One of my favorite teachers from school once gave some students the task of building a bridge that could hold their weight from a variety of basic objects, including wooden rulers. The kids were put into groups – and most of the groups started to squabble about who should be in charge, who had the best ideas and so on. Only one group actually succeeded. Their ace strategy was: “Let’s try this!” CRASH! “Let’s try this!” CRASH!
Eventually, after a lot of destruction, they managed to build a bridge that worked. Incidentally, the group that comprised the brightest students in the class performed the task the most poorly. They were so intent on discussing the problem that they achieved nothing.
We’re all aware there are some fundamental issues in how drugs are developed, manufactured and priced. The industry talks about these issues a lot, but I really like to see companies rolling up their sleeves and trying something new that might help.
Civica Rx is one company I’ve been keeping an eye on since their formation in 2018. The company was set up as a not-for-profit to manufacture generic medicines in the US. Why? Because shortages and high prices are rife amongst generic medicines. The company is headed by Martin Van Trieste; someone I had the pleasure of interviewing a few years ago for our sister publication, The Medicine Maker (https://themedicinemaker.com/manufacture/global-vigilance). I urge you to read the article where he discusses the heparin crisis because it really showcases his passion for the industry – and frustration when things go wrong.
Shortly after Civicia Rx was created, the company was mentioned by an FDA official at a conference I was attending. She admired what the company was attempting to do, but she seemed a little skeptical about whether they could pull it off. Others in the audience also seemed to share the same sentiment.
It’s early days and it could still go CRASH but in less than two years Civica Rx has partnered with over 1200 hospitals and now produces 18 generic medications. Whatever you think of their approach, their achievements are impressive. The company’s ANDAs have been acquired from contractors or partnerships, but the company will soon begin developing its own ANDAs.
As a New Year’s Resolution for 2020, let’s all try something a bit different. Because you never know where it may lead.
Making great scientific magazines isn’t just about delivering knowledge and high quality content; it’s also about packaging these in the right words to ensure that someone is truly inspired by a topic. My passion is ensuring that our authors’ expertise is presented as a seamless and enjoyable reading experience, whether in print, in digital or on social media. I’ve spent fourteen years writing and editing features for scientific and manufacturing publications, and in making this content engaging and accessible without sacrificing its scientific integrity. There is nothing better than a magazine with great content that feels great to read.
