Generics
FDA targets rising drug prices by increasing generics competition
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is advocating reducing drug costs by approving cheaper generics faster.
FDA approves two new Seroquel XR generics
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two generic versions of Astra Zeneca’s antidepressant Seroquel XR, which has a billion-dollar market in the US.
Oncology drug pricing – the case of generic imatinib
Authors Christopher Chen and Aaron Kesselheim review how various market strategies slowed the entry of generics of leukaemia treatment Gleevec (imatinib) in the US [1].
Japan plans to increase generics use
Japan is currently the world’s second largest pharmaceutical market. Prescription brand-name drugs dominate the market and generics constitute only around 56% of total sales. However, the Japanese Government wants to change that.
Generic substitution of antiretroviral drugs in Ireland: healthcare provider views
A survey conducted in Ireland shows that most healthcare providers consider the generic substitution of antiretroviral drugs acceptable, although concerns remain about dosing frequency [1].
Call to phase out branded drugs in India
Doctor and patient associations have come together to suggest that the Indian Government phase out branded generics and ban differential pricing under different brands to promote generic drug prescriptions.
Generics substitution of antiretroviral drugs in Ireland: patient views
Researchers in Ireland report the findings of a survey of opinions on the generics substitution of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs [1], revealing that over 70% of patients would have no concerns about their use.
Vytorin generic launched in the US
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a generic version of the anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, which will be launched on the US market by Impax Laboratories Inc (Impax).
Generics and biosimilars: status in the EU
According to Medicines for Europe, without generic medicines Europe would have paid Euros 100 billion more for its medicines in 2014 alone. In a recent interview, the Association’s President Jacek Glinka spoke about the central issues surrounding the affordability and accessibility of medicines in the region.
Concerns over change to generics prescribing in Australia
In its 2017 budget, Australia is set to make changes that will encourage the use of generics and that are estimated could save the country AU$1.8 billion.
