Posted by Mark H. on March 21, 2002, at 20:26:04
In reply to When do we get Adrafinil in US??, posted by Katie Rose on March 21, 2002, at 18:09:08
Hi Katie Rose,
I've asked myself the same question and came up with this possible answer:
The makers of Olmifon (adrafinil) face two significant obstacles to marketing it in the US: 1.) Provigil (based on a metabolite of adrafinil, I believe) is newer, stronger, already approved by the FDA and selling extremely well, despite the high cost to the consumer; and 2.) adrafinil is associated with a higher incidence of serious side-effects (notably liver damage, as your doctor said).
From a business standpoint, it's expensive for a pharmaceutical company to get FDA approval. Likewise, any drug that causes serious harm to a significant number of patients is more likely to result in lawsuits, which also costs them money. Finally, the introduction of adrafinil in the US might undercut their sales of Provigil and negatively affect their profits.
I think this one is all about money, and unless the business climate for pharmaceutical companies changes drastically, we may never see adrafinil offered here.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
poster:Mark H.
thread:99297
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020318/msgs/99330.html