of the three was a generic maker that used an alternative besylate salt version.
Granted in 1989, Norvasc’s US patent would have run till Sept. 27, 2007. But the US appeals court ruling now allows Pfizer competitors to produce it and openly fight for market shares. In the Philippines, Norvasc’s patent is set to expire on June 17, 2007, but the PITC earlier had complained that Pfizer was working to extend it.
Simply put, if the Philippines follows suit, Pfizer will not anymore have the exclusive rights to manufacture amlodypene besilate in the country. This means that local manufacture of the drug and/or its importation from other countries at a much cheaper price can then be legally allowed. It will spell LOWER PRICES.
Of course, there are many issues connected to this, like the quality of the imported cheap drug, quality control of the local drug manufactured (we cannot discount the possibility of scrupulous manufacturers out there trying to make a fast buck), etc. This brings me back to the comment that Dean Jorge Bacobo posted in my article of 29 January 2007, which I quote:
“Suppose we allow parallel importation from India of Norvasc. Suppose further that we get fake or inferior versions of Norvasc flooding the market and selling at that lower price. Apart from the obvious public health disaster, who do we sue? And what would their ability to pay liability be? What might the added cost of regulation-cum-corruption (inevitable) be, including when unscrupulous importers try to negotiate “buy-me-out” deals from Pfizer?Everytime I run into laws that will supposedly make things cheaper, some other unforeseen problems arise that actually make the problems worse.
The “Cheaper Meds Bill” strikes me as one of these. There just ain’t any free lunch. The only way is for us to get the generic drugs industry going for real. Locally, not in India.”
I will be keenly observing how our local authorities will be reacting on the matter, and their decision come 17 June 2007, when the patent of the local giant manufacturing firm expires. Will hypertensive Filipinos finally get the much deserved financial relief?
Note: Highlighting within the post is mine. Do read Mr. Jarius Bondoc’s editorial in full.
Related article: The Sunday Times, Opinion Section, 13 May 2007 Roxas: Scrap Norvasc Patent
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26 Responses to “Norvasc Patent Expiring: Will hypertensive Filipinos finally get the much deserved financial relief?”
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About Me
Dine Racoma is Sexy Mom, a Filipina doing what she likes best—writing, her passion. She writes freelance, does research, advises on new media, and manages a virtual assistance office for home-based jobs. A mother of 7 (what joy!) foremost, a wife, MIL, grandma to 2 pretty girls and an angel in heaven, sister, daughter, friend. Was in the corporate world for 27 years, the first 5 as Executive Secretary to an affiliate of the country’s biggest drug chain, and the last 22 as an international civil servant in an international development bank with HQ in Manila. Traveled extensively to many countries bringing about rich experiences and lessons learned to share with dear Readers. All these—in The D Spot
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i think most of the medicines in the country, to include those for hypertension, are really expensive not because of the forex, the cost of manufacturing them, the chemicals used in processing, or fuel even, but due to the excessive marketing and advertising expenses being spend by these pharma companies.
The Botika ng Bayan initiative of govt particularly PITC is the government’s way of bringing down the prices of medicines and make them more affordable esp. to the marginalized group. PITC does it through parallel importation from India which, from the day of its inception in 2004 has proven that drug importations are lower by 70 percent+++ to those that can be bought here. for example Ventolin costs P400 here, but if you bought it in PITC it would cost just around P225-250. so obviously, its cheaper.
but what these pharma companies is advocating is the violation by the govt of patents laws and safety of the medicines (they are saying those imported are mostly fake).
SexyMom: oh, Feng, sometimes it is really difficult to discern all these. i just hope our authorities in PITC are very careful with regard to selection of suppliers and quality control of drugs they import.
we can only hope the the authorities would come up with a fair decision come 17th June.
competition.. hehehe. yan mahirap pag monopolized ang isang service or product eh. mahal. lalong nagkakasakit tuloy ang mga tao dhel sa stress. hehe. pero siguro naman, okay naman yung local counterpart. bfad won’t allow it naman siguro if it’s bad
SexyMom: thanks Tintin, see Prudence, our doctor’s comment below about Amvasc.
I found this post very interesting – not only the medical situation in our country, but directly related to your interests – the filipino community. Thanks for sharing and keep on writing. – JohnnyO
SexyMom: thanks, JohnnyO, hope to see you again in The D Spot.
if i may make a calculated prediction, come 17th June instant, the decision anent the revocation of patent case will follow with parallelism the decision by the US Court of Appeals. such decision by the US appellate court carries with it a high degree of persuasiveness, particularly if there is no available jurisprudence or legal precedent involving the same issues in this jurisdiction. hence, it is most likely that the local quasi-judicial body involved, will adopt by way of second authority, the decision of the US District Court of Appeals.
