#71 – Katherine Eban: Widespread fraud in the generic drug industry
Summary

In this podcast episode, the host discusses the use of generic drugs and the regulatory process that governs their production. The episode features an interview with investigative journalist Catherine Eban, who exposes the fraudulent practices of the Indian pharmaceutical company Ranbaxy. The discussion covers various aspects of the pharmaceutical industry, including the role of the FDA in ensuring drug safety and efficacy, the Hatch-Waxman Act that created a pathway for generic drug makers to apply for FDA approval, and the prevalence of fraud and corruption in the industry. The episode also highlights the importance of patient education and engagement in navigating the complexities of the drug market. The speaker recommends using tools like GoodRx to compare prices of medications and partnering with a single pharmacy to ensure consistency. The episode concludes with a call for reform in the FDA's foreign inspection program and a need for increased transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry.