Generics/Research

Brand-name and generics labels don’t match

Generics/Research | Posted 18/01/2013

According to US federal law generics manufacturers have to have the same labelling as their brand-named counterparts. However, a new study has found that in practice this is often not the case.

Patent cliff winners and losers

Generics/Research | Posted 11/01/2013

During 2011 and 2012 a whole host of patents have expired on many blockbuster drugs. In fact it was estimated that in 2012 US$33 billion of sales would be lost due to the patent cliff [1].

US pharmacists positive about generic drugs

Generics/Research | Posted 14/12/2012

Pharmacists, prescribers and patients often voice concerns about the safety and efficacy of generic drugs when they are substituted for brand-name drugs. Results of a survey, reported by Ms Laurie Scudder, shows that pharmacist and prescriber opinions on generic drugs in the US are generally positive, see Figure 1.

Overview of research on ‘specific’ policies aimed at generics in 2012

Generics/Research | Posted 14/12/2012

Period: January to August 2012

Countries around the world have embraced generics due to their cost-saving potential. Many governments already have policies in place to promote the use of generic medicines, and as health systems face continuous cost pressures and demands to invest in new technologies, generics can only become more important.

Safety and efficacy of generic tenofir/lamivudine/efavirenz combination

Generics/Research | Posted 14/12/2012

New research shows the safety and efficacy of a generics combination of tenofir, lamivudine and efavirenz in the treatment of HIV-infected patients in Thailand [1].

Black-box safety warnings and the future of generic drug liability

Generics/Research | Posted 07/12/2012

Generic medicines currently have no responsibility for adding warnings about adverse effects of their medicines. Despite the US Supreme Court ruling that it was ‘impossible’ to force generics manufacturers to update their labels with the latest warnings, many feel that they have an ethical responsibility to do just that [1].

Overview of research on ‘general’ policies aimed at generics in 2012

Generics/Research | Posted 30/11/2012

Period: January to August 2012

Many governments around the world already have policies in place to promote the use of generic medicines, and with the increasing cost of health care and restrictions on budgets the need for low cost, quality medications can only become more important.

The ethics of generic drug liability

Generics/Research | Posted 30/11/2012

What responsibility should the manufacturers of generic medicines bear for warnings about adverse effects of their medicines? Indeed, what responsibility should be borne by the original manufacturers of these drugs? What happens if an adverse effect is noticed after the drug has been in use for many years? Such questions are being pondered in the US after a recent ruling in which the Supreme Court decided it was ‘impossible’ to force generics manufacturers to update their labels with the latest warnings.

History and future of pay-for-delay

Generics/Research | Posted 23/11/2012

Pay-for-delay is a constant issue in both the US and Europe. But how did these settlements first come about and how have US courts attitudes towards such deals affected the pharmaceutical market [1].

Overview of clinical research on generics in 2012

Generics/Research | Posted 09/11/2012

Period: January to August 2012

Generic drug alternatives to brand-name prescription medications are becoming increasingly important in the global drug market as governments strive to contain healthcare costs and as an increasing number of prescription drugs lose patent protection.