Patient health body opposes move to bar generic drug for SMA

NEW DELHI: The move by Swiss multi-national, Roche (F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG), seeking permanent injunction to prevent the introduction of a generic drug for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) jeopardises public interest by limiting access to affordable medication, patient health groups said in a briefing on Tuesday.

- Rhythma Kaul

"Roche is seeking a permanent injunction against Natco Pharma to prevent the introduction of a generic version of Risdiplam, a Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) drug, citing patent infringement.

Health groups argue that Roche's legal action to block generic supply jeopardises public interest by limiting access to affordable medication," said Working Group on Access to Medicines and Treatments in a statement.