MPs question cost of an Orkambi compulsory license

Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care Steve Brine said a compulsory license for cystic fibrosis drug Orkambi ivacaftor/lumacaftor could cost NHS England more in the long run than negotiating a deal with Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VRTX).

The remarks came during a Parliamentary debate on Feb. 4 called by MP Bill Wiggin to discuss whether the U.K. government should grant a Crown Use License to allow another manufacturer to produce a generic form of Orkambi without Vertex's consent. Less than 20 MPs were present for the debate, which occurred after 10 p.m. in London...