The New York Times reported on Tuesday that "a bitter Congressional fight over the cost of superexpensive biotechnology drugs has come down to a single, hotly debated number: How many years should makers of those drugs be exempt from generic competition?"

According to the article, the types of drugs at issue include Avodex, which treats multiple sclerosis and runs $20,000 a year, Avastin, which can cost more than $50,000 and several Genzyme drugs for special and rare diseases which can run patients over $200,000 a year.

Congress, in its overhaul of the healthcare system to reduce unnecessary costs, is preparing legislation to enable the FDA to approve generic or copycat versions of these highly expensive biotechnology drugs.

Do you think this is the right move? Discuss in the message boards after clicking here to read the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/business/22biogenerics.html?_r=1&ref=health