Generics/Research

Is India ready to use only generics?

Generics/Research | Posted 18/03/2016

This editorial provides a balanced and neutral perspective of the debate regarding use of brand-name versus generic medicines, from an Indian endocrine point of view. It helps stakeholders arrive at appropriate decisions, using a process of informed and shared decision-making [1].

The satisfaction of healthcare payers, patients and physicians with generic imatinib

Generics/Research | Posted 05/08/2016

With the begining of the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) became a chronic disease, in which good responding patients usually have a life expectancy similar to the age- and sex-matched normal population [1]. In many countries, the first-line treatment of chronic phase CML is imatinib mesylate (IM). Whereas, especially in some developed countries, second generation TKIs (dasatinib, nilotinib) which have deeper and faster responses, but are also more expensive than IM, are utilized in the upfront setting. The introduction of TKIs increased the prevalence of CML, and optimal responders to IM should continue therapy indefinitely, so the originator TKI treatment (Gleevec) surely put a strain on healthcare providers even in developed countries.

Competition in the generics industry

Generics/Research | Posted 21/10/2016

In theory, an increase in the use of generics should help to reduce overall drug expenditures. However, growth in spending on medicines in the US increased by US$46.2 billion, or 12.2%, over 2014 levels, reaching US$425 billion in 2015 [1]. This increase comes despite a simultaneous growth in spending on generics, which increased by US$7.9 billion (7.4%) to US$114.1 billion in 2015.

Generic antibiotics could be contributing to bacterial resistance

Generics/Research | Posted 07/10/2016

Therapeutic non-equivalence of generic antibiotics could be contributing to the global problem of bacterial resistance, according to researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia in Colombia.

Different approaches to bioequivalence trials for EMA evaluation

Generics/Research | Posted 23/09/2016

Selection of robust bioequivalence study designs is a difficult task for manufacturers of generics. Author Nathaniel Refalo from the Malta Medicines Authority and colleagues therefore investigated whether different approaches in various products assessed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) during the approval phase resulted in a reduction in the resources required to show bioequivalence [1].

South Africa’s expedited registration policy not speeding up access to biosimilars

Generics/Research | Posted 16/09/2016

Since South Africa’s National Department of Health (DoH) implemented a fast-track registration policy in 2003 the large number of generics applications has led to a backlog in approvals [1]. This has led to concern that this backlog is having a detrimental effect on patient access to critical pharmaceutical medicines and in particular biosimilars [2].

South Africa’s expedited registration policy for rapid access to critical medicines under threat by generics

Generics/Research | Posted 09/09/2016

In 2003, the National Department of Health (DoH) of South Africa implemented a fast-track registration policy, not only for new chemical entities (NCEs) considered essential for national health and which may not be on the Essential Medicines List (EML) of South Africa, but also for all medicines on the EML, the majority of which are generics [1].

Driving down drug prices: how regulators can influence affordability

Generics/Research | Posted 02/09/2016

In recent years there has been increasing global concern over drug prices and their affordability. And what is the role played by regulators in drug pricing? This is the subject of discussion in a recent paper co-authored by the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Executive Director Guido Rasi, its Senior Medical Officer Hans-Georg Eichler, the Executive Director of Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board Hugo Hurts, and the President of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices Karl Broich [1]. Although the price of medicines is not within the regulatory remit, the authors find this an inescapable subject for debate and they outline possible regulatory interventions that could drive down drug prices.

Generics in seizure control

Generics/Research | Posted 26/08/2016

Are generic medicines for the control of epileptic seizures bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts? Steven Karceski [1] has recently reviewed a study carried out by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA in which they determine the bioequivalence of generic seizure control medications [2].

Ways to reduce drug costs in Australia

Generics/Research | Posted 29/07/2016

Drug costs in Australia are increasing at an alarming rate. This is driven mainly by expensive biological therapies, antiviral therapies for HIV and hepatitis C and new cancer treatments.

AES position statement on substitution of generic anti-epileptics

Generics/Research | Posted 01/07/2016

A paper by the American Epilepsy Society (AES) discusses how the society’s position on generics substitution of anti-epileptic drugs has changed according to the results of bioequivalence studies [1].

