Sanders, Other Lawmakers Urge FDA Approval of Generic Crestor

Two months ago, AstraZeneca gained approval for the use of Crestor in children suffering from homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) and, under the Orphan Drug Act (ODA), the drug then qualified for extended market exclusivity for the treatment of this new condition. With the impending loss of patent protection for Crestor’s common use in adults, AstraZeneca has filed a lawsuit accusing the FDA of illegally interpreting a federal law that will allow generic medications to exclude indications for HoFH on their labels. Without the ruling, generic manufacturers would be required to include HoFH dosing and instructions on their labels, therefore violating the exclusivity granted by the ODA and extending AstraZeneca’s market hold. Bernie Sanders, along with several other lawmakers, are petitioning the FDA to approve the generics and offer a lower cost alternative to consumers.

Read the Stat News article on it here.