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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Expiring Patents, Drug Prices and the Hazy Market for Generics

Patents are about to expire on two of the world's best-selling prescription drugs. Prices for cholesterol-fighter Lipitor and the blood-thinner Plavix are likely to drop by 80 percent when they're replaced by generics. But that's not all. The drug industry will be faced with an unprecedented wave of expiring patents in the next few years.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Patents are about to expire on two of the world's best-selling prescription drugs. Prices for cholesterol-fighter Lipitor and the blood-thinner Plavix are likely to drop by 80 percent when they're replaced by generics. But that's not all. The drug industry will be faced with an unprecedented wave of expiring patents in the next few years. What will the expiration of patents on many other drugs mean for Big Pharma? How is the industry fighting back? Will consumers get the benefits they deserve?

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Jonathan Rockoff

    Wall Street Journal

  • KCRW placeholder

    Lori Reilly

    Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America

  • KCRW placeholder

    Richard Feinstein

    Federal Trade Commission

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