Febrile neutropenia incidence and the variable toxicity profile between brand and generic docetaxel in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer with docetaxel and cyclophosphamide regimen

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the incidence of febrile neutropenia without primary granulocyte colony-stimulating factor prophylaxis in patients undergoing chemotherapy with adjuvant docetaxel and cyclophosphamide, and to evaluate the toxicity profile of brand-name docetaxel (Taxotere ® ) and the generic formulation. Methods This retrospective study was conducted using data obtained from electronic medical records of patients treated at a Brazilian cancer center. Patients with breast cancer who underwent adjuvant treatment between January 2016 and June 2019 were selected. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher correlation of variables, and multivariate analyses were adjusted for propensity score. Results A total of 231 patients with a mean age of 55.9 years at the time of treatment were included in the study. The majority (93.9%) had luminal histology, 84.8% were at clinical stage I, and 98.2% had a good performance status. The overall incidence of febrile neutropenia in the study population was 13.4% (31 cases). The use of brand-name docetaxel (Taxotere ® ) was the only factor associated with febrile neutropenia occurrence (OR= 3.55, 95%CI= 1.58-7.94, p=0.002). Conclusion In patients with breast cancer who require treatment with adjuvant docetaxel and cyclophosphamide regimen, the toxicity profile differs between brand-name and generic docetaxel. Regardless of the formulation used, the incidence of febrile neutropenia was less than 20%, which may allow for the omission of primary prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor use in this setting.

Estimación del ahorro hospitalario con el reemplazo de inmunosupresores genéricos en trasplante renal / Cost savings after switching from innovative tacrolimus to a generic version of the drug in transplant recipients

Background The use of narrow therapeutic index generic immunosuppressant in solid organ transplantation is controversial. Most experiences switching to these drugs have short term follow-up periods, analyze only pharmacokinetic issues and do not systematically include either complications or cost analyses. Aim To analyze the costs and benefits of switching our kidney transplant recipients from innovative tacrolimus to a generic version of the drug. Material and Methods Fifty-seven stable transplant recipients were switched from innovative tacrolimus to a generic version of the drug, maintaining the same dose. They were followed for eight months recording all events during such period. Results We observed two infectious episodes, five allograft biopsies were performed and two patients had acute rejections. Conclusions From the payer's perspective, if all the costs associated with the change to generic tacrolimus are considered, savings related to a lower cost of the drug translate in a real financial loss for the public health system. The analysis also showed that frequent switches, even from one generic drug to a cheaper one is an even worse strategy to save money.

Brazilian generics market change after Farmácia Popular program

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate trends in the use of generic and non-generic medicines to treat hypertension and diabetes under the Farmácia Popular Program (FP) and its impact on generic medicines sales volume and market share in the Brazilian pharmaceutical market. METHODS This longitudinal, retrospective study used interrupted time series design to analyze changes in monthly sales volume and proportion of medicines sales (market share) for oral antidiabetic and antihypertensive medicines for generic versus non-generic products. Analyses were conducted in a combined dataset that aggregate monthly sales volumes from the Farmácia Popular program and from the QuintilesIMS™ (IQVIA) national market sales data from January 2007 to December 2012. The Farmácia Popular program phases analyzed included: a) 2009 reductions in medicines reference prices (AFP-II) and b) 2011 implementation of free medicines program for hypertension and diabetes, the Saúde não tem preço (SNTP - Health has no price). RESULTS Patterns of use for FP-covered antidiabetic and antihypertensive medicines were similar to their use in the market in general. After one year of the decreases in government subsidies in April 2010, market share of antidiabetic and antihypertensive medicines experienced relative declines of -54.5% and -59.9%, respectively. However, when FP-covered medicines were made free to patients, overall market volume for antidiabetic and antihypertensive generics increased dramatically, with 242.6% and 277.0% relative increases by February 2012, as well as non-generics with relative increase of 209.7% and 279% for antidiabetic and antihypertensive medicines, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Ministry of Health policies on the amount of patient cost sharing and on the choice of medicines on coverage lists have substantial impacts on overall generic sales volume in retail pharmacies.

Utilización de dos antibióticos genéricos en un hospital de tercer nivel en Bogotá / Drug utilization study of two generic antibiotics in a tertiary hospital in Bogotá

