There is a current debate surrounding whether to allow differential naming of similar biologic products. If Coke and Pepsi both had to be sold as Copsi, there would be reduced incentives for the two firms to try to make their version of the generic product, cola, something consumers liked better than the competitor’s version. Likewise, not allowing branding of similar biologic products will lead to a race to the bottom in their overall quality that has the potential to be very dangerous to US patients. The common justification for banning differential names is to enhance price-competition among biologics, but there are far more effective ways to achieve that goal without sacrificing patient safety.
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