Table 1: Generic medicine pricing policies and generic prices in selected countries in 2005

It is clear that another factor is affecting the price of generics, as the pricing policy does not directly govern the average price of generics. If the data is analysed from the perspective of maturity of the generics market, it can be seen that those countries in which generics have been established over a longer period of time pay less for their medicines (see Table 2).

Table 2: Generic medicine prices compared to regulatory approach and level of development of generic medicine market in 2005

The international price variation suggests that generic medicine companies do not set prices at a common European level, but adapt their price setting strategy to the regulatory environment surrounding generic medicines in each country. The generic medicine price level was lower in countries that regulate prices and in countries that have a mature generic medicine market.

(see also International comparison of generic medicine prices)

Reference

Simoens S. International comparison of generic medicine prices. Curr Med Res Opin. 2007;23(11):2647–54.