FDA approves the first generic copy of a costly biotech drug
For the first time ever today, the FDA approved the use of a copy of a costly biotech medicine, The Wall Street Journal reports. The “quasi-generic” drug could be the first step towards shrinking the US’s $375 billion in yearly drug spending.
The generic drug, called Zarxio, is made by Novartis. It’s a copycat version of Neupogen, an injectable treatment made by Amgen used to help prevent infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Unlike most pharmaceuticals, biotech drugs are created in living cells, which makes regenerating them a challenge. A daily dose of Neupogen can cost anywhere from $315 to $500, and many patients need to take multiple doses per week, WSJ reports.
Biotech drugs are some of the most expensive in the world
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Source:: The Verge
