Comparison of prices of originator and generic medicines

Abstract

Generic medicines have gained popularity throughout the past years as these enable cost savings and create competition and contribute to driving down prices and promoting access to medicines. The aim of the study was to compare the prices of originator medicines with their generic counterparts available on the Maltese market. The study employed a quantitative descriptive approach with a focus on solid oral dosage forms available on the Maltese market as of January 2020. A tally of the originator medicines with their generic counterparts available in a community pharmacy was generated. Each drug was classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System. The prices of the medicines were listed and compared. Percentage price differences in each ATC class and the overall average percentage price difference were determined. The ratio of available generic counterparts for each originator medicine was computed. In total, 76 originator medicines and their generic counterparts (n=148) were compiled. The list includes drugs from 9 ATC classes. Drugs for blood disorders showed the highest average percentage price difference from the originator (-51.93%) followed by drugs for cardiovascular disorders (-46.37%). Drugs for respiratory conditions had the lowest average price difference (-5.50%). The overall average price difference between originator and generic medicines among all ATC classes is -29.12%. Analysis showed that there is a 1:2 ratio of originator to generic medicines in the market. The results infer that the use of generic medicines decreases the patient’s cost of therapy. Generic alternatives are available for most of the commonly used medications.