"Evergreening" mischaracterizes innovation, says PhRMA senior VP

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America's (PhRMA) senior vice president, Ken Johnson, has hit out at accusations made by supporters of follow-on biologics that "evergreening" by drugmakers is unfairly delaying their entry into the US market (see page 14).

The practice of launching new formulations, combinations, delivery methods and indications for drugs, often those nearing patent expiration, helps extend marketing exclusivity but Dr Johnson says "critics use the term evergreening to mischaracterize and minimize the important and essential work that innovative pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies do to continually improve their products...Second- and subsequent-generation biologics often benefit patients by improving dosing and reducing side effects."