Customs officials wined and dined in San Francisco, USA

Published : Thursday, October 13, 2011 | Louie Logarta
Column: BLURBAL THRUSTS | Daily Tribune Newspaper

There’s this story that was brought to my attention just recently by some consumer advocates which I think you guys should be aware of. It’s about cheaper medicines. Cheaper than the ones presently being sold today in the drug stores.

Frankly, I do not understand why it’s not getting too much publicity in the media despite its significance to Juan de la Cruz, which includes you and me. As far as I know, the story was featured in the Daily Tribune and Manila Times, but that’s about it.

Could advertising revenues have anything to do this?

In any case, it’s about this P15-million civil case filed by an obscure drug company, Sahar Pharma, for “malicious prosecution” against Pfizer Philippines, GlaxoSmithKline and Roche Philippines (ironically these turkeys are multinationals) which are among the handful of corporate giants controlling the local pharmaceutical industry.

As told to us, the three drug firms had filed a case sometime ago against Sahar — one of the few dealers of generic drugs around that supplies select hospitals and drug stores — to stop it from importing the same kind of medicines that they are selling in the Philippines, some of them with a 700-percent profit margin.

They held that parallel importation would allow patented medicines to be purchased from the cheapest source (in this case, India) without consent of the patent holder.

Said case was however rejected by the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and the Department of Justice as the complaining drug companies failed to prove that existing laws prohibited the parallel importation of medicines. Figuring prominently in the rulings was the government’s ongoing effort to encourage competition through parallel importation of essential drugs to make them more affordable and within easy reach of the masses.

Sahar Pharma’s position on the issue of parallel importation was buttressed with the passage of Republic Act 9502 or the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008, the pet legislation of former Sen. Mar Roxas (now the DoTC secretary) which would ensure the availability of more affordable medicines by requiring drug outlets to carry a variety of brands, including those sourced from countries where medicines are sold at prices that don’t hit you in the gut, unlike here in the Philippines.

What the law does is it effectively eliminates all hindrances to the parallel importation of medicines, so now anyone who registers with the Bureau of Food and Drugs can legally import cheap medicines and sell them to the public generically, like you can’t import paracetamol tablets from Indonesia and then sell them under the brand name “Biogesic” which is the local market leader since that is owned by another industry giant, United Laboratories (Unilab).

In 2005, President Arroyo issued Executive Order 442 designating the Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC) as the lead coordinating agency to make quality medicines available, affordable and accessible to the greater masses of Filipinos. It was allowed to engage in parallel importation of low-priced generic medicines from countries like India and Pakistan.

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) in a special report some years ago said that Pfizer, an American multinational pharmaceutical corporation, was reaping obscene profits from countrywide sales of amlodipine besylate, a maintenance drug taken by millions of Filipinos suffering from hypertension, which is more popularly known as “Norvasc.”

According to the PCIJ, Norvasc was sold back then over the counter at P44.75 per 5mg tablet and P74 per 10mg tablet. But in India, Norvasc was being marketed by Pfizer under the brand name “Amlogard” for only P7.77 per 5mg tablet and P11.67 per 10mg tablet.

What better way to demonstrate the stranglehold that multinational drug companies such as Pfizer, Roche and GlaxoSmithKline have on the Philippine market, from which they have cumulatively earned close to P1 trillion during the past decade.

This is the principal reason the Philippines is saddled with sky-high prices of medicines, several times more expensive than those in most countries. It ranks second to Japan, the world’s third-biggest economy, in having the most expensive medicine prices in Southeast Asia despite the passage by Congress of the Generic Drugs Act over two decades ago, another one of those useless laws passed by the Philippine legislature.

http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20111013com4.html

Moth, 3 Behemoths Duel In Court

Published : Saturday, October 08, 2011 00:00
Written by : NEIL A. ALCOBER CORRESPONDENT | The Manila Times.Net

NO contest in pitting a puny moth against three behemoths of the pharmaceutical industry but the ensuing fight would be keenly watched: a Manila-based licensed pharmaceutical drug distributor and importer has filed a P15-million civil suit against three multinational pharmaceutical companies for “malicious prosecution.”

Three Goliaths against a lone David is a downright mismatch.

Named in the complaint of Sahar Pharma were Pfizer Philippines, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, and Roche Philippines.

