Generics/Research

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.