Reasons for the success of a generics company in the Sudan market

Generics/Research | Posted 24/06/2016

An exploratory, qualitative study carried out by colleagues from the University of Khartoum (Sudan) and Abertay University (UK) examined the reasons behind the success of a generics company that has been the market leader in Sudan for a decade from the perspective of employees and customers [1].

Pharmacists prefer generic OTC medicines

Generics/Research | Posted 17/06/2016

In the US, the use of generics has been lacking due to hesitation from consumers over whether generics are as safe and effective as brand-name medications. Pharmacists, on the other hand, have the education and training to know that generics are both safe and effective.

Enhancing prescribing efficiency in the Republic of Srpska

Generics/Research | Posted 28/06/2013

It has been claimed that countries with smaller populations have difficulties obtaining considerable price reductions for generics. However, evidence from the Republic of Srpska, which is one of the two constitutive entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a population of only 1.43 million, proves otherwise [1].

Equivalence of generic immunosuppressants

Generics/Research | Posted 31/05/2013

There are no compelling pharmacological arguments against the sensible use of the generic immunosuppressants ciclosporin, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil in clinical practice, argue pharmacologists working in drug evaluation in The Netherlands [1].

Alleviating concerns around generic antiepileptic medications

Generics/Research | Posted 23/11/2012

Reports that some patients with epilepsy were more likely to experience seizures and hospitalisation after switching from brand-name drugs to generic alternatives have led to concerns about generic antiepilepsy drugs (AEDs). A recent review, however, argues that the onset of seizures following a switch may be due more to the disruption of normal routine than the choice of medication. The authors suggest that AEDs are relatively safe and effective compared to innovator drugs.

Switching between generics of anti-epileptic drugs

Generics/Research | Posted 10/06/2016

Two different generic versions of anti-epilepsy medicine lamotrigine have been shown to be bioequivalent in patients with epilepsy and to not cause any differences in seizure frequency or adverse events, according to a study published in the February 2016 online edition of The Lancet Neurology.

Perceptions of the substitution of generics

Generics/Research | Posted 13/05/2016

Pharmacists are mostly positive about the substitution of generics for brand-name drugs, according to a study analysing negative perceptions about generics, carried out by researchers from New Zealand and the US [1].

Perceptions of the safety and side effects of generics

Generics/Research | Posted 06/05/2016

A quarter of doctors believe that generics are less safe and cause more side effects than brand-name drugs, according to a study carried out by researchers from New Zealand and the US [1].

Perceptions of the effectiveness and quality of generics

Generics/Research | Posted 29/04/2016

More than a quarter of doctors and the general public believe that generics are less effective and of poorer quality than brand-name drugs, according to a study carried out by researchers from New Zealand and the US [1].

Generics perceptions in patients, pharmacists and doctors

Generics/Research | Posted 22/04/2016

A significant proportion of the general public, pharmacists and doctors have negative perceptions about generics, according to a study carried out by researchers from New Zealand and the US [1].

Perception and knowledge of generics in Portugal

Generics/Research | Posted 04/03/2016

Patients in Portugal are misinformed about generics, according to researchers from the Bragança Polytechnic Institute [1].

Measures to increase generics use in Greece

Generics/Research | Posted 19/02/2016

Austerity has forced Greece to introduce a number of measures to reduce the amount it spends on healthcare. But how have measures aimed at increasing generics use in the country been perceived by stakeholders? This was a question Karampali and co-authors from the National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece tried to answer [1].

Consumer choice between generic and brand-name medicines in a small generics market

Generics/Research | Posted 12/02/2016

Background
Generics offer an opportunity to governments to contain pharmaceutical expenditures, as they are generally 10‒80% lower in price than the originator brand-name medicines. Belgium has a small generics market, which takes up 15% of the total pharmaceutical market (in packages sold).

Pharmacists’ attitudes towards domestic generics in Afghanistan

Generics/Research | Posted 29/01/2016

The aim of the study by Hassali et al. was to survey community pharmacists regarding their attitudes about the quality and price of locally manufactured medicines [1].

