Can local policies on biosimilars optimize the use of freed resources – experiences from Italy

Author byline as per print journal: Brian Godman1,2,3, BSc, PhD; Eleonora Allocati4, BSc, MSc; Evelien Moorkens5, MSc, PhD; Hye-Young Kwon, PhD1,6 Abstract: There is an increasing need to prescribe biosimilars to fund new medicines and increasing medicine volumes. Bertolani and Jommi document successful measures introduced regionally in Italy. The recent GaBI Journal manuscript by Bertolani […]


National and regional activities by sickness funds in Austria to encourage the rational use of medicines

Abstract: Dr Brian Godman reviews the paper by Vogler and Zimmermann on sickness fund activity in Austria to preferentially encourage the prescribing of generics. This is particularly important given the resources that can be released through increased prescribing of generics. Submitted: 10 June 2013; Revised: 11 June 2013; Accepted: 12 June 2013; Published online first: 20 June 2013 Vogler and Zimmermann have […]


Ongoing initiatives in the Republic of Srpska to enhance prescribing efficiency; influence and future directions

Abstract: Dr Brian Godman reviews the paper by Markovic-Pekovic et al. regarding recent reforms in the Republic of Srpska. These include prescribing restrictions where concerns with the value of products and measures to obtain low prices for generics, which is important given the rhetoric. Submitted: 11 June 2013; Revised: 13 June 2013; Accepted: 17 June […]


Payers endorse generics to enhance prescribing efficiency: impact and future implications, a case history approach

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, […]