The complaint was described as “a landmark case” as it would further the government’s agenda in encouraging competition and cheaper medicines.

The law office of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Santiago Kapunan and lawyer-educator Adel Tamano serves as Sahar Pharma’s legal counsel in the suit.

The pharmaceutical giants had previously slapped a case against Sahar on the legality of parallel importation of drugs. The case didn’t prosper—thrown out by the Department of Justice, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court stressed that the multi-national companies failed to prove that the law prohibits the parallel importation of medicines and cited the government’s effort to encourage parallel importation of essential drugs to make affordable to the people, especially the poor.

The Sahar International Trading Incorporated (SITI) is one of the major distributors of cheaper medicines (generic) to some pharmacies and hospitals in the Philippines. It distributes medicines to Mercury Drug Stores, especially the Generika Pharmacy which caters affordable medicines to the poor people.

Meanwhile, Sahar spokesman Mack Macalanggan expressed hope that the ruling would be in their favor as it would also “recognize the right to health of every Filipino, and the essence of the law and fair competition will defend that right.”

Macalanggan thanked former senator and now Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas 3rd, the proponent of Republic Act 9502 or the Cheaper Medicine Law, as well as the whole legislature for approving the law.
Macalanggan said that the law itself expresses deep concern on citizen’s right to health enshrined in the 1987 Charter.

He added that R.A. 9502 author, Mar Roxas has left a landmark legacy that may linger in the memories of the Filipinos for the next century to come.

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/8835-moth-3-behemoths-duel-in-court

‘Landmark Case’ Filed vs Multinational Drug Firms

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Sahar Pharma (SIT), a local-based licensed pharmaceutical drug distributor and importer, recently filed a P15-million civil suit for malicious prosecution against “three multinational pharmaceutical companies.

The complaint has been described as a “landmark case”, not only because the defendants are three of the largest pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare companies in the world, but also due to the Aquino government’s agenda to encourage completion and promote cheaper medicines. The law office of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Santiago M. Kapunan and lawyer-educator Atty. Adel A. Tamano serves as Sahar’s legal counsel in this suit.

The multinationals had filed a suit against SITI touching on the legality of parallel importation of drugs, but there complaints were dismissed by the Department of Justice, the Court of Appeals, and finally the Supreme Court.

Furthermore, the SC ruled against the three pharmaceutical companies and pointed out that they failed to prove that the law prohibits the parallel importation of medicines. In fact, the SC cited that the government is currently encouraging parallel importation to make medicine more affordable.

SITI spokesman Mack Macalanggan expressed hope that the ruling would be in their favor, as its benefits not only SITI, but the Philippine market. “Filipinos have a constitutionally recognized right to health, and the essence of the law and fair completion will defend that right.”

The passing of Republic Act 9502 or the Cheaper Medicines Law also supports SITI’s positive advocacy. “Our advocacy to introduce cheaper medicines for Filipinos will hopefully open the gate for fair completion in pharmaceutical products, particularly essential medicines,” Macalanggan further emphasized.

3 PHARMA SUED FIRMS SUED

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

SAHAR Pharma, a local-based licensed pharmaceutical drug distributor and importer, recently filed a P-15 million civil suit for “malicious prosecution” against three multinational companies.

The complaint has been described as a “landmark case” because the defendants are three of the largest pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare companies in the world and is a test to Aquino government’s agenda to encourage government’s agenda to encourage competition and promote cheaper medicines. The law office of former Supreme Court Asociate Justice Santiago Kapunan and lawyer-educator Adel Tamano serves as Sahar’s legal counsel in this suit.

The multinational earlier filed a suit against Sahar Pharma to question the legality of parallel importation of drugs. The complaint was dismissed by the Justice Department, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

The SC ruled that the three pharmaceutical companies failed to prove that the law prohibited the parallel importation of medicines. The SC added the government was actually encouraging parallel importation to make medicine more affordable.

Drug firm pushes full implementation of cheaper medicine law

By Nestor Etolle (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – An official of a drug firm is urging the government to fully implement the Cheaper Medicine Act so the public would not have to be burdened with buying expensive drugs.

In a forum in Manila, Muhammad Ateeque, co-director of Sahar International Trading Inc. (SITI), said multinational firms are lobbying against the implementation of the law because this would reduce their profits.

