Row over SMA drug distribution in Keralam unwarranted, say experts
SAT Hospital authorities deny the claim of parents of SMA children that the drug given free of cost at the hospital clinic was an “experimental drug.” Hospital authorities say what was given was the generic version of Risdiplam, the patented original formula by Roche, now manufactured by the Indian firm Natco Pharma and which has been approved by drug regulatory bodies in the country
A row over the distribution of a drug for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients at SAT Hospital in Keralam was deemed unnecessary by medical experts. The hospital authorities clarified that the drug given to children was not an "experimental" one, but the generic version of Risdiplam, which is now manufactured by Indian firm Natco Pharma.
This version has been approved by drug regulatory bodies in the country and is priced at 97% less than the original patented formula by Roche. The controversy took on political dimensions as the Opposition criticized the government, questioning whether the sick children were being treated like experimental subjects. However, the decision to switch to the generic version had been made by the previous government to ensure an uninterrupted supply of the drug.
The hospital authorities explained that the switch was due to a shortfall in supply, and they opted to use samples from Natco to distribute to patients. The generic drug, which is priced at ₹15,900 per bottle, is now affordable for the government to provide it free of cost to more patients. Public health experts and medical representatives have commended the government's decision, highlighting that it prioritizes equitable access to life-saving drugs over commercial interests.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
