The share of generic drugs in the US prescription drug market has reportedly increased from 40% to 58% during 2000-2006. With significant number of drugs like the Merck & Co’s Fosamax (alendronate), Ortho-McNeil-Janssen’s Risperdal (risperidone) and TAP’s Prevacid (lansoprazone) losing patent protection in 2008, the share of generic drugs is expected to rise further.
The GPhA is pushing for supplemental funding for the FDA’s Office of Generic Drugs; more international free trade agreements; and the removal of barriers such as authorized generics and citizen petitions, to pave way for increased generic drugs trade. With 2008 being the US presidential election year, the Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and the leading Republican contender John McCain are campaigning for more relaxations in the generic and biogeneric approvals along with supporting measures aimed at getting generic drugs to market faster.
Emily Cox, senior director of research at Express Scripts, said: “In fact, greater use of generic drugs still has significant potential for managing prescription drug costs. The key will be using an advanced understanding of the consumer to get more people to choose generics.”