GTC Biotherapeutics (fka GTCB)

[DewDiligence]

Re: 21-Feb-2008 NEJM article on FoB’s

>...if a compromise on these issues cannot be reached, one alternative solution would be a government-mandated price cut for protein therapeutic products after a certain period of time on the market. This discount could approximate the cost savings anticipated from development of follow-on proteins. Though the government has the authority under the principle of eminent domain to assume control of intellectual property for the public good, this authority would not need to be invoked if the action is done after the time when the patents on the products have already expired.<

This may be a useful threat to get Big Biotech to cooperate and cease lobbying for a preposterously long exclusivity period such as 14 years. However, I highly doubt that Congress will actually enact the kind of legislation described above. (A bill of this sort requires 60 votes in the US Senate to cut off filibuster.)

Thanks for your post. It’s a handy reference to have around. Regards, Dew