Singapore, March 29, 2007: Despite the big pharma flexing its muscles to block the market entry of generic equivalents in high demand markets, Asian generics continued to surge ahead taking the entry barriers head on in true competitive spirit by aggressively pursuing patent challenges. Many companies in India, China and Australia have shown exemplary success in turning around patent challenges to their advantage.

The recently concluded Asia Generic Medicines Congress in Singapore (March 27-28) showcased many of these success stories that have elevated Asia’s position in the generics segment. Nearly 30 pre-eminent speakers from all over the world shared their principles and competitive strategies.

 

Inaugurating the three day congress in Singapore, Mr Dilip Shah, Chairman of International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance said, “The success of generics in Asia can be largely attributed to the government support, lobbying legislators and regulators who are continuously streamlining the approval processes for generics.”

 

Bringing an Indian perspective to the fore, Mr Brian Tempest, Executive Vice Chairman of Ranbaxy Laboratories, India, said, “The strength of the Indian pharma industry comes directly from the government as it supports exports and encourages R&D efforts. Till date, India enjoys 47 percent share in the total DMFs that were filed in the US and that denotes a great strength of the industry. Our legal team which is based in New Jersey is very proficient in IP rights and is prepared for any legal challenges.”

Mr M Venkateswarlu, Drug Controller of India representing the government of India said that India is an emerging generic pharma giant and has the potential to not only dominate the Asian scene but also hold a centre stage in global generics.

Ms Eve Williamson, Vice President Strategic development, Asia Pacific, Mayne Pharma explained the significance of having smart business models and niche product portfolios.

“I believe generic companies have to gear up to be better than the innovators. We have to create a sustainable competitive advantage either by being first to market or providing the generic at the best price in the market,” she said.

 

From the far east, Mr Akira Miyajama, Chief Executive of the Pharma and Medical Devices Agency, Japan highlighted some of the problems Japan is facing in the generics segment.

 

“Japanese medical institutions enjoyed large drug price margin under the health insurance system for a long time. Because this drug price margin is larger in branded drugs than in generics, medical institutions tend to prefer brand products and generics suffered,” he said.

 

Also complementing the industry representatives were dignitaries from the World Bank, WHO, and the FDA who shed light on the key influencers such as regulation, IP and trade agreements, and entry strategies in Asian generics.