Ateeque said people, especially the poor, should be given the right to choose the medicine they can afford as long as it is genuine and duly registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

National Bureau of Investigation agents recently raided a SITI warehouse based on a complaint by certain multinational firms that it was selling fake medicine, Ateeque said. The NBI later cleared the SITI after it found no counterfeit drugs in its warehouse.

Ateeque said his firm has almost 100 products duly registered with the FDA and these are the cheapest drugs the poor can afford.

He said an example is their life-saving drug for cancer sold by multi-national drug companies at P130,000 for 30 tablets, while theirs sells at only P8,000 for the same quantity and effect.

Ateeque said President Aquino should have strong political will to implement the Cheaper Medicine Act to enable people to buy quality medicine and even solve the illegal entry of imported drugs.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=634740&publicationSubCategoryId=65

For Kidney Dialysis - Interferon Alfa-2b Pre Filled Syringe and Vial

Interferon Alpha-2b

Methods & Procedures of Subcutaneous Injection

A subcutaneous injection is administered into the subcutis, where there are abundant lymphatic systems. There Interferon Alfa-2b (SHAFERON) can be more easily absorbed and utilized, hence the body immune system will be better boosted up and better curative effects will be achieved. The detailed injection procedures are as below:

1     Resume the product to normal temperature: Take SHAFERON pre-filled syringe out from the fridge 30 min before injection, in order for it to resume to normal temperature.

SHAFERON should be stored under 2-8 centigrade, protect from light.)

2     Choose injection site:

Ø   The outer area of the upper arm;

Ø   Abdomen, except the area right around the navel (a 2-inch circle);

Ø   The front of the thigh, midway to the outer side, 4 inches below the top of the thigh to 4 inches above the knee.

3     Disinfection: select a site and cleanse the area (about 2 inches) with a fresh cotton ball soaked in 2% iodine. Wait for the site to dry and then cleanse the site again with a fresh alcohol pad (or cotton ball) soaked in 70% alcohol. After the site is dry, injection can be given.

Disinfection with only alcohol pad is also acceptable.

4     Discharge Air: Take out the pre-filled syringe from the pack, remove the rubber cap, hold the syringe with the needle facing upward, then tap the syringe gently to bring the air bubble to the top. Then push the plunger slightly until one drop of the medication is pushed out. Take care to push the plunger tenderly so that to ensure accuracy of dose injected and also avoid waste of medication.

5    Injection

5.1    Injection with your family member’s help:

At the outer area of the upper arm or the front of the thigh: flat the skin with your thumb and forefinger of one hand, use the other hand to hold the syringe at 45° to your skin and then insert the needle in one quick motion with the needle bevel facing upwards. The whole needle shall be inserted into the skin. Pull back the plunger to check for blood; if there is no backflow blood, and then slowly push the plunger to inject the medication.

At the abdomen: choose abdomen which is beyond 5 cm of the navel as the injection site, grab the skin firmly with your thumb and forefinger, and use the other hand to hold the syringe at 45° to your skin and then insert the needle in one quick motion with the needle bevel facing upwards (for patients with standard or higher than standard weight, it is recommended to inject the medication with needle facing vertically to the skin). The whole needle shall be inserted into the skin. Pull back the plunger to check for blood; if there is no backflow blood, and then slowly push the plunger to inject the medication.

5.2   Methods for Self-Injection:

When you are conducting self-injection at the outer area of your upper arm, it is recommended that you raise your arm and let your hand stay naturally at your waist (sitting posture and standing posture are both okay). Then use your other hand to hold the syringe at 45° to your skin and then insert the needle in one quick motion with the bevel facing upwards. The whole needle shall be inserted into the skin. Pull back the plunger to check for blood; if there is no backflow blood, and then slowly push the plunger to inject the medication.

Note: For self-injection at the abdomen and the front of your thigh, the method is the same with that of “Injection with your family member’s help”.

6     Completion of Injection

Let the needle stay inside your skin for 3~5 seconds so that the medication will diffuse. Then pull out the needle quickly, and gently hold a sterilized cotton pad /ball to the injection site. Do not rub.

7     Post-Injection

After injection is completed, recap the needle and put it away in a special container for proper disposal.