Resumen Introducción. La política farmacéutica de Colombia establece la necesidad de intensificar la investigación en farmacoepidemiología a nivel nacional, especialmente en el caso de los antibióticos. Objetivo. Aportar información farmacoepidemiológica en cuanto a la efectividad, las condiciones de uso y la seguridad de la cefepima y el meropenem genéricos en un hospital de alta complejidad en Bogotá. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo sobre la utilización de estos medicamentos. Los datos se recolectaron de todas las historias clínicas en las cuales se registraba el uso de cefepima y meropenem. Resultados. Se incluyeron 82 pacientes tratados con cefepima y 91 con meropenem. La mayoría de ellos había estado internada en servicios diferentes a la unidad de cuidados intensivos (59,8 % con cefepima y 52,7 % con meropenem). El 21,9 % de los tratados con cefepima y el 49 % de los tratados con meropenem, tuvieron consulta con un infectólogo, en tanto que en 47 % de los primeros y en 78 % de los segundos, se hizo cultivo o antibiograma. Las condiciones más frecuentemente tratadas con cefepima fueron las infecciones de vías respiratorias (32,5 %) y, con meropenem, las infecciones genitourinarias (34,8 %). Las tasas de éxito terapéutico fueron de 61,7 % para la cefepima y de 63,0 % para el meropenem. Conclusiones. Este estudio aporta información sobre el desempeño terapéutico de dos antibióticos genéricos de uso hospitalario. No hubo reportes de falla terapéutica durante el periodo de estudio. En los casos en que no hubo respuesta al tratamiento, las causas frecuentes fueron las alteraciones farmacocinéticas, las condiciones clínicas desfavorables y la elección inadecuada del tratamiento antimicrobiano.

Abstract Introduction: The Colombian national pharmaceutical policy establishes as a strategy the generation of greater pharmaco-epidemiological research at the national level, especially in the case of antibiotic drugs. Objective: To provide local pharmaco-epidemiological evidence regarding the effectiveness, conditions of use and safety of generic meropenem and cefepime in a tertiary hospital in Bogotá. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective drug utilization study. The data were collected from the medical histories of all the patients who had cefepime or meropenem prescribed. Results: We included 82 patients treated with cefepime and 91 treated with meropenem in the study. Most of the patients were in services different from the intensive care unit (taking cefepime: 59.8%, and meropenem: 52.7%). Only 21.9% of the patients treated with cefepime and 49% of those treated with meropenem were seen by an infectious disease specialist. The antibiogram was performed for 47% and 60% of the patients treated with cefepime and meropenem, respectively. The most frequent indication for cefepime were respiratory infections and for meropenem, genitourinary ones. Therapeutic success rates were 61.7% for cefepime and 63.0% for meropenem. Conclusions: This study contributes evidence regarding the therapeutic performance of two generic antibiotics used in tertiary hospitals. There were no reports of therapeutic failure during the study period. In the cases of non-response, pharmacokinetic alterations, unfavorable clinical conditions, and inappropriate choice of antimicrobial treatment were identified as frequent factors.

Factors influencing the preference for purchasing generic drugs in a Southern Brazilian city

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to identify factors associated with the preference for purchasing generic drugs in a medium-sized municipality in Southern Brazil. METHODS We have analyzed data from a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2012 with a sample of 2,856 adults (≥ 20 years old). The preference for purchasing generic drugs was the main outcome. The explanatory variables were the demographic and socioeconomic variables. Statistical analyses included Poisson regressions. RESULTS The preference for purchasing generic drugs was 63.2% (95%CI 61.4-64.9). The variables correlated with this preference in the fully adjusted models were: male (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.08; 95%CI 1.03-1.14), age of 20-39 years (PR = 1.10; 95%CI 1.02-1.20), low socioeconomic status (PR = 1.15; 95%CI 1.03-1.28), and good knowledge about generic drugs (PR= 4.66; 95%CI 2.89-7.52). Among those who preferred to purchase generic drugs, 55.1% have reported accepting to replace the prescribed drug (if not a generic) with the equivalent generic drug. Another correlate of the preference for purchasing generic drugs was because individuals consider their quality equivalent to reference medicines (PR = 2.15; 95%CI 1.93-2.41). CONCLUSIONS Knowledge about generic drugs was the main correlate of the preference for purchasing generic drugs. The greater the knowledge or positive perception about generic drugs, the greater is the preference to purchase them. Therefore, educational campaigns for healthcare professionals and consumers appear to be the best strategy for expanding the use of generic drugs in Brazil.

Use of generic medicines by the Brazilian population: an evaluation of PNAUM 2014 / Utilização de medicamentos genéricos na população brasileira: uma avaliação da PNAUM 2014

