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].