Consumers' views on generics changing

More than 50% of South Africans today would rather choose a generic over a brand name prescription drug according to IMS Health South Africa, a marketing research company to the healthcare sector. 3 Apr 2012 09:02

Generic market set for rapid growth in 2012

Growth of the generic pharmaceutical market - locally and globally - is set to rapidly accelerate in 2012, building on the significant momentum the sector achieved last year. 6 Feb 2012 16:07

Generics vs branded drugs: get what you believe

[Dr Karen Koch] Like many people, you may be hesitant to buy less expensive alternatives to brand-name drugs, despite legislation allowing pharmacists to substitute original medications with generic alternatives. 3 Feb 2012 16:17

Court ruling may spell end of generic giant's product

Aspen registered its Andosept trademark in 2005 and launched a pharyngeal product under that name in 2008, in direct competition with the market-leading product Andolex. The Andosept product was placed on pharmacy shelves in packaging similar to that used for Andolex. 12 Jan 2012 12:40

The great pharma patent debate

[Dr Joanne Van Harmelen] In recent news, the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) has called on government to revise the Patents Act to reduce the patent protection available to pharmaceutical inventions, which the organisation believes is responsible for the high cost of medicines and a delay in the availability of generic medicines. 23 Nov 2011 16:06

South African's overcharged for medicines

South African consumers are paying more for their medicine than they could be, says Paul Anley, CEO of Pharma Dynamics. He was speaking at the annual International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance (IGPA) conference that took place in Cape Town this month. 17 Nov 2011 16:24

Cancer Research UK launches trial of drug which could reduce blood supply to cancers

Cancer Research UK's Drug Development Office has opened a trial to assess a new drug to treat a range of cancer types. The drug works by reducing the flow of blood to tumours and potentially starving them of the blood supply that they need to survive. 3 Nov 2011 08:26

Comparing apples with pears - the SA pharmaceutical market is not the same as the US one!

[Alexis Apostolidis] A recent report by the American Federal Trade Commission ("FTC", the equivalent to South Africa's competition authorities) on the short and long-term effects of authorised generics sparked an article in the Business Report on Friday, 14 October- "Delay in generics robbing SA's sick". An authorised generic is an approved brand name drug marketed as a generic. 20 Oct 2011 09:19

Results of medication studies in top medical journals may be misleading to readers

[Enrique Rivero] A UCLA-Harvard study has highlighted three types of confusing outcome measures. Studies about medications published in the most influential medical journals are frequently designed in a way that yields misleading or confusing results, new research suggests. 26 Aug 2011 09:19

First International Generic Medicines conference in Africa

Cape Town is set to become the first city in Africa to host the 14th Annual International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance (IGPA) Conference, a premier event for the global generic medicines industry. 17 Aug 2011 12:46

NHI costs will rise to R225 billion in 15 years

South Africa's National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme will cost taxpayers R225 billion by 2025 when it is fully implemented according to a report published on Times Live today. It quotes Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, expenditure on the plan will rise to R103 million this year. 12 Aug 2011 12:20

Price cuts save R242 million for government

The South African government has managed to save R242 million or 18% by securing discounts from suppliers of antibiotics and tuberculosis drugs over the past two years according to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, reports Business Day. 5 Aug 2011 09:35

Regulations hinder Africa's growth

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published on its website (1) a study undertaken by the Pharmaceutical Industry Association of South Africa (PIASA), highlighting the challenges of medicines registration in Africa. Against the background of increasing growth potential for pharmaceutical companies in developing countries, the study drills down to expose specific issues that are retarding progress. 25 Mar 2011 07:21

New study backs Spirulina's positive impact on immunity and anaemia

A new study has shown that multi-nutrient, Spirulina, may be the ideal supplement to boost immunity and counter anaemia, particularly in those over 50 years old. 22 Mar 2011 09:23