Democratic lawmakers are likely to provide new momentum for the generic drug agenda. They are expected to propose to increase restrictions on "authorized generic" medications. After medications lose patent protection, brand-name pharmaceutical companies in some cases continue to market the medications at full price and also allow generic pharmaceutical companies to market authorized generic versions of the treatments in exchange for a share of the revenue. Opponents maintain that authorized generic medications reduce market competition and lead to higher prices for consumers.

A proposal to increase restrictions on authorized generic medications, which might lead to lower drug costs and doesn't involve government-imposed price controls or the controversies surrounding imported medicines, likely would resonate with many lawmakers.

(Wilde Mathews, Wall Street Journal, 11/21)