Earlier this week a patient of mine showed me another reformulation of Minocycline- this time for a mouth rinse for periodontal disease. It was going to cost her 240 dollars for one treatment and there was no data to share on effectiveness for the treatment. Her encounter reminded me of this piece I blogged in 2012. It is worth reviewing this information to keep the public informed. We all have choices to make.
This Friday’s Wall Street Journal (June 22,2012) features an article authored by Jonathan D. Rockoff reporting that Abbott Laboratories is contesting a portion of the healthcare law regarding patent protection. Patent protections for the drug industry have a long history. In a prior newsletter I explained to our readers/patients how name brand products and generics work. I would defer interested persons to that article if you wish to have more historical and practical information regarding this.
Abbott is challenging a portion of the healthcare bill that deals specifically with ‘biological medications’ (which by the way is the future for therapeutics). If their case wins, Abbott will guarantee future profit for their drug, Humira. Drug companies have a long history with patent law, and use it to maximize profits. Patent law, patient protection, and the price protecting properties of full dollar insurance work together to increase profits of pharmaceutical companies and…
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