Note:

1.   Please inquire your doctor or nurse if you are not very clear about the procedures.

2.   It is highly recommended that SHAFERON should reach room temperature at the time of injection.

3.   After the discharge of air, there should be no air bubble inside the syringe.

4.   You should insert & pull out the needle quickly and do NOT change the angle.

5.   For patients who need regular injection, it is recommended to rotate injection sites regularly.

6.   When you are pressing on the injection point gently, do NOT rub.

  

PFS subcutaneous injection system interferon with higher clinical compliance

Beijing Kawin Technology Share-Holding Co., Ltd. (Kawin Technology) was established by Beijing Kawin Bio-Tech Co., Ltd. Located in Beijing BDA area (known as ‘Pharmaceutical Valley’), Kawin Technology is a High-Tech Enterprise recognized by Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Committee. Based on its advanced biotechnology platforms, Kawin is committed to become a professional company that provides all-round solutions in the two major fields of Hepatology and Neurology.

 Endeavoring to provide highest quality and most convenient Interferon

Ø  Provide most convenient dosage form – pre-filled syringe, increases patient compliance

     l Interferon Alfa-2b (SHAFERON) adopts 27G needle, which significantly decreases pain

     feeling.

l   Safe & convenient for patients to carry out self-injection at home or on trips.

 Ø  Best administration method – subcutaneous injection, improves clinical efficacy

l  With a short needle, Interferon Alfa-2b (SHAFERON) is most suitable for subcutane

l  Interferon Alfa-2b (SHAFERON) will be easily absorbed in lymphatic system through subcutaneously injection, and therefore enhancing bioavailability;

l  Through subcutaneous injection, Interferon Alfa-2b (SHAFERON) has longer half-life and its efficacy will last longer.

Ø  Best administration time – in the evening, reduces the impact of adverse reactions ^[3]

l  Administration of Interferon Alfa-2b (SHAFERON) is more appropriate in the afternoon or evening. Since body resistance is stronger in the evening, the impact of adverse reactions will be reduced.

References

[1] Supplied by BG, Germany.

[2] J Clin Pharmacol, pharmacokinetics of interferon α2b in healthy volunteers 1987; 27:432-435;

[3] Wang Boying, et al, Impact of α Interferon on body temperature in patients with chronic hepatitis, J Norman Bethune University of Medical Science, 2000, 26 (1): 69-70.

Ø  Most convenient dosage form – pre-filled syringe, increases patient compliance

Ø  Best administration method – subcutaneous injection, improves clinical efficacy

Ø  Best administration time – in the evening, reduces the impact of adverse reactions

Brief Prescribing for:

Indication	Recommended dosage and administration
Chronic hepatitis B	3-6MIU once daily or three times a week, administered subcutaneously, continuously for 6 months.
Acute and chronic hepatitis C	3-6MIU once daily or three times a week, administered subcutaneously, continuously for 12 months.
Blood diseases	Chronic myelogenous leukemia: 3-5MIU/m2 once daily administered subcutaneously, also can be administered simultaneously with chemotherapy medicines such as hydroxycarbamide or Ara-C. All patients with complete hematological responses should continue injection every other day. The cytogenetic changes may be achieved in 9-10 months. Hairy cell leukemia: 2-8MIU/m2 administered once daily, continuously for not less than 3 months. The response is achieved usually after 1-2 months of treatment.
Carcinoma	Renal cell carcinoma: 6MIU administered subcutaneously three times a week, continuously for 8 weeks, simultaneously with chemotherapy. Multiple myeloma: 3-5MIU/m2 administered subcutaneously three times a week, simultaneously with chemotherapy such as VMCP. Malignant melanoma: 6MIU administered subcutaneously three times a week, continuously for 1 month, simultaneously with chemotherapy. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: 3-5MIU/m2 administered subcutaneously three times a week, simultaneously with chemotherapy such as CHVP; 8-12 weeks as one treatment course, The treatment should be maintained for 12 months unless patient’s illness is exacerbated rapidly or severe intolerance occurs.
Dermatology	Herpes zoster: 1MIU administered subcutaneously once daily, continuously for 6 days. And taking acycloguanosine orally at the same time. Condylomata acuminata: 1-3MIU administered subcutaneously each day, continuously for 4 weeks. Another method is 1MIU injected intralesionally each time, while simultaneously treating with laser or electrotherapeutics.

