Generics (in German, 2000)

Assessment of the relevance of generics in Austria, compared with Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as an investigation of potential savings resulting from an in-creased use of generics in Austria (in German).

Generics are (low-price) imitations of pharmaceuticals no longer protected by patent. The role they play in the European pharmaceutical markets varies according to country. In some states they are widely used, while in others, such as Austria, there are few generics.

Outline of the survey:

The section dealing with Europe includes a presentation of the legal and political framework in the EU as well as measures aimed at promoting generics in Europe. A special focus has been placed on the generics policies of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, e.g. with regard to promoting the use of generics.

• The part on Austria provides the first analysis ever conducted on the role of generics in the Austrian pharmaceutical market.

• The following questions have been dealt with in more detail: ·

• Which is the share of generics in Austria? ·

• Which is the sales volume registered by health insurance funds regarding generics? · How many generics are prescribed? ·

• Which diseases tend to be treated with generics? ·

• What is the opinion on generics maintained by health insurance funds, physicians, pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry? ·

• What are the reasons for the low share of generics? ·

• Which cost-saving potential do generics involve?

This report is complemented by a price comparison of 10 active substances with high sales volumes in Austria and Germany and a calculation of potential savings resulting from an increased use of generics in Austria.

The table of contents (in German) may be downloaded below!

Download Table of Content: Generics

Client: Austrian Federal Ministry for Social Security and Generations

Editor: ÖBIG (Austrian Health Institute)

Place of publication: Wien

Year of publication: 2000

ISBN: 3-85159-019-8

Number of pages: 115 pages, 31 tables, 11 figures

Reimbursement of expenses: € 40,00