In its latest bid to rework the marketplace for generic drugs, the Civica Rx nonprofit is teaming with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and 18 of its health plans to supply copycat medicines and combat rising prices.
The nonprofit, which was formed two years ago by several hospital systems and philanthropic foundations, is creating a new subsidiary with $55 million in backing from Blue Cross and the plans. But other health plans and pharmacy chains will be encouraged to join and expand the effort, which involves manufacturing — either in-house or through a contracted supplier — up to 10 yet-to-be-determined generics by early 2022.
The goal is to provide a salve to rising prices and shortages caused by either manufacturing disruptions or a dwindling number of suppliers, according to Martin VanTrieste, who runs Civica Rx. The same concerns prompted the nonprofit to initially strike deals with generic companies to produce 18 injectable medicines for hospitals. With that success, Civica Rx is now turning to a new market.
About the Author Reprints
