Guerbet unafraid of generic onslaught
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Hospital doors may be opened to a flood of generics following the patent expiry on Bracco's imaging agent, iopamidol. "Unlikely," says Philippe Barthelet. "Generics will not be a significant part of the market because of the characteristics of contrast media." Contrast agents require huge quantities of active ingredients compared with therapeutic pharma- ceuticals. In addition, Mr Barthelet says the significant investment required and relatively low profit margins will deter generic manufacturers.