Malta: Generic drug makers have found a new home in Malta. Because
of the island's small population, many pharmaceutical companies
never registered patents locally in order to save money. Among the
advantages are the country's interpretation of patent laws,
enabling development of a generic drug to begin six years after the
first application for authorization, its small size, which allows easier
access to government officials and low labor costs. The
government's business friendly incentives have already attracted 20
small drug firms. Headquartered in Iceland, drug firm Actavis is
manufacturing its generic copy of the antidepressant Zoloft on the
island, which will begin shipping to Europe in October, giving it a
critical head start in the market. However, pharmaceutical companies
have begun registering patents on the island and the influx of companies
has strained the infrastructure and supply of qualified staff.
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