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the existence of differences in the use of generic medicines in Brazil according to demographic and socioeconomic variables and acquisition sources of the medicines. METHODS Population-based cross-sectional study, conducted with data from the Pesquisa Nacional de Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos (PNAUM – National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines). Data collection took place between September, 2013 and February, 2014 in homes of Brazilian cities (urban area). The use of medicines has been investigated in relation to the treatment of chronic diseases and, in the case of acute events, regarding use over the previous 15 days. Generics were identified by visualization of packaging presented by the users of the medicines. The independent variables used were sex, age, education level, economic class, and region of the Country. The statistical significance of differences between the groups was evaluated by Pearson’s Chi-squared test, considering a 5% significance level. RESULTS The prevalence of generic medicines use was 45.5% (95%CI 43.7–47.3). There was no difference considering education level. The prevalence was higher in females (47.0%; 95%CI 44.9–49.0) than in males (43.1%; 95%CI 40.5–45.8), and were higher with increasing age. Generic medicines were more used in the economic class C (47.0%; 95%CI 44.9–49.1) and in the South (50.6%; 95%CI 46.6–54.6) and Southeast (49.9%; 95%CI 46.8–53.0) regions. Generics accounted for 37.3% of the medicines provided by the Brazilian Unified Health System. CONCLUSIONS Currently, there is a choice of purchase or free provision by the Brazilian Unified Health System, characterized by quality assurance and reduced price regarding branded medicines considered as reference. In the private market, a considerable part of the population is choosing generic medicines thanks to the availability of this option for virtually all medicines most used by the population.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar se há diferença no uso de medicamentos genéricos no Brasil segundo variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e fontes de obtenção dos medicamentos. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal de base populacional, conduzido com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos (PNAUM), com coleta de dados entre setembro de 2013 e fevereiro de 2014 em residências de municípios brasileiros urbanos. O uso dos medicamentos foi investigado em relação ao tratamento de doenças crônicas e, no caso de eventos agudos, quanto ao uso nos últimos 15 dias. Os genéricos foram identificados por visualização das embalagens apresentadas pelos usuários dos medicamentos. As variáveis independentes utilizadas foram sexo, idade, escolaridade, classe econômica e região do País. A avaliação da significância estatística das diferenças entre os grupos foi analisada pelo teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson, considerando nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS A prevalência de uso de genéricos foi de 45,5% (IC95% 43,7–47,3). Não houve diferença por escolaridade, as prevalências foram maiores no sexo feminino (47,0%; IC95% 44,9–49,0) em relação ao masculino (43,1%; IC95% 40,5–45,8) e foram crescentes com o aumento da idade. Maiores usos de genéricos foram encontrados na classe econômica C (47,0%; IC95% 44,9–49,1) e nas regiões Sul (50,6%; IC95% 46,6-54,6) e Sudeste (49,9%; IC95% 46,8–53,0). Observou-se ainda que os genéricos representaram 37,3% dos medicamentos disponibilizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde . CONCLUSÕES Pode-se concluir que hoje existe uma alternativa de compra ou fornecimento gratuito pelo Sistema Único de Saúde, caracterizada por garantia de qualidade e preço reduzido em relação aos medicamentos de marca comercial considerados como referência. No mercado privado, boa parte da população está optando pelo uso de medicamentos genéricos, graças à disponibilidade dessa opção para praticamente todos os medicamentos mais utilizados pela população.

Relevance of variation in use of terminology to define generic pharmaceutical products / Relevancia de la variación en el uso de la terminología para definir los medicamentos genéricos

The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes the use of generic drug policies to foster competition in the pharmaceutical sector, reduce drug prices, and increase access to therapeutic drugs. However, little is known about how countries implement these policies. This article describes different terminology adopted by national regulatory authorities to define generic versus proprietary drug products in developing countries, including those in Latin America, and challenges that arise in their application of WHO guidelines, such as labeling issues. The author concludes that variation in generics terminology in these countries is a result of institutional context (i.e., the public sector setting as well as the body of laws and regulations that exists in the country) and policy legacies, such as intellectual property regimes, and highlights the need for further analysis of pharmaceutical regulations to improve understanding of the barriers and political implications of generic drug policies.

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) promueve el uso de políticas de medicamentos genéricos para estimular la competencia en el sector farmacéutico, reducir los precios y aumentar el acceso a los medicamentos. Sin embargo, hay poca información sobre la aplicación de dichas políticas por parte de los países. Este artículo describe la terminología empleada por los organismos regulatorios nacionales para definir los medicamentos genéricos frente a las especialidades farmacéuticas de marca en los países en desarrollo, incluidos los de América Latina, así como las dificultades que se encuentran en la aplicación de las directrices de la OMS, como por ejemplo en el etiquetado. El autor llega a la conclusión de que la variación en la terminología de los medicamentos genéricos en estos países es resultado del contexto institucional (es decir, el sector público y el ordenamiento jurídico-administrativo del país) y de los legados de las políticas, como los regímenes de propiedad intelectual, y destaca la necesidad de analizar más a fondo los reglamentos farmacéuticos a fin de conocer mejor los obstáculos y las implicaciones de las políticas en materia de medicamentos genéricos.

