Colombia Implements Plan to Cut Cost of Novartis’ Gleevec

Colombia has implemented its plan to unilaterally lower the price of Novartis’ myeloid leukemia treatment Gleevec, after negotiations with the Swiss drugmaker fell through several months ago.

PhRMA expressed its disappointment with the decision, saying there are “no legitimate reasons” for the enforcement due to the availability of Gleevec generics.

The trade group added that “the medicine has been sold in Colombia at a price negotiated and agreed to by the Colombian Government under its existing pricing system and there is no apparent shortage or evidence of other access issues.”

Colombia had initially considered issuing a compulsory license that would have allowed the production of Gleevec generics, but opted for a declaration of public interest after the country allegedly received funding threats.