Proposed drug changes could cost N.B. millions
OTTAWA - Regulatory changes proposed by the federal government that would delay the introduction of generic versions of brand-name drugs could mean millions of dollars in extra costs for New Brunswick's drug plan.
The Conservative government introduced changes to Canada's drug patent rules in April that critics claim would allow pharmaceutical companies to extend exclusive rights on some drugs beyond the current 20-year term.
New Brunswick Health Minister Mike Murphy said Thursday the proposed changes may delay the introduction of generic versions of popular drugs such as cholesterol-lowering medication Lipitor, blood-pressure drug Norvasc, and Celebrex.
He said the province spent more than $14 million on the trio of medications last year, adding generic versions would slash prices by up to 50 per cent.
Medication for seniors and nursing-home residents, among others, costs the drug plan more than $160 million annually.
The federal government hasn't said which drugs would be sheltered by the changes.
"The planned amendments to Patented Medicines Regulations were made without consultation with the provinces and territories, and with only 15 days ... to provide comment," said Murphy.
He said longer wait times for generic drugs creates a financial drain on the provincial prescription drug plan and people who pay for their own drugs, calling the proposed changes a money-grab for big pharmaceutical companies.
"The federal government can't support this type or level of greed on the most vulnerable of Canadian society," he said.
Annie Trepanier of Industry Canada, the government department that oversees patent regulations, said intellectual property laws for pharmaceuticals are necessary to ensure that Canada can compete for innovation and investment.
"These proposed amendments will not delay the market entry of generic versions of brand-name drugs, if the generic company has already filed its regulatory submission with Health Canada," she said in an e-mail.
Jeff Connell of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association said, on average, brand-name drugs spend about 12 to 14 years alone on the market before facing competition from generic products.
"That's a very good arrangement for brand-name drug companies."
Connell said the regulatory changes could be pushed through before the House of Commons adjourns for summer later this month.
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