Alternativas para la adopción de políticas centradas en el acceso a medicamentos / Alternatives for adopting policies centered on access to medicines

América Latina está incorporando regulaciones que incidan en el costo y el gasto en medicamentos. Sus objetivos centrales son cuatro: i) garantizar la competitividad en el mercado, ii) asegurar precios asequibles a los consumidores individuales (canal comercial), iii) contener el gasto público en medicamentos (canal institucional) y iv) garantizar la eficiencia del gasto en medicamentos. La experiencia de América Latina difiere de la de los países de regiones desarrolladas. En estas últimas los países tienden a converger en sus políticas, tanto en la promoción de medicamentos genéricos y estrategias de control de precios, como en las medidas de racionalización y contención del gasto farmacéutico. En contraste, en América Latina ciertas debilidades institucionales impiden la consolidación y aplicación de una política regulatoria efectiva. El presente trabajo revisa la experiencia acumulada en la adopción de regulaciones económicas dirigidas a reducir el gasto y mejorar el acceso a los medicamentos, postula lecciones aprendidas a nivel internacional y ofrece recomendaciones para los países de América Latina. Su propósito es aportar elementos clave para los decisores de política y las autoridades de los países interesados en llevar adelante la regulación económica de medicamentos.

Latin America is adopting regulations that bear on medicinal costs and spending. The regulations have four main goals: i) to guarantee a competitive market, ii) to ensure affordability for individual consumers (commercial channel), iii) to contain public spending on medicines (institutional channel), and iv) to guarantee efficient spending on medicines. The experience of Latin America differs from that of countries in developed regions. In the latter, the countries tend to have similar policies, both in promoting generic medicines and in price control strategies, and in optimizing and containing pharmaceutical expense. In contrast, in Latin America, certain institutional weaknesses impede the consolidation and application of an effective regulatory policy. This paper reviews the experience gained through the adoption of economic regulations aimed at reducing spending and improving access to medicines, suggests lessons learned at the international level, and offers recommendations for the countries of Latin America. Its purpose is to offer key elements to decision-makers and the authorities of the countries concerned in pursuing economic regulation of medicines.

Efficacy and Safety of Tamsulosin for Treating Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled, Open-Label Non-Inferiority Study

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of Sulosin D (PACIFICPHARMA, Korea) and Harnal D (ASTELLAS PHARMA KOREA, Korea) in treating patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, controlled, open-label, multicenter non-inferiority study was conducted at four sites in Korea. We randomly assigned 123 patients with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) > or =12 to receive either Sulosin D or Harnal D treatment for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the mean change in IPSS from baseline to endpoint. Secondary outcomes were the mean change from baseline to endpoint in IPSS quality of life subscores, maximum uroflowmetry (Qmax), and post-voiding residuals (PVR). RESULTS: In all, 123 patients were randomly assigned (60 Sulosin D and 63 Harnal D). The changes in the total IPSS from baseline in the Sulosin D- and Harnal D-treated groups were -4.97 and -4.03, respectively. There were significant decreases compared with baseline in both groups. The mean difference (Sulosin D - Harnal D) was -0.91 (with a two-sided 90% confidence interval), inferring that Sulosin D was not inferior to Harnal D. The mean changes in the IPSS subscore, Qmax, and PVR from baseline were comparable between the groups (both p>0.05). During the treatment periods, the incidence of adverse events was 23.33% and 34.92% in the Sulosin D and Harnal D groups, respectively (p=0.1580). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the non-inferiority of Sulosin D to Harnal D in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH.

Aquisição de medicamentos genéricos em município de médio porte / Procurement of generic medicines in a medium size municipality / Adquisición de medicamentos genéricos en municipio de medio porte

OBJETIVO: Analisar o impacto financeiro da aquisição de medicamentos com a exigência da apresentação de testes de biodisponibilidade e/ou bioequivalência para o componente da Assistência Farmacêutica Básica. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, documental, em atas dos processos licitatórios para aquisição de medicamentos em município de médio porte de Santa Catarina. Foram analisadas licitações sem (2007) e com (2008) a exigência de testes de bioequivalência e/ou de biodisponibilidade. Avaliaram-se o número de recursos apresentados pelos fornecedores, o número de processos licitatórios anuais necessários para a aquisição de todos os medicamentos padronizados, o tempo para a finalização do processo licitatório, o número de itens fracassados, o custo unitário dos medicamentos e o valor total da aquisição. RESULTADOS: Foram observados 2,6 por cento de itens fracassados em 2007 e 56,9 por cento em 2008. Entre os medicamentos, 60,0 por cento tiveram acréscimo e 29,3,0 por cento decréscimo em 2008 em relação a 2007. Os custos totais de aquisição para 150 medicamentos, considerando valores unitários praticados e o consumo médio anual, foram de R$ 2.288.120,00 para 2007 e de R$ 4.270.425,00 para 2008. CONCLUSÕES: A exigência dos testes de bioequivalência e/ou de biodisponibilidade elevou em mais de 100 por cento os custos com o financiamento do Componente da Assistência Farmacêutica Básica, indicando necessidade de discussão de uma Política de Medicamento Genérico em consonância com a Política de Assistência Farmacêutica e com a Relação Nacional de Medicamentos Essenciais.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the financial impact of medicine procurement with the required bioavailability and or bioequivalence tests for the basic pharmaceutical services component. METHODS: A retrospective study, based on document research of competitive bidding for medicine procurement in a medium size municipality of Santa Catarina state, Southern Brazil. Bids that occurred with (2007) and without (2008) the requirement of bioequivalence and/or bioavailability tests were analyzed. The number of resources presented by providers, the number of annual bidding processes necessary to acquire all the standard medicines, the time to finalize the bidding process, the number of failing items, the per unit cost of medicines and the total value of procurement were evaluated. RESULTS: In 2007 and 2008 respectively, 2.6 percent and 56.9 percent of items failed. Among medicine purchases, 60.0 percent were increased and 29.3 percent decreased from 2008 to 2007.The total procurement costs for 150 medicines, considering per unit costs and average annual consumption was R$ 2,288,120.00 (2007) and R$ 4,270,425.00 (2008). CONCLUSIONS: The requirement for bioequivalence and/or bioavailability tests increased costs by more than 100 percent for the basic pharmaceutical services component. There is a need to discuss Generic Medicine Policies to agree with Pharmaceutical Assistance Policies and the National Essential Medicines Report.

