Indian drugmakers Dr. Reddy’s and Hetero are stepping up to the plate, and the news is pretty remarkable. They’re gearing up to sell a new, highly effective HIV prevention drug, and the price tag is a real game-changer: just $40 a year. That’s an announcement that sparks a lot of thoughts, especially when we consider the often-skyrocketing costs of healthcare in various parts of the world.
The contrast with the US market is stark, to say the least. In America, the branded version of this drug, called Yeztugo, can set you back a staggering $28,000 annually. It’s hard to wrap your head around a situation where a drug that might cost pennies in India ends up costing hundreds of dollars in the US.… Continue reading
The FDA has approved another generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, a routine regulatory step. This approval, announced by Evita Solutions, immediately drew criticism from anti-abortion groups and Republican politicians. Despite the FDA’s assertion of limited discretion in generic drug approvals and statements on the safety and efficacy of the drug, some conservatives have expressed concern. The approval of this additional generic version is unlikely to affect access to the drug, which is typically taken in combination with misoprostol, though access to the medication is already restricted in many states.
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The FDA recently approved a request to manufacture a generic version of mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortions, which has drawn sharp criticism from anti-abortion advocates. This approval allows Evita Solutions to produce its version of the drug, despite ongoing efforts to restrict access to mifepristone since the overturning of Roe v Wade. Critics, including some politicians and anti-abortion groups, have expressed outrage and questioned the FDA’s decision, citing safety concerns and recent studies. However, abortion rights supporters and medical professionals maintain that mifepristone is safe and effective, pointing to numerous studies supporting its use.
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Generic versions of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV-prevention drug, will be available in 120 low- and middle-income countries for $40 annually beginning in 2027. Unitaid and the Gates Foundation have partnered with Indian pharmaceutical companies to produce these affordable generic versions, which have shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by over 99.9 percent. This initiative expands access to the drug, currently priced at $28,000 per year in the United States, marking a significant step in global HIV prevention efforts. This will help with the efforts to end the HIV epidemic.
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President Trump’s announcement of impending “major” tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals threatens to end decades of low-cost global medicine trade. This action follows recently implemented tariffs on other imports and aims to bolster domestic manufacturing. The tariffs, potentially exceeding previous levels, could significantly impact the US pharmaceutical market, especially given India’s substantial role as a supplier of generic drugs. The move is part of a broader trade war and is expected to be announced shortly. The high volume of imported medicines—$213 billion in 2024—makes the potential impact substantial.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker