Generics/Research
The Greek problem of generics pricing
Over the past few decades spending on prescription pharmaceuticals has increased faster than total health spending and gross domestic product in most OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries [1, 2].
Jan Aushadhi and affordability and accessibility of medicines in India
The pharmaceutical industry in India ranks third in the world in terms of volume and 14th in terms of value. According to the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the total turnover of India’s pharmaceutical industry between 2008 and September 2009 was US$21.04 billion. Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam and Ahmedabad are the major pharmaceutical hubs of India. The domestic market was worth US$13.8 billion in 2013.
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.
Generic metformin bioequivalent in healthy volunteers in Nigeria
Researchers from Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo University have found generic metformin sourced in the country to be ‘not inferior’ to originator metformin [1].
Perceptions and attitudes towards generics in South Korea
A survey of the perception and attitude of South Korean physicians towards generics has shown that not much has changed despite the introduction of a new pharmaceutical policy in 2012 [1].
Mergers could be causing price increases for generics
How mergers and acquisitions in the generics sector can be a factor in drug shortages and increasing prices was a question addressed by researchers from Carleton and McGill Universities in Canada [1].
New use for old generic could treat rare cardiovascular condition
Researchers from Canada and the UK may have found a new use for an old generic drug: treatment of the rare cardiovascular condition, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Perceptions of generic drugs in Latin America: a Guatemalan case study
A recent assessment of generic drug use in Guatemala [1] revealed a widespread lack of trust in generics, due to a combination of poor quality, powerful advertising campaigns and limited state regulation.
Challenges in the rediscovery of old generics
Finding new treatment options by repurposing generics is a cost-effective and time-efficient way of finding a new purpose for old drugs. However, when it comes to the rediscovery of old generics there are multiple obstacles standing in the way [1].
Repurposing thioguanine
Repurposing and re-registering old generics is a cost-effective and time-efficient way of finding new purposes for existing drugs. One such ‘old generic’ that has been repurposed and re-registered is thioguanine [1].
