A comparison of generic and originator brand drug prices between Jordan and the United Kingdom

1. A comparison of generic and originator brand drug prices between Jordan and the United Kingdom Faris El-Dahiyat1, ReemKayyali1, Ibrahim Alabbadi21 Kingston University-UK, 2 University of Jordan • Prices of originators at registration were higher in the UK (except omeprazole) while they were higher in Jordan at time of launch of first generic (except enalapril) Introduction When a pharmaceutical patent expires, generic companies may enter the market and start selling copies of the original drug. In competitive markets entry of generics, would trigger fierce price competition, hence decreasing the monopoly enjoyed by the original patent holder. The priority of drug pricing policies worldwide is to make drug prices as affordable as possible for the public. Objective The aim of this research was to compare the retail prices of generics and originators’ brands of five drugs; enalapril, lisinopril, omeprazole, lansoprazole and simvastatin representing three different classes between Jordan and the United Kingdom (UK) and to investigate if there is a relation between number of generics & time of launch. • Generic prices are currently much higher in Jordan than in the UK • Current originator brands’ prices are higher in Jordan (except simvastatin & enalapril) Methodology Prices of originators and generics for the 5 drugs at different time periods and number of generics available were obtained from Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, BNF and updated Chemist and Druggist generics list. Prices were converted to Sterling Pounds (£) expressed per unit dose, then data were entered into an excel spreadsheets for comparisons. • There is no correlation between number of years originators & generics have been available in Jordan & UK and the change in their prices Originators • Results • Generic products appeared much earlier in Jordan than in the UK Generics Conclusion and recommendation Current pharmaceutical pricing instructions in Jordan need to be revised in order to add evidence-based pharmacoeconomic evaluations for new originators, and to balance the need for lesser generic prices without negatively impact the local manufacturers.