OBJETIVO: Analizar el impacto financiero de la adquisición de medicamentos con la exigencia de la presentación de pruebas de biodisponibilidad y o bioequivalencia para el componente de la Asistencia Farmacéutica Básica. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, documental, en actas de los procesos licitatorios para adquisición de medicamentos en municipio de medio porte de Santa Catarina, Sur de Brasil. Se analizaron licitaciones sin (2007) y con la exigencia de pruebas de bioequivalencia y/o biodisponibilidad (2008). Se evaluaron el número de recursos presentados por los proveedores, el número de procesos licitatorios anuales necesarios para la adquisición de todos los medicamentos estandarizados, el tiempo para la finalización del proceso licitatorio, el número de ítems fracasados, el costo unitario de los medicamentos y el valor total de la adquisición. RESULTADOS: Se observaron 2,6 por ciento de ítems fracasados en 2007 y 56,9 por ciento en 2008. Entre los medicamentos, 60,0 por ciento tuvieron incremento y 29,3 por ciento, disminución en 2008 con relación a 2007. Los costos totales de adquisición para 150 medicamentos, considerando valores unitarios practicados y el consumo promedio anual, fueron de R$ 2.288.120,00 para 2007 y de R$ 4.270.425,00 para 2008. CONCLUSIONES: La exigencia de las pruebas de bioequivalencia y/o biodisponibilidad elevó en más de 100 por ciento los costos con el financiamiento de la Asistencia Farmacéutica Básica, indicando necesidad de discusión de una Política de Medicamento Genérico en consonancia con la Política de Asistencia Farmacéutica y con la Relación Nacional de Medicamentos Esenciales.

Medicamentos genéricos no Brasil: panorama histórico e legislação / Generic drugs in Brazil: historical overview and legislation

A política de medicamentos genéricos foi implantada no Brasil em 1999 com o objetivo de estimular a concorrência comercial, melhorar a qualidade dos medicamentos e facilitar o acesso da população ao tratamento medicamentoso. O processo de implementação dessa política permitiu a introdução e a discussão de conceitos nunca antes utilizados para o registro de medicamentos no Brasil: biodisponibilidade, bioequivalência, equivalência farmacêutica, medicamentos genéricos, sistema de classificação biofarmacêutica e bioisenção. Este artigo apresenta a definição desses conceitos no contexto das leis brasileiras e oferece uma descrição histórica e cronológica da implementação da política de genéricos no Brasil, listando ainda as resoluções que atualmente estão em vigor. Os resultados contribuem para a compreensão do processo e facilitam a busca e a identificação de ensaios necessários para satisfazer os critérios legais.

The Brazilian generic drugs policy was implemented in 1999 with the aim of stimulating competition in the market, improve the quality of drugs and improve the access of the population to drug treatment. The process of implementing this policy allowed the introduction and discussion of concepts that had never before been used in the context of drug registration in Brazil: bioavailability, bioequivalence, pharmaceutical equivalence, generic drugs, biopharmaceutical classification system, biowaiver. The present article provides definitions for these concepts in the context of Brazilian legislation as well as a historical and chronological description of the implementation of the generic drugs policy in Brazil, including a list of current generic drug legislation. This article contributes to the understanding of the Brazilian generic drugs policy and facilitates the search for information concerning the legal requirements for registration of drugs in Brazil.