Preparation:

1.  Interferon Alfa-2b 3MIU/Ml Pre-filled Syringe (SHAFERON) - BFAD Reg. No: BR-771

2.  Interferon Alfa-2b 5MIU/Ml Pre-filled Syringe (SHAFERON) - BFAD Reg. No: BR-770

3.  Interferon Alfa-2b 6MIU/Ml Pre-filled Syringe (SHAFERON) - BFAD Reg. No: BR-769

4.  Interferon Alfa-2b 1MIU/Ml Vial (SHAFERON) - BFAD Reg. No: BR-768

5.  Interferon Alfa-2b 3MIU/Ml Vial (SHAFERON) - BFAD Reg. No: BR-767

We are looking for some distributors who can promote our products nation wide.

Contact us for product inquiry:

Tel: 358 0251/829 7294

Email: info@saharint.com / info@saharpharma.com

website: www.saharpharma.com

Charges Against Drug Firm Junked

Published : Friday, April 08, 2011 00:00
Written by : Beth Gelena


THE Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) has dismissed patent infringement charges filed by a multinational drug company against a local drug distributor, opening the gate for lower prices of imported drugs and stronger implementation of Cheap Medicine Law in the country.

The case, filed by Pfizer against Sahar International Trading Inc., stemmed from the selling and distribution of a drug that reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, lowers bad cholesterol level, and prevents other diseases.

The drug, being sold at a cheaper price by Sahar, has pharmaceutical ingredient called atorvastatin claimed to be patented by Pfizer.

In a 14-page decision dated March 11, 2011 penned by Judge Cesar Untalan, the courtexplained that “the unqualified right of private parties such as petitioner to import or possess “unregistered imported drugs” in the Philippines is confirmed by the Implementing Rules of Republic Act 9502 or the Cheaper Medicine Act promulgated on Nov. 4, 2008.

“Rule 9 (of RA 9502) states that the owner of a patent has no right to prevent third parties from performing (selling and distributing of drugs), without his authorization, the acts referred to in Section 71 of the International Patent Code," the court said.

“Using patented product which has been put in the market in the Philippines by the owner of the product, the limitation on patent rights shall apply after the medicine has been introduced in the Philippines or anywhere else in the world by the patent owner.”

The court concluded: “It is laudable that with the passage of Republic Act 9502, the State has allowed sensible and compassionate approach with respect to the importation of pharmaceutical drugs urgently necessary for people’s constitutionally-recognized right to health.”

Source:
Journal Online | Daily News from the Philippines
External Link

Court Junks Infringement Raps vs Local Drug Firm

Published on March 28, 2011 at The Daily Tribune News Paper Philippines.

The Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) has dismissed the patent infringement charges filed by a multinational drug company against a local drug distributor, opening the gate for lower prices of imported drugs and stronger implementation of Cheap Medicine Law in the country.

The case, filed by Pfizer against Sahar International Trading Inc., stemmed from the selling and distribution of a drug that reduces the risks of heart attack and stroke, lowers bad cholesterol level and prevents other diseases.

The drug, being sold at a cheaper price by Sahar, has pharmaceutical ingredient called atorvastatin claimed to be patented by Pfizer.

In a 14-page decision dated March 11, 2011 penned by Judge Cesar Untalan, the court explained that “the unqualified right of private parties such as petitioner to import or possess „unregistered imported drugs‟ in the Philippines is confirmed by the Implementing Rules of Republic Act 9502 or Cheaper Medicine Act promulgated on Nov. 4, 2008.

“Rule 9 (of RA 9502) states that the owner of a patent has no right to prevent third parties from performing (selling and distributing of drugs), without his authorization, the acts referred to in section 71 of the International Patent Code,” the court said.

“Using patented product which has been put in the market in the Philippines by the owner of the product,” the limitation on patent rights shall apply after the medicine has been introduced in the Philippines or anywhere else in the world by the patent owner.

The court said: “It is laudable that with the passage of Republic Act 9502, the State has allowed sensible and compassionate approach with respect to the importation of pharmaceutical drugs urgently necessary for people‟s constitutionally-recognized right to health.”

Sahar president and co-owner Muhammad Ateeque hailed the court decision, saying this would benefit millions of Filipinos as cheaper drugs would be accessible to them.

Sahar spokesman Mack Macalanggan said Sahar‟s victory is also the triumph of local drug importers in the Philippines.

Source Link:
http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110328met5.html