I wonder which will happen first: discovery of effective small-molecule drugs in this class, or improvements of peptide manufacturing to the point that cheap generics become possible. There are only 7 years left on the semaglutide patent but its manufacturing is currently so complicated that I don't expect really cheap generics after patent expiration.
I am not familiar with the specifics of manufacturing these drugs, but peptide molecules have been synthesized for decades. What makes these special?
Considering the high prices of the marketed product, I would dispute the idea that generic manufacturers will not leap at the chance to get a taste. Even if it is technically complex, they have years to perfect a recipe, get it GMP qualified, and on shelves the day patents expire.
My understanding is that the manufacturing costs have nothing whatsoever to do with why they’re so expensive. It’s already damn near aspirin-cheap to make.