Paediatric use of low-cost generic programs in the US

Generics/Research | Posted 22/01/2016

Low-cost generic drug programs (LCGPs) in the US increase the affordability of prescription medication that can treat many common paediatric conditions. LCGPs are a loss-leader pricing strategy used by eight of the top 10 pharmacy chains, e.g. Walmart, Walgreens, RiteAid, providing generics at co-payments of US$4‒5 for 30-day supplies or US$10‒12 for 90-day supplies. By using these programmes, no information is submitted through an individual’s prescription medication insurance benefit; thus, medication use data can be missing from administrative claims data. This phenomenon has implications for safety surveillance, quality measurement of health plans, and for researchers utilizing these data.

Physicians’ and pharmacists’ perspectives on generics use

Generics/Research | Posted 15/01/2016

The review study of Toverud et al. shows that both physicians and pharmacists have acknowledged strategies for generics use as an attempt to curtail increasing drug expenditures [1]. However, in Northern Europe and in the US health professionals were confident about the generics available, whereas in countries with less mature healthcare systems there were concerns about the manufacturing sources of generics and the companies’ trustworthiness. A general marked variation was also found regarding control routines and bioequivalence requirements between countries with mature healthcare systems and those with developing ones.

Use of generics in cardiovascular diseases

Generics/Research | Posted 08/01/2016

Researchers from Italy and the US carried out a meta-analysis with the aim of comparing the efficacy and adverse events, either serious or mild/moderate, of all generic versus brand-name cardiovascular medicines [1].

Doctors in the US should remember to prescribe generics

Generics/Research | Posted 15/01/2016

According to the findings of a literature review carried out by the American College of Physicians (ACP) the major obstacle to increased use of generics in the US is patient and provider perceptions.

Pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement policies

Generics/Research | Posted 11/12/2015

A recurrent challenge in health policy is to ensure equitable access to safe and effective medicines. In recent years, access to medicines, in particular to high-cost medicines, has become a major challenge for payers in all countries including high-income economies. Factors that challenge the financial sustainability of publicly funded health and pharmaceutical systems include demographic and epidemiological developments, a tightening of public health budgets due to overall economic pressures, e.g. the global financial crisis, and the need of public payers to consider covering new medicines, some of which come with premium prices [1].

Prescribing and dispensing generics in Japan

Generics/Research | Posted 27/11/2015

Drug costs in Japan have been found to be much greater than the average of industrialized nations, which means that too many wasteful prescriptions are written for pharmaceuticals. This has been attributed to attempts by medical institutions to increase revenues by prescribing unnecessary medicines to patients. To curb this trend, the government has pushed forward with the lowering of government-set prices for prescription drugs and the separation of medical and dispensary services in its national health programme, which was implemented in 1974.

Policies to lower prices of generics in Austria and Finland

Generics/Research | Posted 04/12/2015

In this era of austerity many governments have introduced policies aimed at reducing the price of generics. In Austria, measures taken to reduce the cost of medicines include generic price linkage. While in Finland generics substitution and reference pricing have been introduced.

Safety monitoring of drug interchangeability

Generics/Research | Posted 20/11/2015

When a brand-name drug is going off patent protection, pharmaceutical or generics companies may file an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for approval of a generic drug. As indicated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), two drug products are claimed to be bioequivalent (BE) if the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the geometric mean ratio is totally within the bioequivalent limits of (80%, 125%) based on log-transformed data [1, 2] and an approved generic drug can be used as a substitute for the brand-name drug. FDA, however, does not indicate that approved generics of the same brand-name drug can be used interchangeably. Assume a patient switches the generic drug from BE 125% to BE 80% or from BE 80% to BE 125%, the change of the drug concentration in blood are both dramatic. As more generics become available in the marketplace, it is a concern whether the approved generics are safe and can be used interchangeably.

FDA evaluation of residual solvents in generics

Generics/Research | Posted 13/11/2015

Differences between generics and their reference product in terms of inactive ingredients, e.g. residual solvents, are allowed if applicants provide information demonstrating that these differences do not affect the safety or efficacy of the proposed drug product. Authors from the Office of Generic Drugs at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlight general toxicology concerns caused by formulation differences between generic and originator drugs [1].