Estudos de medicamentos biosimilares: [revisão] / Studies on biosimilar medications: [review]

No Brasil, o registro de novos medicamentos é feito apenas quando a agência reguladora - Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) - se satisfaz plenamente com as evidências de sua qualidade, eficácia e segurança, apresentadas por uma indústria farmacêutica que pleiteie esse registro. Com o vencimento de patentes, empresas farmacêuticas se sentem atraídas pela produção medicamentos biológicos chamados de biosimilares ou biogenéricos ou simplesmente genéricos, cuja aprovação pode resultar em redução de custos de tratamento. Mas é preciso que o biosimilar seja, pelo menos, igualmente eficaz e seguro e sem contaminantes em relação ao original. Consensos recentes apontam diretrizes para estabelecer critérios de eficácia e segurança desses medicamentos. Estudos pré-clínicos in vitro e in vivo, procedência da matéria-prima e estudos clínicos fase I, II e III são preconizados para registro do produto biosimilar no mercado internacional. As heparinas de baixo peso molecular encontram-se nessa situação. Nesta revisão, abordamos especificamente esse tipo de medicamento, o que pode servir de parâmetro para outros biosimilares.

In Brazil, the registration of new drugs is carried out only when the regulatory agency (Anvisa, acronym in Portuguese) is fully satisfied with the evidence of their quality, efficacy and safety, presented by a pharmaceutical industry that strive for this registration. With the patent expiration, pharmaceutical companies are attracted to produce biological medicines called biosimilar or biogenerics or simply generics, whose approval may result in reduced treatment costs. But it is necessary that the biosimilar be, at least, equally effective and safe and without contaminants in relation to the original. Recent consensus guidelines aim to establish criteria for efficacy and safety of these medicines. Preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo, the origin of raw materials and clinical studies phase I, II and III are recommended for biosimilar medicine registration in the international market. Low molecular weight heparins are found in this situation. In this review we specifically addressed this type of medicine, which could serve as a benchmark for other biosimilar medicines.

Financial incentives for generic drugs: case study on a reimbursement program / Incentivos financeiros para medicamentos genéricos: estudo de caso sobre programa de reembolso

Objective: To discuss the use of financial incentives in choice of medication and to assess the economic results concerning the use of financial incentives to promote the use of genetic medication in lieu of reference drugs in a company with a reimbursement program. Methods: A case study was carried out in a large supermarket. The data was obtained in the company responsible for managing medication. The study reached 83,625 users between August 2005 and July 2007. The data was submitted to regressions in order to analyze trends and hypothesis tests to assess differences in medication consumption. The results were compared with general data regarding medication consumption of five other organizations and also with data about the national consumption of generic medication in Brazil. Results: The use of financial incentives to replace brand medications for generics, in the company studied, increased the consumption of generic drugs without reducing the company expenses with the reimbursement programs. Conclusions: This study show the occurrence of unplanned results (increase in the consumption of medications) and the positive consequences of the reimbursement program concerning access to medication.

Objetivo: Discutir o uso de incentivos financeiros na escolha de medicamentos e avaliar os resultados econômicos do uso de incentivos financeiros na indução da substituição de medicamentos de referência por genéricos em empresa com programa de reembolso. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo de caso, em um grande supermercado. Os dados foram obtidos na empresa responsável pelo gerenciamento de medicamentos, a pesquisa atingiu 83.625 beneficiários entre Agosto de 2005 e Julho de 2007. Os dados foram submetidos a regressões para analisar tendências, e testes de hipóteses para avaliar diferenças nos consumos. Os resultados foram comparados com os dados gerais de consumo de medicamentos de outras cinco organizações e também com o consumo nacional de genéricos no Brasil. Resultados: A adoção de incentivos financeiros para a substituição dos medicamentos de referência por genéricos, na empresa estudada, aumentou o consumo de genéricos sem reduzir os gastos da empresa com o reembolso dos mesmos. Conclusões: Este trabalho mostrou a ocorrência de resultados não planejados (aumento do consumo de medicamentos) e as consequências positivas dos sistemas de reembolso para o acesso aos medicamentos.

The Impact of Generic Clopidogrel Bisulfate on Platelet Inhibition in Patients with Coronary Artery Stents: Results of the ACCEL-GENERIC Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In patients with coronary artery stents, the cost of clopidogrel has been cited as a factor in the premature discontinuation of therapy. Thus, the introduction of lower-cost generic clopidogrel may increase patient compliance. However, platelet inhibition by generic clopidogrel has not been compared to the original clopidogrel formulation in patients with coronary artery stents. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 20 patients receiving chronic therapy with the original clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix(R)). After assessing patient compliance with Plavix(R), maintenance therapy was switched to generic clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavitor(R)). Platelet reactivity was assessed at baseline and 30-day after the switch using conventional aggregometry and the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay. RESULTS: All patients completed maintenance therapy with Plavitor(R). Before and after switching therapy maximal (36.5 +/- 7.9% vs. 39.8 +/- 16.2%, p = 0.280) and late platelet aggregation (23.5 +/- 10.9% vs. 29.1 +/- 18.3%, p = 0.156) with 5 micromol/L adenosine diphosphate (ADP) stimulus did not differ. Likewise, 20 micromol/L ADP-induced platelet aggregation and P2Y12 reaction unit in patients on Plavitor(R) therapy was comparable to that in patients on Plavix(R) therapy. However, Bland-Altman analysis showed wide limits of agreement between measured platelet reactivity on Plavix(R) vs. Plavitor(R) therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients on Plavix(R) maintenance therapy with coronary stents, replacement with Plavitor(R) shows a comparable inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. However, due to poor inter-therapy agreement, between two regimens, physicians may be cautious when introducing generic clopidogrel bisulfate.

