Generics/Research

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].

Generics and biosimilars Initiative

News

Research

General