Quebec moves to reduce generic drug prices; the "patent cliff"

Two interesting articles. First, Quebec has applied its regulations requiring it to pay the lowest price available in the other provinces for generic drugs, slashing to 25% of the brand price to match Ontario regulations.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/generic-drug-battle-moves-to-quebec/article1623354/

Quebec's rules have always struck me as a bit "beggar-thy-neighbour". In any case, analysts are questioning how this will affect the profitability of Jean Coutu, and Pharmascience is musing about cutting jobs in Quebec.

Here's a column that has a discussion of the "patent cliff" - when many patents for blockbuster drugs will expire around the same time, slashing their companies' revenues. The article specifically discusses Lipitor/Atorvastatin

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/patent-expiry-for-some-blockbuster-drugs-presents-huge-saving-opportunity/article1615338/?cmpid=rss1