Generics/Research

Increased use of generic statins proves cost effective in Australia

Generics/Research | Posted 25/05/2012

A recent study concluded that closing the statin ‘treatment gap’ using generics was cost-effective in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Australia [1].

Can generic competition succeed at reducing cost of atorvastatin?

Generics/Research | Posted 11/05/2012

The generic form of the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor (atorvastatin) has the potential for significant cost savings for payers following its introduction in November 2011. However, ‘aggressive business tactics’ by Pfizer may stifle generics competition and so prevent prices from falling as much as predicted.

Comparison of brand-name and biosimilar etanercept in Korea

Generics/Research | Posted 04/05/2012

A study comparing pharmacokinetics and tolerability of branded etanercept (25 mg) and its biosimilar (25 mg) in Korea reported by Gu et al has shown that the reference drug and the test biosimilar met the standard criteria for assuming bioequivalence as defined by Korean regulatory authorities [1].

Cheap generic drug stops fatal bleeding but gets little use

Generics/Research | Posted 13/04/2012

According to a systematic review of data, use of a cheap generic drug could potentially save many trauma patients every year [1].

Patients do not talk about generics with doctors

Generics/Research | Posted 06/04/2012

One of the main financial concerns expressed by adults in the US is the cost of medications and medical bills, however, despite this fact, very few patients talk about the price of prescription medicines with their physicians, according to Consumer Reports' monthly nationally representative survey [1].

Attitudes towards prescribing generics in Malaysia

Generics/Research | Posted 30/03/2012

A recent study carried out in Malaysia has shown that pharmacists in the country have a lack of confidence in generic medicines produced by local pharmaceutical companies [1].

Brand-name atorvastatin cheaper than generics

Generics/Research | Posted 23/03/2012

Despite generics of Pfizer’s blockbuster cholesterol-reducing drug Lipitor (atorvastatin) being available in the US since the patent expired in November 2011, many patients are still receiving the brand-name drug [1].

Cost savings due to prescribing of generic PPIs and statins in Scotland

Generics/Research | Posted 16/03/2012

Significant cost savings can be made by governments by encouraging prescribing of generics rather than brand-name drugs. In Scotland, in an effort to control medicines expenditure, measures were introduced in 2000 to encourage the prescribing of generic proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and statins [1].

Impact of measures to encourage generics prescribing in Scotland

Generics/Research | Posted 02/03/2012

Since 2000, measures have been introduced in Scotland in order to encourage use of generic rather than brand-name proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and statins [1]. The impact of these measures on the prescribing practices in Scotland has been positive. Generics use has increased, and costs for the Scottish government have decreased.

Prescribing of generic PPIs and statins in Scotland

Generics/Research | Posted 24/02/2012

In Scotland, a series of measures have been introduced since 2000 in order to encourage use of generic rather than brand-name proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and statins [1]. Some of the measures introduced include: