Author byline as per print journal: Timothy Ken Mackey1,2, MAS; Professor Bryan A Liang1,3,4, MD, JD, PhD Abstract:  Biologicals represent the future of pharmaceutical treatments and innovation. Yet, emerging and developing markets lack access to these often essential medicines. Biosimilar development represents a potential solution to this problem, by offering lower cost and improved access, but…

Author(s): Professor Bryan A Liang, MD, JD, PhD, Timothy Ken Mackey, MAS

biosimilars, emerging markets, follow-on biologics, global health, immunogenicity, patient safety, public−private partnerships

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0102.018

Author byline as per print journal: Brian Godman1,2,3, BSc, PhD; Mohammed Abuelkhair4, PharmD; Agnes Vitry5, PharmD, PhD; Shajahan Abdu4, MD; Marion Bennie6,7, MSc; Iain Bishop7, BSc; Sahar Fahmy4, PhD; Kristina Garuoliene8, MD, PhD; Harald Herholz9, MPH; Andrew Martin10, BSc, MPharmS; Rickard E Malmstrom11, MD, PhD; Professor Saira Jan12,13, PharmD, PhD; Ulrich Schwabe14, MD, PhD; Catherine Sermet15,…

Author(s): Brian Godman, BSc, PhD, et al.

demand-side measures, generics, pharmaceuticals, pricing

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0102.017

Author byline as per print journal: Christoph Baumgärtel1, MD; Brian Godman2,3,4, BSc, PhD; Rickard E Malmstrom5, MD, PhD; Morten Andersen6, MD, PhD; Mohammed Abuelkhair7, PharmD; Shajahan Abdu7, MD; Marion Bennie8,9, MSc; Iain Bishop9, BSc; Thomas Burkhardt10, MSc; Sahar Fahmy7, PhD; Jurij Furst11; Kristina Garuoliene12, MD, PhD; Harald Herholz13, MPH; Marija Kalaba14, MD, MHM; Hanna Koskinen15, PhD;…

Author(s): Christoph Baumgärtel, MD, MSc, et al.

clopidogrel, demand measures, generics, pricing

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0102.016

A patient-centred paradigm for the biosimilars market This article provides important insights into the use and application of complex biologicals, particularly biosimilars, in health delivery systems. One aspect of care that has been traditionally ignored by providers as well as the private sector is the patient experience. Although much has been said about ‘patient-centeredness’, what this means generally is lip…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0102.024

Received: 27 March 2012; Accepted: 22 May 2012 The new EU pharmacovigilance legislation which comes into force in July 2012 will include a tightening of requirements relating to product information and identification, as well as the regulations surrounding biosimilars and automatic substitution by pharmacists. The new regulations will provide a legal framework for patients to report adverse events…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0102.015

Abstract:  Four changes to the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act and the Pediatric Research Equity Act will markedly improve these programmes: expanded attention paid to neonatal studies, support for the off -patent programme, timing and submission of paediatric plans, and the per­manence of the legislation. Submitted: 30 November 2011; Revised manuscript received: 2 March 2012;…

Author(s): Professor Daniel Kelly Benjamin Jr, MD, MPH, PhD, Professor Gregory L Kearns, PharmD, PhD

Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act, clinical studies, legislation, neonates, off-patent drugs

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0102.014

Editor's Letter

Published on 29 June 2012

What to look forward to in GaBI Journal, 2012, issue 2

It is my pleasure to introduce the second edition of GaBI Journalwhich contains a number of interesting articles. Professors Benjamin and Kearns present a review of advances in paediatric drug development and labelling, see pages 54–55. This follows on my prior comments about how generics and biosimilars may fail to meet the needs of children [1].…

Author(s): Professor Philip D Walson, MD

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0102.013

Clinical biosimilar data should be accessible to all Calls are growing for biosimilar manufacturers to publish their data in the public domain, particularly when developing versions of monoclonal antibodies that are associated with potential survival benefits. One of GaBI Online’s readers totally agrees with this message. However, few others wonder why biosimilar producers must handle safety and efficacy data with…

Author(s): GaBI Journal Editor

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0101.012

Abstract:  This paper describes the design of currently available matrix models and assesses the experience with these models to date. Matrix models provide a valuable tool to facilitate transparent and interactive evidence-based medicine prescribing. In many cases, generically available drugs perform well because of the documented effects on clinically relevant endpoints, good clinical efficacy, extensive…

Author(s): Robert Janknegt, PharmD, PhD

InforMatrix, matrix models, System of Objectified Judgement Analysis (SOJA)

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0101.011

Abstract:  This commentary discusses the need to develop methods to ensure the availability of non-profitable, off-patent medicines to children and other populations. The history and some of the shortcomings of legislative attempts to provide drug therapy to children are briefly reviewed. Some examples of the inability of the current generics and non-generics pharmaceutical industry as…

Author(s): Professor Philip D Walson, MD

off-patent drugs, orphan, paediatric

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0101.010

Abstract: Many generic drugs are now being prescribed and the trend is increasing. For example, in Austria, the number of all generics prescriptions has more than doubled from 11% in 2000 to 23% in 2010. However, many myths and questions about generic drugs remain and information may be difficult to come by. It is therefore…

Author(s): Christoph Baumgärtel, MD, MSc

bioequivalence, drug substitution, generics authorisation, legislation, patent, therapeutic equivalency/outcome

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0101.009

Author byline as per print journal: Helle Håkonsen, MScPharm, PhD; Else-Lydia Toverud, MScPharm, PhD Introduction: With a few exceptions, generic drug use has been promoted in western countries by allowing pharmacists to substitute drugs defined as therapeutically equivalent generics. The aim of this literature review is to summarise the research on the patients’ perspectives of generics substitution…

Author(s): Else-Lydia Toverud, MScPharm, PhD, Helle Håkonsen, MScPharm, PhD

cost containment, generic drugs, generics prescribing, generics substitution, patient perspectives

DOI: 10.5639/gabij.2012.0101.008