News


Generics save US 1.2 trillion over last 10 years

Published on 2014/07/29

Generics have saved consumers and the US healthcare system US$217 billion in 2012 and have saved the US in excess of US$1.2 trillion between 2003 and 2012, according to a report by the Generic Pharm...

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Guiding principles for biosimilars development

Published on 2014/07/21

In contrast to chemically synthesized small-molecule drugs, biologicals have complex structures of high molecular weight. Therefore, even small changes in the production processes may lead to differ...

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Confusion exists in Brazil over generics

Published on 2014/07/16

Brazilians are confused about generics and are unable to distinguish between a generic drug and a brand-name drug [1].  The Brazilian pharmaceutical market is the third largest in the Americas reg...

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Australia to adopt EMA’s monoclonal antibody guideline

Published on 2014/07/14

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s regulatory body for therapeutic goods, announced on 14 February 2014 that it was carrying out public consultations on the adoption of Europe...

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France to allow biosimilars substitution

Published on 2014/07/10

Pharmacists in France will now be allowed to substitute a biosimilar for the prescribed (reference) biological under certain conditions, including only when initiating a course of treatment and that...

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Impact of coupons on adherence to statins

Published on 2014/07/08

Once patents expire, in an effort to maintain market share, originator manufacturers often initiate promotional activities such as drug samples and co-pay discount coupons that reduce patients out-o...

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Use of formularies could increase use of biosimilars

Published on 2014/07/04

Whether or not the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits automatic substitution of biosimilars, healthcare systems can still consider using formularies as a way to increase the use of more aff...

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Biosimilars: what physicians need to know

Published on 2014/06/03

A biosimilar is a medicinal product that is similar to a biological medicinal product that has already been authorized. Biologicals are comprised of proteins, such as hormones (growth hormones, in...

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Effects of income, competition and procurement on drug prices in emerging markets

Published on 2014/05/29

Drugs are least affordable relative to income in low-income countries, according to an analysis of income, competition and procurement on drug prices in emerging markets [1]. Pharmaceutical pri...

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Switching to generic cyclosporine A after heart transplant safe

Published on 2014/05/27

Cyclosporine A is an immunosuppressant drug widely used in organ transplantation to prevent rejection. A study of switching between originator and generic drugs showed that the generic was well tole...

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EU problematic patent settlements remain at low level

Published on 2014/05/22

The European Commission’s (EC) fourth monitoring exercise of patent settlements in the pharmaceutical sector has shown the number of potentially problematic settlements under EU antitrust rules ...

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Biosimilar trastuzumab approved in Korea

Published on 2014/05/20

South Korean biotechnology company Celltrion announced on 15 January 2014 that it had received approval for its biosimilar monoclonal antibody Herzuma (trastuzumab) with the Korean Ministry of Food ...

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