Local pharmaceutical manufacturers committed to fair pricing

KUCHING: In response to recent news regarding price hikes by US pharmaceutical firms, the Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries( MO PI) clarified that these increases do not reflect the pricing trends of locally manufactured generic medicines in Malaysia.

As representatives of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, MOPI in a statement, underscores that the prices of generic medicines within our borders are determined by market competition, which includes both locally produced and imported medicines.

This competitive market ensures that generic medicines remain fair and affordable to Malaysian consumers. Hence, MOPI encourages patients to consider generic medications as a cost-effective alternative.

MOPI emphasizes that while affordability is key, this does not compromise the quality of generic medicines. All generic medicines in Malaysia are subjected to rigorous examination by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), including mandatory Bioequivalence and Clinical studies, to guarantee their interchangeability with innovator products.

Furthermore, NPRA, as a member of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), ensures that Malaysia’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standard signifies a level of excellence, allowing our members’ products to be accepted by over 65 countries worldwide, including highly regulated markets such as US, Europe and Australia.

“Despite the challenges of currency exchange rate, inflation and increased manufacturing costs, the Malaysian pharmaceutical manufacturing industry remains steadfast in its commitment to providing fair priced, high-quality and accessible medicines, as evidenced during the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

“In 2022, about 50 per cent of all medicines consumed in Malaysia were supplied by the local pharmaceutical manufacturers.

“MOPI aims to increase the supply of locally manufactured medicines to 80 per cent in 2027, as this will ensure sustainable supply of affordable medicines.

“MOPI and its members will continue to work in partnership with key stakeholders to introduce policies to achieve medicine security of affordable medicines and contribute to the health and well-being of all Malaysians,” it said.