Robin Carnahan: “Generics can save consumers over 60 percent per prescription. Here are some examples of brand name drugs whose patents…”

“Generics can save consumers over 60 percent per prescription. Here are some examples of brand name drugs whose patents are supposed to expire in the next few years. Listen to the numbers on what consumers should be expected to save. The patent on Claritin, an allergy medication, is scheduled to expire in December. Annual savings after the generic becomes available are expected to be over $500 million. The patent on Zocor, a cholesterol-lowering drug, is scheduled to expire in December 2005. The annual savings after the generic becomes available is expected to be about $735 million. The patent on Zoloft, a drug for depression, is scheduled to expire in December 2005. The annual savings after the generic becomes available is expected to be $577 million. However, given the amount of money that is at stake, pharmaceutical companies have a lot of incentive to delay generics from coming on the market. Unfortunately, current law allows them to do this. If we in this Congress have the courage to act, American consumers will save billions of dollars. If we don't, the money will go directly from the pocketbooks of American families and on to the profit statements of the drug companies. Congress must move on yet another front.”