Bioequivalencia de un rociador nasal de propionato de fluticasona genérico y el producto comercial / Bioequivalence of generic and branded fluticasone propionate nasal spray

Objetivo. Comparar la bioequivalencia de tres formulas farmacéuticas nasales de propionato de fluticasona administradoscon un rociador nasal. Materiales y métodos. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, abierto, de dosis única, cruzado a tresbrazos en 60 voluntarios sanos de ambos sexos entre 18 y 55 años de edad. El tratamiento consistió en una dosis nasalúnica (800 mcg) de rociador nasal de propionato de fluticasona (RNF), Flonase®, y Flixonase® en cinco visitas: una visita de selección, tres visitas de administración del medicamento y una de evaluación final. Se obtuvo muestras desangre a intervalos apropiados para análisis farmacocinético. El parámetro primario para determinar la bioequivalencia de las fórmulas farmacéuticas estudiadas fue el área bajo la curva de concentración-tiempo (AUC0-t). Como parámetro secundario se consideró la concentración máxima de la droga (Cmax). RNF se comparó separadamente a Flonase® y Flixonase®. Resultados. Se demostró bioequivalencia entre RNF y Flonase® (n=55) utilizando la transformación logarítmica invertida de AUC0-t (relación RNF a Flonase® = 1,021; IC90 por ciento, 0,88 a 1,19), y Cmax (relación = 0,995; IC90 por ciento, 0,92 a 1,07). Ambas medidas se encuentran dentro del rango aceptable de bioequivalencia (0,80 a 1,25). También se demostró la bioequivalencia entre RNF y Flixonase® (n=54) para AUC0-t (relación = 0,949; IC 90 por ciento 0,81 a 1,10) y Cmax (relación = 0,939, IC90 por ciento, 0,87 a 1,02). Se encontró que los tres tratamientos presentaron relativamente pocos efectos adversos. Conclusiones. RNF a una dosis de 800 mcg es bioequivalente tanto a Flonase® como Flixonase® administradas a voluntarios sanos. El perfil de seguridad de RNF es consistente con los de Flonase® y Flixonase®.

Objective: Comparison of the bioequivalence of three pharmaceutical formulations of fluticasone propionate nasal administered with a nasal spray (FANS). Materials y Methods: A randomized, open-label, single-dose, three-way crossover study in 60 healthy volunteers of both sexes between 18 and 55 years old. Subjects received a single intranasal dose (800 mcg) of FANS, Flonase®, and Flixonase® in 5 visits: screening, 3 dosing visits, and end of study. Forty-eight hours to 7 days were allowed between dosing visits. Blood was drawn for pharmacokinetics analysis at appropriate intervals. The primary pharmacokinetic parameter for determination of bioequivalence of the formulations was the areaunder the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-t). Secondary parameters included the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax). FANS was compared to Flonase® and to Flixonase® separately. Results: Bioequivalence between FANS and Flonase® (n=55) was demonstrated by the inverse log transformed AUC0-t (ratio FANS to Flonase® = 1.021; 90 per cent CI, 0.88 to 1.19), and Cmax, (ratio = 0.995; 90 per cent CI, 0.92 to 1.07), which are within the acceptable range of 0.80 to 1.25. Bioequivalence between FANS and Flixonase® (n=54) was also demonstrated for AUC0-t (ratio = 0.949; 90 per cent CI 0.81 to 1.10) and Cmax (ratio = 0.939, 90 per cent CI, 0.87 to 1.02). Active treatments were well tolerated and there were relatively few adverse events. Conclusions: A single dose of FANS 800 mcg is pharmacokinetically bioequivalent to both Flonase® and Flixonase® when administered to healthy subjects. The safety profile of FANS was consistent with that noted for Flonase® and Flixonase®.

Equivalencia clínica entre el rociador nasal de propionato de fluticasona genérico y comercial en pacientes con rinitis alérgica / Clinical equival ence between generic and branded fluticasone propionate nasal spray in patients with allergic rhinitis

