IGBA releases first global intellectual property and competition report

The International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA), in line with its goals of promoting the widest possible access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines and of promoting intellectual property (IP) regimes which foster innovation and allow the timely entry of generic and biosimilar medicines, has released its report called “GAMING THE SYSTEM - An overview of originator companies’ evergreening strategies used to hinder access to generic and biosimilar products”.

“The report’s findings highlight the urgent need to reinforce the balance in intellectual property and regulatory systems to address market abuses. Healthy competition requires clear guardrails, which is why we are taking a lead to raise awareness and invite conversation and action to rebalance innovation and access for the future”, said IGBA chairman, Shinichiro Hirose.

The IGBA pointed out that this is the first global reference report collecting a compendium of strategies employed worldwide to extend monopolies of patent-protected pharmaceutical products beyond their intended terms including through abuses of the patent system. While genuine, quality patents that protect innovation are key to society across the globe, patents designed to hinder competition are detrimental for patients and healthcare budgets alike and are an abuse of intellectual property regimes.