SexyMom: thanks, AC, am glad we have you, a lawyer, giving us some of your insights.
the politics in the world of the western medicine.
I always prefer alternative medicine over western medicine. Number 1: it’s much cheaper. Number 2: no side-effects. Number 3: Keeps your body fit. Number 4: Hollistic approach.
SexyMom: thanks, Tina, now we have two comments on alternative medicines, care to read Benj’s and Dr Tess’ (Prudence) comments?
I think this is a good news. Since my father is taking Norvasc.. And it is really ver costly.
SexyMom: thanks, Dexter, at least there are cheaper options now, but of course, should me under medical supervision.
Hopefully this pushes through, this one of the knocks against the Philippines’ cost of living.
Well, the problem with alternative medicine is that is hasn’t undergone the scrutiny of a randomized clinical trial and its mechanism (if any) has not been understood. At least in western medicine, we know what works and what wouldn’t instead of hoping for the best that a balm or salve will do the trick.
SexyMom: thanks, Benj, there’s another comment on alternative meds from Dr Tess (Prudence).
I’m all for alternative medicine as long as its only an adjuvant to Western medicine.
For those taking Norvasc and finding it too expensive, you could try Amvasc. It is made by Therapharm and a lot cheaper (only P17.50 at Mercury drugstores). It’s also an Amlodipine but using a different salt (instead of besylate, it’s a camsylate). But the active ingredient, which is the Amlodipine, is the same.
As for the alternative medicine, one ought to be careful in using those. Actually, alternative medicine is an umbrella term. It encompasses herbal medicinal plants, and other holistic medicine. Why do you have to be careful about those? Benj is right. The problem with most alternative medicines is that it hasn’t been thoroughly studied. It would be very difficult to assess the possible effects on a per-patient basis, especially if no tests have been done on them. And, of course, most Chinese herbal medicines that are easily available are products of combinations of different plant chemicals (Being natural does not mean it is not chemical) and the effects of such combinations can be downright dangerous, especially for those who have liver and kidney problems, because our kidneys and livers are the ones used for metabolizing such chemicals. So, my advice is stick to what your doctor prescribes to you. He has basis for giving you those. Use the alternative medicines as an adjunct to your medications.
As for the Norvasc patent expiring (wow, finally I got to the main topic), it would be indeed good news for us, Filipinos, especially those who have difficulty acquiring their medications due to financial constraints. But don’t fully blame Pfizer for the increased cost of medicines because in the first place, it is really costly to develop and manufacture medicines, especially new ones. That’s why there are patents; so that those who are able to manufacture and develop novel ones can get their due rewards for hardwork. But like all things, patents expire. So it’s about time that competitors for developing Amlodipine come forward. It’ll be better if there are competitors so that the price would go down.
SexyMom: Thanks, Tess! i am glad we have you, a doctor, explaining these things to us. am sure, our readers would appreciate.
My question, Tess, is if Pfizer can give 50% discount to those holders of “Sulit” cards, can they not just sell Norvasc to all customer at 50% off the price?
Both of my parents take anti-hypertensive drugs and I know that it’s eating up a lot of their money . Almost all their pensions go to buying these drugs just so they can religiously take the required dosage everyday. It is a very welcome news then for people like them if the petition would be approved and local manufacturers could produce these drugs. When I think about it, how do other elderly people without the benefit of pension and who can’t afford them keep up with the prices and manage to stay alive?
SexyMom: having cheaper options in terms of meds to take could somehow lessen the burden. i also wonder about how people who cannot afford medicines are able to get through.
I just want to comment on using Amvasc as a replacement for Norvasc. Although besylate and camsylate possessed bioequivalent properties, bioequivalence does not necessarily translate to equivalent safety and efficacy.Until now there is no basic information on the use of camsylate for chronic human use.
Maybe the reason why most doctors prescribe norvasc is because they found it to be more effective. Changing one for the other might affect results. There is extensive research and clinical trials done before drugs are brought into the market. This maybe the reason why they are expensive.
SexyMom: thanks, Amy, now we have another doctor giving us a piece of her mind.
Very useful information, well researched pa .. iba talaga magblog si Sexy Mom! Among my friends, 75 per cent na ang hypertensive. So I can believe the stats that you quoted Dine. And hypertension is among the top ten killers dito sa atin. The availability of generic anti hypertension drugs na efficacious would be really a boon!!
SexyMom: it’s really high time that Filipinos get financial relief not only out of their hypertensive meds, but all other meds as well.
it’s the marketing cost that bloats the prizes of medicines in this country. i read some series of articles about it in the past. Pharma companies spend a lot on ads and on top docs to push their drugs.
generic drugs from reliable sources is a great help.
