Generics/Research

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].