Prescribing generics for chronic musculoskeletal pain

Generics/Research | Posted 06/11/2015

The use of generics has become an issue of concern, both in public health and economical terms. Nevertheless, parallel to an ever-stronger advocacy for their use, various sources of information have reported patients’ concerns regarding substitution. Using a qualitative interview study, researchers from Geneva University Hospitals and the University of Geneva investigated the personal definitions and understanding of generics in patients suffering from non-specific chronic musculoskeletal pain, to elucidate the reasons that might explain why patients are confident or reluctant to take generics [1].

FDA evaluation of impurities in generics

Generics/Research | Posted 30/10/2015

Although generics may differ from their reference product in terms of inactive ingredients, which includes impurities, such compounds in generics, especially genotoxic impurities, are an area of increasing concern for the pharmaceutical and regulatory world. Authors from the Office of Generic Drugs at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlight general toxicology concerns caused by such formulation differences between generic and originator drugs [1].

FDA evaluation of excipients in generics

Generics/Research | Posted 23/10/2015

Generics may differ from their reference product in terms of inactive ingredients, e.g. excipients, provided this does not affect the safety and efficacy of the product. Authors from the Office of Generic Drugs at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlight general toxicology concerns caused by such formulation differences between generic and originator drugs [1].

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of osteoporosis drugs

Generics/Research | Posted 16/10/2015

Comparison of treatments for osteoporosis has shown that pharmacological intervention for prevention of secondary fractures is cost-effective [1].

Impact of antiretroviral generics on the Italian National Health Service

Generics/Research | Posted 09/10/2015

The cost of antiretroviral therapies (ART) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is now considered a chronic disease [1], represents an increasing burden for healthcare services worldwide. In particular, the availability on the market of new antiretroviral drugs, often more effective and more expensive than those available, lead to the need to identify cost containing strategies to ensure the economic sustainability of the healthcare service and to provide effective treatments to patients. Over the next few years, several patents for antiretroviral drugs will expire, giving the possibility for generics to enter the market. The availability of new generics on the market, may lead to a lowering of ART costs, and therefore to the affordability to provide the aforementioned new and innovative drugs.

Formulation differences between generics and reference products

Generics/Research | Posted 02/10/2015

Authors from the Office of Generic Drugs at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlight general toxicology concerns caused by formulation differences between generic and originator drugs [1].

Stakeholder perceptions of generics

Generics/Research | Posted 25/09/2015

Considerable emphasis is presently being placed on usage of generics by governments focussed on the potential economic benefits associated with their use. Concurrently, there is increasing discussion in the lay media of perceived doubts regarding the quality and equivalence of generics. Consequently, the opinions of key stakeholders in the provision and consumption of medicines are of importance when considering how generics are accepted by both healthcare professionals and the general public alike.

The history of generics in France

Generics/Research | Posted 19/09/2015

The introduction of generics in France has been slow and cumbersome. It has taken 20 years for integration of generics into the market and for acceptance to be reached by healthcare professionals and patients. In a historical review of the emergence of generics in France, Rottembourg and Nasica-Labouze [1] reflect on developments in the generics market over this time.

Patient adherence and generics

Generics/Research | Posted 18/09/2015

Patient adherence to medication is a long-standing problem. Could lowering patient out-of-pocket costs through tier/copay reduction and generics substitution be a mean to improve adherence? This is a question Sanchez and co-authors tried to answer in their review of generics, cost and medication adherence [1].

Observational study shows switching to generic olanzapine safe

Generics/Research | Posted 11/09/2015

A retrospective, observational study carried out by researchers from The University of Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) found no adverse health outcomes when patients switched between generic and brand-name olanzapine [1].

Safety of generic immunosuppressants in solid organ transplantation

Generics/Research | Posted 04/09/2015

There are an increasing number of generic immunosuppressive drugs available for use in patients with solid organ transplant. However, given the potential for organ rejection with inadequate immunosuppression, there is considerable debate in the literature regarding the safety of generic immunosuppressive medications. To investigate these concerns, Amber Molnar and co-authors from the University of Ottawa, Canada, carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the clinical efficacy and bioequivalence of generic and originator immunosuppressive medications in the solid organ transplant population [1].

