Brazil will import a cheaper, generic Indian-made version of the patented Efavirenz drug.
This is happening to Merck who invented the drug. Wow, I did not know this could be done, but read the article here for the details here us a quote from the article:
“Under Brazilian law and rules established by the World Health Organisation, such a licence can be granted in a health emergency or if the pharmaceutical industry abuses its pricing.”
I think we need to be very careful allowing outsiders to set our prices. American and other powerful countries invest the money to make these drugs. I’m not in love with the drug industry, but it is their money they invest to make these drugs. How many drugs has Brazil brought to the market?
Look at the last line of the quote from the article “if the pharmaceutical industry abuses its pricing.” who get to make that call? Like in all things there has to be balance, but if a company can not get a return then why would they risk the investment. I think they adjusted the price to Brazil according to their ability to pay.
I know there is a lot of thoughts about drug companies out there that would take another website to discuss. But in my mind I think Merck got the short end.
