Generics/Research
Malaysian physicians have negative perceptions of generics
A study investigating the knowledge, perceptions and behaviour of physicians from private medical centres in Malaysia regarding generics found that the majority of physicians had negative perceptions about the safety, quality and efficacy of generics [1].
Drug evergreening strategies in India
A study of drug patent evergreening in India found that this is a strategy that has been used by manufacturers of a particular drug to restrict or prevent competition from manufacturers of generic equivalents. It is also a strategy still being used in India despite the efforts of Section 3(d) of the Indian Patent Act to curb such practices [1].
Physicians’ perceptions of HIV generics in France
A study of French physicians in HIV clinics found that, while the majority of these physicians were willing to prescribe antiretroviral generics, a quarter of physicians were openly opposed to antiretroviral generics [1].
Patients’ perceptions of HIV generics in France
In a study of patient perceptions of HIV generics in France, Jacomet and co-authors found that while the majority of patients accepted antiretroviral generics, a third of the patients were openly opposed to antiretroviral generics [1].
Patients’ and physicians’ perceptions of HIV generics
A study of adult HIV positive outpatients and their physicians in clinics across France found that a third of patients and a quarter of physicians are openly opposed to antiretroviral generics [1].
Statin generics improves adherence
Switching from a brand-name statin to a generic statin has been shown to improve adherence, researchers in Sweden report [1].
Poland’s experience with generic imatinib
In July 2014, Poland became the first country in the European Union (EU) to introduce a generic form of the chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treatment imatinib. This, and the dearth of reliable information related to CML patients in Europe who have taken generic imatinib, make the country uniquely positioned to monitor the process of switching from the brand-name drug to its generic, according to author Patrycja Rusicka of the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland [1].
Safety and cost considerations of generic and originator gabapentin
The launch of generic garbapentin prompted researchers from the Chulalongkorn University and the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, to carry out a study to compare the safety and effectiveness of generic gabapentin compared to originator gabapentin (Neurontin) [1].
Brazilian patients positive about generics
A study looking at patients perceptions on generics in Brazil concludes that, although Brazilian patients have a positive attitude towards generics, more work is needed to increase the use of generics in the country.
Effectiveness of generic and originator gabapentin in lower back pain
Researchers from the Chulalongkorn University and the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, carried out a study to compare the effectiveness of generic gabapentin Sandoz compared to originator gabapentin (Neurontin) [1].
