Generics/Research
Delayed entry of buprenorphine generics cost NHS England GBP 0.5 million
A market analysis has shown that lack of competition for generic buprenorphinepatches meant the National Health Service (NHS) in England lost savings. The analysis estimates that if all generic drug products entered the market at the same time, the NHS could have saved GBP 0.5 million more over a six-month period [1].
Survey reveals attitudes to unauthorized hepatitis C generics
A survey of physicians, pharmacists, patients and other professionals in Switzerland has shown that, although most people think unauthorized generics are lower quality than their corresponding brand, they do support their import for those in need [1].
Medicare Part D has no impact on generics prescribing in long-term care
A recent observational study [1] in long-term care facilities in the US shows that the Medicare Part D programme has no significant effect on the rate of generic drug prescriptions, contrary to expectations.
American College of Physicians makes new recommendations to cut drug spending
A paper from the American College of Physicians (ACP) makes a number of policy recommendations to reduce costs of prescription drugs in the US, including annual caps for out-of-pocket spending and negotiating with manufacturers [1].
The impact of generics regulation in Brazil
Sales of originator drugs have decreased and the number of generics manufacturers have increased following the introduction of the Brazilian Generics Law, reports a new study [1].
FDA generics approvals increasing but not for at-risk generics
Analysis of generics approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reveals a slight increase in the total number of applications approved between 2016 and 2018. Over 1,800 applications were approved in this time, however, there was no significant change to the proportion of these drugs in shortage or with limited competition [1].
Safety of generics in US questioned
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations guarantee a safe drug supply. However, author Michael White, from the Health Outcomes, Policy, and Evidence Synthesis Group, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Connecticut, USA, questions the safety of foreign generic drug imports [1].
Generics transition brings economic benefits to Canada
Economic analysis of genericization of cancer medicines in Canada has confirmed their cost-effectiveness. This rare example of an economic evaluation of the benefits of generics was published in Current Oncology [1].
A call for economic reassessment of drug regimens
Canadian researchers have called for the cost-effectiveness of drug products to be routinely reassessed. Their study, published in Current Oncology [1], has shown that cost-effectiveness of products alters significantly after generics are introduced. This has big implications for healthcare budgets and access to medicines, in Canada and worldwide.
Pharmacy chain drives choice among US generics manufacturers
A recent study shows that the dispensing pharmacy chain is a strong driver of generics manufacturer choice in the US, which could have implications for economic models of the generic drugmarket [1].
