Last week, Japan approved the first ever generic version of biotech drug industry, thus increasing the affordability of the expensive biotech drugs. This is a great opportunity for the generic players. One fallout of the approval is greater competition - a blessing for customers. However, the market is large enough to accommodate many players. Estimates put the global biotech market (growing at 12% a year) value in the range of $80-90 billion.

Leading players in the biotech space to be affected from the move are Amgen (AMGN), Gilead Sciences (GILD), and Genzyme (GENZ) among others.

The issue of data exclusivity is yet to be decided in the US. The period of protection for branded companies is the most debatable point, where they are asking for 12-14 years' exclusivity. The US law-makers are aware of this delay. Henry Waxman, chairman of the House of Representatives Energy