The drug industry is threatening to end its support for President Barack Obama's health overhaul effort because of a rift over protecting brand-name biotech drugs from low-cost generic competitors.

The Associated Press has obtained an e-mail to board members of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America from the trade group's president saying "we could not support the bill" if the industry gets less than 12 years of competitive protection for the expensive products.

The pharmaceutical industry has been a major supporter of Obama's health effort. It has spent many tens of millions of dollars on advertising and lobbying.

Obama, along with generic producers and consumer groups, want a shorter period of protection.