MPs, health secretary more open to compulsory licensing of CF drugs

The formation of a buyer's club in the U.K. may have pushed more MPs to support compulsory licensing of Vertex's cystic fibrosis drugs. At a Parliamentary debate Monday -- the fifth such debate over access to Orkambi ivacaftor/lumacaftor in almost four years -- the health ministry signaled a willingness to pursue the radical option.

MPs had previously expressed concern over a Crown Use License at a February debate, which would allow another manufacturer to produce a generic form of Orkambi without the consent of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VRTX). The development and testing of a generic alternative could take longer -- and be more expensive -- than reaching a deal with Vertex (see "MPs Question Cost of an Orkambi Compulsory License")...