SexyMom: I heard that, too.
Not is a nice info and hopefully there will be cheaper drugs so most people in the Phils. can afford it.
Yup, golf getaways and sponsored trips abroad to attend international conventions don’t come cheap. And don’t forget the hordes of medical representatives!
SexyMom: true, Benj.
Sexy Mom, mas kawawa sila dito… hindi lang mahal ang mga gamot, madami ding peke. Lahat ng mga gamot na kailangan ng prescription, over-the-counter lang nabibili.
SexyMom: Thanks, Toe. Exactly what I used to do in Phnom Penh—i was looking after health projects in Cambodia.
It would be great if the country can manufacture their own medicine. But there’s always that nagging feeling about unscrupulous people who manufacture below standard products, be it medicine or cat food, it doesn’t matter to them, as long as they make money. And then there are those officials who look the other way; who doesn’t care who’re short changed.
Ok.. i stand corrected. Tama naman. not all alternative medicines are tested and a lot were manipulated and they just jumped the bandwagon just to earn money through it.
what i mean to say reccomend are alternative meds that are checked. (with ISO and are TGA approved) im not referring to the meds na walang test.
I agree what DR. Prudence says….....
Just like here, medicines made in Germany are so very expensive, compare to some countries, made in Europe…....
1st because of the labour and taxes…...
Disadvantage on this are:
1. When we always buy the products made outside Germany….......poor our country,,,,,,,we are arm and the new generations, our kids.
2. There is a difference, the side effects and the result or the medications….....they have different not only the Quantity but the Quality…..
Thanks for sharing, sexy mom…....you have always very interesting and educational post.
SexyMom: that is why also, we have to be careful with the meds that we take.
SexyMom, i have been taking Norvasc 10mg for more than 2 years now.My hypertension is caused by a rare medical condition.However, I am enjoying 50% discount of my Norvasc courtesy of Pfizer.I was issued a discount card which I can only use at Mercury Drug. Ask your doctor about this.
SexyMom: Thanks, Leah. Please see my response to Prudence’s comment (#8), “My question, Tess, is if Pfizer can give 50% discount to those holders of “Sulit” cards, can they not just sell Norvasc to all customer at 50% off the price?”
That’s a hard question to answer because I’m not really too sure about how pharma companies work. But I don’t think they’d be able to sell Norvasc at half the usual price for everyone. The 50% off discount sulit cards is just a marketing ploy so that loyal users of Norvasc will not shift to using Amvasc.
Yes, indeed, Norvasc has been extensively studied and it is perhaps one of the reasons why the drug is expensive (plus, of course the expenses from marketing the drug). Yes, if money is of no problem, I would still prescribe Norvasc because of the numerous studies done on the drug. However, it is still good that our fellow Filipinos do have the alternative if they really cannot afford the expense of taking Norvasc everyday.
There’s a new AMLODIPINE BESYLATE in the market… using the right salt is highly recommended for hypertensive patients.
Check out InnoGen’s AMLODINE… affordable and yet of good quality. 10mg only at 19.75
InnoGen keen to provide innovative products to uplift the quality of healthcare for the Filipinos…
PHARMACOVIGILANCE
Innogengroup.com
Yeah I know that one. Amlodine (amlodipine besylate). It’s as effective as Norvasc. My Dad uses 10 mg of Norvasc (74.75). We shifted to Amlodine (19.75) and it has the same effect unlike that Amvasc. Meron pang 20% senior citizens discount sa mercury drug. Laking tipid. He’s taking norvasc for 2 years before. Think about 74.75 per day for 2 years!
Yeah good you shifted your Dad to AMLODINE! why suffer from high price medicine (NORVASC) when there’s AMLODINE…Still Amlodipine Besylate!
Equality, Quality, and Evidence!
hey ROY you must spread the good news about the existence of AMLODINE…
Surely you will help a lot of people (who could not afford to buy those high priced medicines)
Affordable Price, same Drug Component and same Quality
God bless!
good day, im 31years old but already im hypertensive.im taking norvasc. couple of days ago i heard about innogens amlodine..but i have a hard time to find one. in mercury they always saying that they are not selling that. Please help me …where i can buy that amlodine…thank you
you can drop by at Unit 212 Jocfer Bldg, Commonwealth Ave., Diliman Quezon City or call 932-1618/951-0973 for availability of AMLODINE
yes.TRUE..parents ko shifted to AMLODINE na..Very cost effective..very affordable at 19.75 ang 10mg nla.then ang 5mg nla is 10.50 lng..same studies sa originator nya.grabe,nakakatulong tlaga..lalo na sa amin na walang pera..hahahay..tnx to innogen..