Generic imatinib non-inferior to Gleevec

Generics/Research | Posted 28/08/2015

Following the approval of four generics of imatinib in Turkey, Demirkan and co-authors from the Dokuz Eylül University in Turkey compared the efficacy of these newly approved generics with the originator product Gleevec from Novartis [1].

Proposals to lessen the shortage of essential cancer drugs, generics and biosimilars in the US and the world

Generics/Research | Posted 07/08/2015

Essential cancer and supportive drug shortage in the US seriously affects cancer care, and increases cost pressure on the health system. These drugs are mostly off-patent generics. Collaborative efforts of FDA, pharmacists, physicians and pharmaceutical companies slightly improve this problem. However, these measures are partial. For an issue of multiple complexities there is no single magic stick that could solve it. The underlying economic issues and lack of incentives for production need to be addressed to arrive at innovative and permanent solutions for this multifactorial problem [1, 2].

Effect of price caps and reference pricing on generics entry

Generics/Research | Posted 31/07/2015

In a study carried out by Brekke and co-authors on the impact of price caps in combination with reference pricing on generics entry was investigated [1].

Effect of co-insurance and reference pricing on generics entry

Generics/Research | Posted 03/07/2015

To study the impact of reference pricing on generics entry Brekke and co-authors developed a novel Salop-type model where a brand-name producer competes with several generics makers in terms of prices [1].

Effect of reference pricing on generics entry

Generics/Research | Posted 26/06/2015

Reference pricing can produce substantial savings, but what conditions are the most likely to result in cost savings? This was a question addressed by Brekke and co-authors from the University of Minho in Portugal in their Working Paper [1].

Malaysian physicians have negative perceptions of generics

Generics/Research | Posted 12/06/2015

A study investigating the knowledge, perceptions and behaviour of physicians from private medical centres in Malaysia regarding generics found that the majority of physicians had negative perceptions about the safety, quality and efficacy of generics [1].

Drug evergreening strategies in India

Generics/Research | Posted 05/06/2015

A study of drug patent evergreening in India found that this is a strategy that has been used by manufacturers of a particular drug to restrict or prevent competition from manufacturers of generic equivalents. It is also a strategy still being used in India despite the efforts of Section 3(d) of the Indian Patent Act to curb such practices [1].

Physicians’ perceptions of HIV generics in France

Generics/Research | Posted 29/05/2015

A study of French physicians in HIV clinics found that, while the majority of these physicians were willing to prescribe antiretroviral generics, a quarter of physicians were openly opposed to antiretroviral generics [1].

Patients’ perceptions of HIV generics in France

Generics/Research | Posted 22/05/2015

In a study of patient perceptions of HIV generics in France, Jacomet and co-authors found that while the majority of patients accepted antiretroviral generics, a third of the patients were openly opposed to antiretroviral generics [1].

Patients’ and physicians’ perceptions of HIV generics

Generics/Research | Posted 15/05/2015

A study of adult HIV positive outpatients and their physicians in clinics across France found that a third of patients and a quarter of physicians are openly opposed to antiretroviral generics [1].

Statin generics improves adherence

Generics/Research | Posted 08/05/2015

Switching from a brand-name statin to a generic statin has been shown to improve adherence, researchers in Sweden report [1].

Poland’s experience with generic imatinib

Generics/Research | Posted 27/04/2015

In July 2014, Poland became the first country in the European Union (EU) to introduce a generic form of the chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treatment imatinib. This, and the dearth of reliable information related to CML patients in Europe who have taken generic imatinib, make the country uniquely positioned to monitor the process of switching from the brand-name drug to its generic, according to author Patrycja Rusicka of the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland [1].

Safety and cost considerations of generic and originator gabapentin

Generics/Research | Posted 17/04/2015

The launch of generic garbapentin prompted researchers from the Chulalongkorn University and the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, to carry out a study to compare the safety and effectiveness of generic gabapentin compared to originator gabapentin (Neurontin) [1].

