Natco disrupts orphan drug market with $179 risdiplam generic, undercutting Roche by 97%
In what is being termed a major victory, Natco Pharma has won a legal battle against Swiss pharma giant Roche (ROG: SIX), allowing the launch of generic Evrysdi (risdiplam) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment in India, at a cost which is 97% cheaper.
On October 12, Natco Pharma launched the generic version of risdiplam in India. Roche’s Evrysdi is priced at $ 6,992 per bottle, making it unaffordable for many Indian patients. Natco’s generic alternative is priced at just $ 179 per bottle, offering a 97% discount, setting a precedent for generic competition in high-cost orphan drugs.
Natco has said additional discounts will be offered through a patient access programme.
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