Generics
Pfizer in joint venture with Chinese generics maker Hisun
US pharma giant Pfizer announced on 2 June 2011 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chinese generics manufacturer Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceuticals (Hisun) on their intention to establish a joint venture. This potential partnership would aim to strengthen the ability of both companies to reach more patients with high-quality and low-cost medicines in the branded generics arena.
Compliance with generic drug use among Pakistani immigrants
Patients using antihypertensives, antidiabetics or cholesterol-lowering drugs were interviewed using a questionnaire in the study which investigated the perceptions of generic substitution among Pakistani immigrants in Oslo, Norway, and how this affected compliance with their long-term drug use and may be affected by confusion of generic drugs with counterfeit drugs [1].
Different routes for generics and brand-name drugs
Comparison of the route to market generics and brand-name drugs was discussed by Dr Lewek and Dr Kardas in their recent research paper on the benefits and risks of generic substitution.
Perception of generic drugs as fake among Pakistani immigrants
Pakistani immigrants in Norway may confuse generic drugs with counterfeit drugs, according to research carried out by Norwegian researchers [1].
The benefits of generic substitution
Recent research carried out by Drs Lewek and Kardas, showed that generic drugs are equally as safe and effective as their brand-name equivalents. Patient compliance and cost were also found to be better with generics compared to brand-name drugs.
Generic warfarin as safe and effective as brand name
In a literature study by Dr Francesco Dentali and colleagues found that generic warfarin was as safe as brand name warfarin (Coumadin) [1].
Pakistani immigrants may confuse generics with counterfeit drugs
A study by Norwegian researchers showed that generics substitution may lead to lack of compliance in Pakistani immigrants in Norway, due to misconceptions and confusion with counterfeit drugs [1].
Benefits and risks of generic substitution
According to the FDA, each year, Americans save an estimated US$8–10 billion by purchasing generic drugs rather than branded medications. These savings are, of course, the key advantage of generics. However, the very reason for these cost savings—the fact that generic drugs do not have to undergo the large, expensive clinical trials that are required for approval of branded drugs—gives rise to questions about the quality and safety of generics.
Europe’s industry concerned about converging prices and patient access
In response to a report on reference pricing in the EU, the European Federation of the Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) says that while ‘it is rational for a Member State without resources to assess the value [of a medicine] to refer to a similar country that does … it is not appropriate for higher-income countries to mechanistically refer to prices in countries with a much lower purchasing power’.
Generic substitution generates savings in South Africa
Savings of 9.3% over the 3-year study period could have been made with generic substitution of antidepressants according to research carried out by the School of Pharmacy at the North-West University, South Africa.
