The variety of diseases continues to grow over time. This presents a challenge for the pharmaceutical industry to keep innovating and developing medicines to alleviate the ailments affecting the public.
Developing such medicines requires in-depth research by pharmaceutical companies. Following research and development, companies conduct clinical trials to verify dosage, efficacy, and safety before the drug is released for public sale and consumption.
Once safety is confirmed and the drug's composition is proven suitable for treating the target condition, a patent is registered. A patent is an ownership right granted by the state to the creator of a new and useful invention. To qualify for a patent, the invention must be novel—something previously unknown to experts in the field.
Consequently, once produced and patented, the drug is assured to be safe for consumption. In other words, obtaining approval from the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) guarantees quality regarding chemical composition, benefits, and effectiveness in treating the disease.
The entire process—from initial research to the final production of a new drug—is time-consuming. Furthermore, the investment required by pharmaceutical companies is substantial.
A patent serves as a mark of authenticity, giving the public confidence in the product's outcome. The drug's composition is precisely tailored to the specific disease it is intended to treat.
Prof. Dr. Hasbullah Thabrany, MPH, Dr.PH, Head of the Center for Health Economics and Policy Studies at the University of Indonesia, emphasizes that since 2014, all patented drugs required by the National Health Insurance (JKN) system have been available on the Indonesian market.
JKN-enrolled patients even have the right to take legal action against hospitals or doctors if they fail to receive the appropriate medication and subsequently suffer adverse effects. References:
-https://hellosehat.com/hidup-sehat/fakta-unik/apakah-obat-paten-pasti-ampuh/
