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2005 drugs review in France:
a high price to pay for non-progress

2005 was remarkable for its lack of therapeutic improvements and persistent governmental failings.

In 2005, the number of new drugs that came onto the market and were analysed by Prescrire was similar to previous years: 231 new drugs (including 178 generics); 52 noteworthy modifications to marketing authorisations; 124 additions to ranges; 37 miscellaneous or name changes; 154 withdrawals from the market, including 11 for safety reasons. The number of innovations that represent a real therapeutic improvement is small, and there is a marked increase in the number of poorly evaluated drugs which expose patients to unjustifiable risks. Authorities were too slow in withdrawing drugs presenting a poor benefit-harm balance, and the drug regulatory bodies lacked transparency with regard to adverse effects. Drugs advertising aimed at health professionals seems to be subject to virtually no control, with only 12 bans in 2005. Although advertising prescription drugs to the general public is prohibited, it is on the rise, often masquerading as "information" on health and diseases. The prices of new drugs continue to escalate wildly, bearing no relation to the cost of research or to their therapeutic value. In a bankrupt innovation system, pharmaceutical companies' sales techniques are growing increasingly aggressive. It is time for the authorities to right the balance in the interests of public health.

©Prescrire February 2006

Source: "L'année 2005 du médicament : la dérégulation s'accentue" Rev Prescrire 2006 ; 26 (269) : 140-150.

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