A generic version of Risdiplam, a medication used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), could soon be without warning in India at $ 183.47 per bottle, a strong fall of 97% of the current rate or $ 750 dollars. The news has been welcomed by activists and medical care patients as a significant development.
Government intervention in this is critical, says KM Gopakumar, a legal investigator who works in the area of access to medicines.
“Likewise, with this possible cost cut, the medicine will remain excessively and beyond the reach of a large proportion of patients. The central government can intervene, acquire these medications and reduce the price in a way that is more affordable, 1970 can also elso Elso also Elso also Elso also Elso Elso Elso Elso Elso Elso Elso Elso Elso elso of Thatso de Thatomde.
Legal battle
Indian generic manufacturer Natco Pharma announced that he could market a generic version of Risdiplam in ₹ 15,900, equivalent to $ 183.47. Natco published this information in the context of his legal battle with Roche Pharma, the current head of drug patents. The Superior Court of Delhi has rejected Roche’s plea by a provisional court order against Natco for alleged violation of its patent.
All patients and their families are waiting for an affordable treatment option, says Saifullah Khalidi, representative of patients with SMA and defender of disability rights.
“The SMA is a life condition and Roche’s medicine improves the quality of life.
Mr. Khalidi added that, without treatment, patients with SMA fight with reduced mobility, find respiratory challenges and generally have a short useful life. “This medicine is essential to guarantee the quality of life of patients with SMA,” he emphasized.
Do not cure
SMA is a genetic disorder that causes weakness and waste, or atrophy, or muscles used for movement. It is caused by a loss of motor neurons, nerve cells specialized in the spinal cord that control muscle movement.
Symptoms vary according to the type of SMA, but may include muscle weakness, difficulty with movement, respiratory problems, difficulties in swallowing and scoliosis. There is currently no cure for SMA, but treatments can help control symptoms and improve the quality of life, with some therapies.
Evresdi (Risdiplam), an oral medication of a small molecule, is the first and only approved treatment for SMA in India, manufactured by Roche. In addition, Nusinersen (Spinraza), another disease -modifying therapy, is available in India through a special program for selected children.
“Access to medicines means a better quality of life. I could raise ₹ 61 Lakh through collective financing in 2022, which cools access to Roche’s medicine for about a year, I have bone as a cost of copy of high medically medicinally guaranteeing a better life for people living with SMA,” said the writer and patient Sma Sarmista, who leaves Assam.
Published – April 12, 2025 3:01 am isth
