Generic Version of Copaxone, Multiple Sclerosis Drug, Is Approved

          On Thursday, the generic substitute for Copaxone has been approved by the FDA. Copaxone is a drug used for multiple sclerosis. In the last several years, the prices for drugs geared towards multiple sclerosis have tripled, even as more brand-name products appear in the market. A generic option would give a pricing edge, but this depends on the price and date it will go on sale. The price of all drugs drop about 90% when there are multiple generic options; however, since there is only one, the discount will not be as drastic. None of the drugs that treat multiple sclerosis have a generic equivalent. Multiple sclerosis is a nerve condition that causes blurred vision and difficulty walking. Teva manufacturers Copaxone, a brand name, when it usually manufactures generic drugs. Teva has used some aggressive plans to keep their wide consumer base. Teva has called and took their patients out to dinner, created a more concentrated drug to decrease the number of injections per week, and lowered the price. How Copaxone works is not clear; however, it is known that the main drug in there is made up of 4 amino acids. When the generic drug is released, some insurance companies may recommend that the patients try the generic brand before the name brand. Teva currently has a patent on Copaxone until September 1st, but the federal court invalidated it. They took their case to the Supreme Court for reevaluation, and the generic drug will have to wait in accordance to the court's descision or until September. Other companies, such as Myland and Synthon, are trying to get the approval for their generic Copaxone versions.
         I think it is great that the first generic drug for multiple sclerosis is almost available to the public. The prices for name-brand drugs are extremely pricey, and I personally always look for a generic brand. Competition will bring an economically beneficial solution for the people who really need the drug. They could the used the money save on other operations or medications.

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Supreme Court Verdict on Patenting Human Genes

              With more advances and discovers being made in science everyday, researchers look to protect their hard work through patents. While patenting has been around for quite some time, new ideas in science are causing lawmakers to question the guidelines of patent laws. Specifically when it comes to genetics, the Supreme Court was recently faced with the difficult decision of deciding what can be and what cannot be patented. In a decision of 0-9 they have decided what companies can patent and call their own and what is natural and cannot be patented. Full strands of DNA which include coding and non coding sequences cannot be patented however cDNA which include just short coding sequences can be patented. An exception to this is short sequences that are indistinguishable from human DNA. Those cannot be patented. This ruling is justifiable with saying that anything that is not naturally found in humans such as these “abridged sequenced” cDNA strands can be patented.

This recent court case was stemmed from the fight over the patent for mutant BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes also known as the breast cancer genes. Myriad, the research company that identified that these mutant genes led to the development of breast cancer then patented them. They owned the rights to test women for these genes and determine their risk of breast cancer. In response others in the cancer community fought back saying that this patent inhibits their research and drives up the cost of breast cancer testing. Shortly after these genes were patented 20% of the human genome was also patented by various others. The court ruled that 5 of their patents were DNA while the other 500 were cDNA. This court ruling plays a critical role in where science is headed and how researchers conduct their work. They will need to shift their studies to follow the guidelines of this ruling or risk not receiving a patent on their research.  

    

                                          Breast cancer genes BRAC1 and BRCA2

Link:

http://www.dailytech.com/Supreme+Court+Gives+Mixed+Verdict+on+Patenting+Human+Genes/article31760.htm

Related link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/13/supreme-court-dna-ruling_n_3435274.html