Finshots Daily Risdiplam raises questions about pharma's ethics
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Apr 1, 2025 This discussion dives into the ethical minefield surrounding Risdiplam, focusing on its pricing and accessibility for spinal muscular atrophy patients in India. A heated conflict between Roche and Natco Pharma over generic production raises critical questions about the pharmaceutical industry's morals. It also explores India's patent laws and the pressing need for affordable healthcare solutions, highlighting a broader dilemma of ethics versus profit in drug pricing.
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Unaffordable Treatment
- A hypothetical situation describes an Indian patient with a rare genetic disease who dies because they can't afford a new, expensive treatment.
- This highlights the issue of expensive life-saving drugs being inaccessible to many in India.
Risdiplam Economics
- While Risdiplam is cheaper than other SMA treatments, it's still unaffordable for most Indians, costing between ₹20-70 lakh annually.
- Natco Pharma aimed to produce a cheaper version, leading to a legal battle with Roche, the patent holder.
Court Ruling
- The Delhi High Court refused to block Natco's generic Risdiplam, prioritizing public interest over Roche's patent.
- The court argued that Risdiplam's unaffordability justified Natco's attempt to offer a cheaper alternative.