Generics
Evolution of scientific research on generic drugs
A review of peer-reviewed scientific articles carried out in January 2013 on generic drugs published on PubMed/MEDLINE from the date of the first published article on generics (1954) to 2012 was undertaken by Lucas-Dominguez et al. (2016) to establish the current status of research in this area. According to the authors, this is the first study to evaluate evolution of research on generic drugs.
Generic antidepressant launched in the US
US pharma giant Pfizer is facing competition for its antidepressant Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) with generics hitting the market in the US.
Potency of generics of piperacillin/tazobactam
In an era of increasing bacterial resistance, the potency of antibiotics is critical. Researchers from the Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata, India tested the relative potency of different generic brands of the piperacillin/tazobactam antibiotic [1].
Delaying generics using citizen petitions
A study of citizen petitions submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the last 12 years finds that such petitions are being used by drug companies ‘in a last-ditch effort to hold off competition’ [1].
FDA approves rare disease deflazacort at exorbitant price
Deflazacort is a steroid treatment that has long been approved in many countries outside the US. In February 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Marathon Pharmaceuticals’ deflazacort (Emflaza) for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, it is reported that the drug will come with a devastating price-tag of US$89,000 a year, far more than prices charged abroad.
Promoting and regulating generics in Brazil
Generic drug substitution constitutes a core instrument of countries’ strategies to reduce the price of drugs and expand access to health care. To that end, scholars and international organizations have encouraged adoption of a range of policy instruments that countries can use to promote the use of generics, focusing on measures to increase both the demand for and supply of such products.
Generic lung cancer treatment now available in China
A generic version of AstraZeneca’s Iressa (gefitinib) has been released onto the market in China. This generic drug is being marketed under the brand name Yiruike and is produced by Chinese pharmaceutical company, Qilu Pharmaceutical (Qilu).
Rising costs of cancer treatments not matched by clinical efficacy
The high prices of new cancer treatments are a major barrier to access in low-income countries and placing growing pressure on developed countries. In their study, author Hill et al. estimated the lowest possible treatment costs for four new cancer drugs, showing that manufacturing of generics alternatives could significantly reduce treatment costs [1].
Malaysian Government approves new generics facility
Bangladesh-based generics firm Beximco Pharmaceuticals (Beximco) has made a deal with Malaysia’s BioCare Manufacturing (BioCare) to manufacture and supply differentiated medical products in the country.
US approves generic of narcolepsy drug Xyrem
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first generic version of Xyrem (sodium oxybate) – the only drug approved to treat the sudden muscle weakness seen in narcolepsy.
