Generics
Barriers to HIV generics in the US
Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically improved survival rates among people with HIV and is a mainstay of HIV prevention. Generic ART medications offer the potential for treating and preventing HIV at a lower cost [1].
Lupin launches generic memantine XR capsules in the US
India-based generics manufacturer Lupin Pharmaceuticals (Lupin) announced on 21 February 2018 that it had launched a generic version of Allergan’s Alzheimer’s disease treatment Namenda XR (memantine XR).
Bioequivalence of brand-name and two generic tacrolimus in transplant patients
Although the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) generic drug approval process has a long-term successful track record, concerns remain for approval of narrow therapeutic index generic immunosuppressants, such as tacrolimus, in transplant recipients. Several professional transplant societies and publications have generated scepticism of the generics approval process. Three areas of concern are that the pharmacokinetic properties of generic and brand-name products in healthy volunteers may not reflect those in transplant recipients, bioequivalence between generic and brand-name products may not ensure bioequivalence between generics and high-risk patients may have specific bioequivalence concerns. While this study tests tacrolimus, the novel trial design and results may globally impact regulatory considerations and strategies, not only for the approval of immunosuppressants but also for other narrow therapeutic index/ critical dose drugs.
US government tries to address the increasing cost of drugs
A report released by the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), an executive office of the President of the US, in February 2018 outlines a number of policy changes aimed at lowering drug prices, but some experts are sceptical that the actions will accomplish that goal.
Price of Teva’s new rare disease generic shocks patients
On 9 February 2018, Israeli generics giant Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Teva) announced the launch of its generic version of Syprine (trientine hydrochloride) capsules, 250 mg, in the US. However, what the company termed a ‘lower-cost generic alternative’ has turned out to be almost as expensive as the originator product.
Adverse outcomes for elderly using generic versus brand-name ARBs
Generics are commercialized once active ingredient’s patent of a brand-name drug expires. Brand-name to generics substitutions are encouraged and favoured due to the considerable savings for both patients and payers. Comparative bioavailability studies ensure pharmacokinetic equivalence between a given brand-name drug and corresponding generics, with similar requirements worldwide. However, no clinical equivalence studies are required before generics commercialization. After commercialization, few studies have assessed outcomes between brand-name and generic drug users in cardiology, especially at a population level.
Canada’s generics industry to cut prices by up to 40%
The pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) announced on 29 January 2018 that together with participating federal, provincial and territorial public drug plans, and the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA), they are launching a new five-year generics initiative. As a part of this, Canada’s generic drugs industry has agreed to reduce prices of generics in exchange for the removal of open tenders for participating drug plans.
Persistence with generic imatinib in CML patients
A study carried out by researchers from Canada investigated the clinically comparability of brand-name and generic imatinib in patients treated for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) [1].
Europe calls for more drugs repurposing
The European Commission (EC) published a paper for the 8th Meeting of the STAMP Expert Group on 8 December 2017 regarding case studies on repurpose medicines which outlined some of the issues that are preventing development of generics for use in new indications [1]. This paper came in response to the meeting discussions of the EC’s Commission Expert Group on Safe and Timely Access to Medicines for Patients (STAMP) that convened on 27 June 2017 and has since started work on developing ways to encourage the repurposing of generics.
Efficacy and safety of generic imatinib after switching
A study carried out by researchers from the US investigated switching from originator to generic imatinib in patients treated for chronic myeloid leukaemia [1].