Objetivo. Establecer la equivalencia clínica de un rociador nasal de propionato de fluticasona (RNF) genérico comparadocon dos formulas farmacéuticas comerciales del mismo producto (Flonase® y Flixonase®) durante la estación de polinización del cedro de montaña (Juniperus ashei) en Texas, EEUU. Materiales y métodos. Estudio multicéntrico, aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo, en grupos paralelos diseñado para investigar la seguridad y eficacia de RNF (200 mcg una vez al día), Flonase® (200 mcg una vez al día) y Flixonase® (200 mcg una vez al día), comparados con placebo, administrados por 13 a 15 días. Los pacientes registraron diariamente, en la mañana y en la tarde, sus síntomas nasales totales (SNT). La variable de desenlace primaria fue la suma de SNT en la mañana y tarde + 1. Las variables de desenlace secundarias fueron los SNT AM + 1 y SNT PM + 1, y la evaluación de seguridad. Resultados. No se observó diferencia estadísticamente significativa en ningún día de estudio, ni en todo el periodo de tratamiento, ni al punto de final entre SNT promedio tanto de Flonase® como Flixonase® y RNF. La equivalencia clínica entre RNF yFlonase® (cociente= 0,98; intervalo de confianza [IC] al 90 por ciento, 0,91 a 1,06), y entre RNF y Flixonase® (cociente= 1,02; IC 90 por ciento, 0,94 a 1,10) fue demostrada tanto para la variable de desenlace primaria como para las otras variables de eficacia. Conclusiones. Estos resultados respaldan la equivalencia clínica entre RNF 200 mcg una vez al día tanto con Flonase®como Flixonase® en el tratamiento de rinitis alérgica estacional.

Objective. The primary objective of this study was to establish the clinic equivalence of a new Fluticasone Propionate Aqueous Nasal Spray (FANS) compared to two commercially available active treatments of fluticasone propionate nasal spray (Flonase® and Flixonase®) during the mountain cedar (Juniperus ashei) pollen season in Texas. Material and methods. This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled and placebo-controlled, parallel group study designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of FANS (200 mcg QD), Flonase® and Flixonase® (200 mcg QD) compared to placebo administered for 13 to 15 days. Patients recorded the total nasal symptoms dcores (TNSS) in a diary in the morning and evening every day. The primary endpoint was the patient-rated am and pm TNSS +1. Other key efficacy endpoints were patient-rated AM TNSS+1, patient-rated PM TNSS+1, and safety. Results. Mean TNSS values for Flonase® and Flixonase® were not statistically significantly different from FANS during any study day, over the entire treatment period, or at endpoint. Bioequivalence between FANS and Flonase® (ratio= 0.98, 90 per cent CI 0.91 to 1.06) as well as FANS and Flixonase® (ratio=1.02, 90 per cent CI 0.94 to 1.10) was demonstrated for the primary endpoint [Patient-Rated am and pm TNSS +1] as well as for the other key efficacy endpoints. Conclusions. The findings from this study support that FANS 200 mcg QD is therapeutically bioequivalent to both Flonase® and Flixonase® in the control ofthe symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Bioequivalence study of four different trademarks of enalapril maleate in spontaneously hypertensive rats

INTRODUCTION: High blood pressure is a systemic disease which has major clinical and psycho-social repercussions, involves a high morbidity-mortality rate and generates high costs for the health system. Its treatment involves the use of antihypertensive drugs, which are commercialized as trademark, generic or similar drugs. PURPOSE: To verify the antihypertensive effect produced by a similar dose of different trademarks of enalapril maleate in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: Fifteen mg/kg of enalapril maleate were administered by gavage in 50 SHR rats and their blood pressure was verified through tail plethysmography every three days in a period of 16 days. RESULTS: The group treated with reference drug has shown a significant reduction on blood pressure levels when compared to the control group. Thus, treatments with enalapril maleate of generic, similar-A and similar-B brands have also shown significant reduction on animals' blood pressure. CONCLUSION: The use of generic drug and similars (A and B) drugs in the same doses and for the same period of time has not shown significant difference regarding the reference drug, which suggests that the brands tested are bioequivalent.

INTRODUÇÃO: A hipertensão arterial é uma doença sistêmica que traz grandes repercussões clínicas e psico-sociais, cursa com uma elevada morbi-mortalidade e gera elevados gastos para o sistema de saúde. Seu tratamento envolve a utilização de fármacos anti-hipertensivos, os quais são comercializados como remédios de marca, genéricos ou similares. PURPOSE: Verificar o efeito anti-hipertensivo produzido por dose igualitária de diferentes marcas de maleato de enalapril, em ratos naturalmente hipertensos. MÉTODOS: Foram administrados, por meio de gavagem, 15 mg/kg de maleato de enalapril em 50 ratos naturalmente hipertensos e verificada a pressão arterial, através de pletismografia de cauda, a cada três dias, em um período de 16 dias. RESULTADOS: O grupo testado com o fármaco de referência mostrou uma redução significativa dos níveis pressóricos quando comparado ao grupo controle. Da mesma forma, o tratamento com Maleato de Enalapril da marca genérica e das marcas similar-A e similar-B também produziu redução significativa da pressão arterial dos animais. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização do medicamento genérico e os similares A e B nas doses utilizadas e no tempo de experimentação adotado, não indicou diferença significativa em relação ao fármaco de referência, sugerindo que as marcas testadas são bioequivalentes.