Mutual insurer claims DTC harm for generics

Mutualite Francaise, the French mutual health care funds federation, has criticized moves to liberalize direct-to-patient communication by  research-based pharmaceutical manufacturers in the European Union (see  page 11), arguing that the European Commission should recognize "the  anti-competitive character of the major drug companies' strategy" in  hampering the development of the generic sector. The MF proposes two  specific measures to counter what it considers to be the excessive  marketing power of drugmakers.

First, the group calls for an advertising campaign targeting health care  professionals designed to counter that of research-based companies.  Second, the MF calls for all prescriptions to be required to list the  active ingredient name, omitting any branded reference. This would make  it easier for patients to gain access to cheaper medicines, to the  financial benefit of society and patient, the MF claims.