FDA’s OK of monopoly on new generic drugs

Re “What’s in a drug’s name?” Editorial, Aug. 9

It is hard to imagine why even a bureaucracy as relentlessly dense as the Food and Drug Administration would think it is encouraging competition by granting a monopoly on new generic drugs after the patent on the original medication has expired. It is a simple deal -- the generic manufacturer gets protection from competition from the FDA and then graciously accepts a fee from the original manufacturer not to produce the generic drug.

The cure for this stupidity is not legions of federal investigators. The FDA should immediately stop trying to regulate the economy. It should allow any firm producing generic drugs to bring them to market if the patent of the creator has expired -- instead of granting exclusive rights to keep the generic off the market.

RICHARD E. RALSTON

Executive Director

Americans for Free Choice

in Medicine

Newport Beach