Brazilian patients positive about generics

Generics/Research | Posted 10/04/2015

A study looking at patients perceptions on generics in Brazil concludes that, although Brazilian patients have a positive attitude towards generics, more work is needed to increase the use of generics in the country.

Effectiveness of generic and originator gabapentin in lower back pain

Generics/Research | Posted 10/04/2015

Researchers from the Chulalongkorn University and the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, carried out a study to compare the effectiveness of generic gabapentin Sandoz compared to originator gabapentin (Neurontin) [1].

Comparison of generic and originator gabapentin

Generics/Research | Posted 03/04/2015

The cost of treatment for patients with neuropathic lower back pain is higher than those with non-neuropathic lower back pain. Originator gabapentin (Neurontin), an anticonvulsant, the efficacy has been proven for pain improvement among patients with neuropathic pain. In Thailand, gabapentin has usually been prescribed for patients having chronic back pain associated with lumbar radiculopathy, however, the high cost of originator gabapentin (Neurontin) has been found to be a problem for patients. Although generic gabapentin has recently been launched in Thailand, there is limited clinical evidence to prove its effectiveness compared to the originator.

Generics utilization policies necessary to sustain Medicaid

Generics/Research | Posted 27/03/2015

A review of the history and expansion of generics utilization policies and their critical role in the US Medicaid system in an era of reduced budgets concluded that such policies are a necessary component for preservation of the Medicaid system [1].

Potential savings of Euros 72 million with more generics use in three therapeutic areas

Generics/Research | Posted 13/03/2015

A nationwide cohort study in Austria reported that substituting branded medications with drugs containing the same active ingredients (generics) could save considerable amounts of money. A study at the Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems (CeMSIIS) at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, in cooperation with the Main Association of Austrian Social Security Institutions, has calculated the potential savings from generic medications used in the treatment of common conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes mellitus. The potential annual financial savings for health insurance companies stand at around 18 per cent, equating to tens of millions of Euros [1].

Poor generics awareness among physicians in Saudi Arabia

Generics/Research | Posted 06/03/2015

A study looking at physicians’ knowledge, opinions and attitudes towards prescribing local generics in Saudi Arabia concludes that poor knowledge of local generics among consultant physicians working in government hospitals lies behind low prescription rates.

Substitution and adherence to antidiabetic generics in the elderly

Generics/Research | Posted 20/02/2015

When pharmacists switch from brand-name to generic drugs or between the same generics made by different manufacturers, this is thought may affect patient adherence to their medication. Therefore, Trotta and co-authors carried out a study to quantify the extent of switches between generic antidiabetics and to verify whether switching between different products of the same substance affects adherence [1].

Generics versus brand-name drugs

Generics/Research | Posted 06/02/2015

Is there a benefit to prescribing brand-name drugs versus prescribing generics? The answer appears to be no, according to evidence collected by researchers from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada [1].

Irish doctors’ attitudes towards generics

Generics/Research | Posted 30/01/2015

In June 2013, Ireland signed a new Act into law [the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013] paving the way for generics substitution and reference pricing for the first time in that market. As a consequence of the new legislation, Irish patients became more likely than ever to encounter generics.

Patient perceptions of generics in Ireland

Generics/Research | Posted 16/01/2015

In an attempt to benefit from the cost savings associated with use of generics, in June 2013 the Irish Government introduced generics substitution and reference pricing for the first time via the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act. However, as perceptions of Irish patients towards generics have not been published previously, the objective of this study was to assess how generics were perceived amongst patients in the Irish health system [1].

