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Generic drugs in the U.S. face new economic pressures 40 years on

The generic drug industry in the U.S. has saved people billions and billions of dollars. But it faces new economic pressure today.
"Economists told me that now the prices of some drugs are almost too cheap," explained reporter and producer Leslie Walker.
John Moore/Getty Images

Prescription drug supply could be hit by COVID-19

Feb 26, 2020
China plays a big part in the supply chain of Americans' generic drugs
COVID-19 could affect the supply of prescription drugs worldwide.
Dale de la Rey/AFP via Getty Images

There's a new generic drugmaker in town, and it doesn't need to turn a profit

Sep 6, 2018
Across the country, hospitals and clinics are dealing with a really difficult problem: Sometimes they can’t get their hands on certain life-saving generic drugs. So one group of large hospital systems, including the Mayo Clinic and Intermountain Healthcare, has come up with a workaround. It’s created a nonprofit company called Civica RX that will make […]

Generic Viagra floods the market. Here’s how Pfizer is reacting

Jul 13, 2018
Pfizer hopes to run with its “little blue pill” as long as it can. That includes the time-honored strategy of launching its own generic.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

FDA website to post names of drug makers blocking development of cheaper generics

May 17, 2018
The FDA plans to unveil a website today naming pharmaceutical companies that have blocked the development of generic drugs by failing to provide samples to competitors. This public posting is part of FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb’s larger crackdown to, as he says, “end the shenanigans” by brand name drug companies. Click the audio player above […]

Why Intermountain Healthcare is making generic drugs

Feb 28, 2018
Rising drug prices are part of what's driving health care inflation. What do you do if you are a big health care company? Start your own drug company.
John Moore/Getty Images

Why pharma companies are bowing out of generics

Aug 2, 2017
Many generic drugs have become so cheap, they have pencil-thin profit margins.
KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Drug prices: how generics changed the game

Jul 25, 2017
Generics used to be sold out of car trunks. Then Congress got involved.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images

New class of generics could save consumers, insurers billions. FDA is moving carefully.

Jul 13, 2016
The European Union has some 20 "biosimilar" generics on the market; the US has one.
Pre-filled syringes of  the adalimumab biosimilar.  The biosimilar is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
SAM PANTHAKY/AFP/Getty Images

FTC fights against new strategy for delaying generics

Apr 1, 2016
FTC files case against drug maker for deals cut with two generic firms that extend its monopoly
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