Malaysia won't lose access to generics due to TPP, PwC says

A recent cost-benefit analysis conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) said Malaysians won't lose access to generic drugs because of the recently agreed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

A report by the Malay Mail said generics drugs in the country will "not be restricted" because of the similarity of patent terms in the agreement and said development and production of biosimilars will not be affected either.

"While the obligations are largely similar to the current practice in Malaysia with regards to small molecule drugs, the TPPA impose additional obligations to biologics i.e. on data exclusivity," the PwC report said. "However, data exclusivity for biologics does not seem to pose challenges as it will take longer than 5 years for biosimilars to be developed."

The TPP, which was negotiated in secret, raised concerns in Malaysia because the country's health system is largely government-funded and officials were wary the agreement would impose huge charges on the system, which relies heavily on generics.

The country's parliament is expected to take up the TPP next year, joining the 11 other countries that must ratify the pact before it comes into force.

- here's the report from the Malay Mail