Canada’s generics are too expensive

Generics/Research | Posted 12/12/2014

The same generics cost more in Canada than they do in similarly developed countries. In response to this, the premiers of each Canadian province recently agreed to lower the price of six expensive generics (amlodipine, atorvastatin, omeprazole, rabeprazole, ramipril and venlafaxine), setting reimbursement prices at 18% of the originator’s price. But this will still leave Canada out of line with other countries, including New Zealand, the UK and the US, say researchers at the University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Irish pharmacists’ perceptions and attitudes towards generics

Generics/Research | Posted 05/12/2014

In June 2013, new legislation came into effect in Ireland - the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 - that introduced generics substitution and reference pricing for the first time in this market [1]. As a result of this new legislation, Irish patients have a greater likelihood of receiving a generic medicine in place of a brand-name prescription medication. As healthcare professionals’ perceptions of generics are likely to have an impact on the successful implementation of the objectives of this legislation, the aim of this study was to assess pharmacists’ opinions of, and attitudes towards, generics in Ireland [2].

Generics losing out to brand-name drugs in Croatia

Generics/Research | Posted 28/11/2014

A combination of weak national guidelines and powerful marketing by the pharmaceutical industry has led to a rise in brand-name over generics prescriptions for psychopharmaceuticals in Croatia.

Changes to pharmaceutical policy during an economic recession

Generics/Research | Posted 24/10/2014

The use of antipsychotic medicines across Finland and Portugal following the recent economic recession have been analysed in order to gauge the impact of contrasting pharmaceutical policy interventions put in place over that time.

Reference pricing and generics in Finland

Generics/Research | Posted 17/10/2014

Reference pricing and the extension of generics substitution have produced substantial savings in antipsychotic medication costs in Finland. The daily cost of treatment with clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine or quetiapine was cut by at least a third in just one year following the adoption of reference pricing for these drugs.

Generics in Taiwan: urban–rural disparity

Generics/Research | Posted 10/10/2014

A study of the urban–rural disparity of prescribing generic versus brand-name drugs in Taiwan has found that the generics prescribing ratio of the most popular anti-hypertensive (high blood pressure) medicines is reversely associated with the level of urbanization [1].

European initiatives to enhance losartan utilization post generics: impact and implications

Generics/Research | Posted 03/10/2014

Health authorities have the opportunity to realize considerable savings from generics. A wide variety of strategies were instigated across Europe to encourage prescribing of losartan once generics became available with all angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) – which are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure – seen as essentially similar at appropriate doses [1, 2]. These ranged from 100% co-payment for single-sourced ARBs in Denmark to removing prescribing restrictions for losartan but not for single-sourced ARBs (Austria and Belgium), to prescribing targets and therapeutic switching programmes in Sweden [3]. However, some authorities instigated no specific measures, e.g. Ireland, Scotland and Spain (Catalonia) [3, 4], providing an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of different measures.

The ethics of generic immunosuppressive drugs

Generics/Research | Posted 26/09/2014

A literature review of generic immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs) in renal transplant patients concludes that it is ethical to prescribe generic ISDs provided regulatory safeguards are met. Alongside these safeguards, it will be essential to educate patients and to carry out further clinical and health economic studies to inform clinicians, patients and society of the risks and costs of drug substitution [1].

Pharma’s future in China and the US

Generics/Research | Posted 12/09/2014

Although generics will increase their share of all prescriptions in China and the US over the next 10 years, economic and structural incentives for new drug invention and brand-name prescribing by physicians will keep the share of patented drug sales high compared with countries that have more direct government control over the pharmaceutical market [1].

Appropriate generics pricing improves medicines availability in Sri Lanka

Generics/Research | Posted 05/09/2014

The wide availability of generics across Sri Lanka, in both private and semi-government community pharmacies, is increasing the availability and affordability of essential medicines for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.

Value of generics overlooked in one country that needs them most: Greece

Generics/Research | Posted 29/08/2014

A study of physicians’ prescribing patterns and perceptions towards generics in Greece has revealed a clear need for an appropriate regulatory framework and organized generic drug industry in the country.

Trends in the financial burden of diabetes treatment

Generics/Research | Posted 22/08/2014

The number of adults diagnosed with diabetes in the US increased 75% between 2000 and 2010, resulting in 9% of the adult population with diabetes. The cost of health care for people with diabetes is over twice that of the population overall (2.3 times higher), partly as a result of complications associated with diabetes, including heart disease and stroke. Understanding trends in healthcare costs for this vulnerable and growing patient group will be key to disease management in the future.