In terms of economics, implementing generic drug policy is nothing other than consolidating (or even, creating) drug markets that set competitive prices, the result of which favors public access to essential drugs. This article approaches the topic of generic drugs from the economic perspective by examining various regulatory models in order to evaluate and leverage generic drug policy implementation options as a mechanism for battling some of the markets specific weaknesses. The conclusion is that there is no single unequivocal method for promoting the use of generic drugs, and that the most favorable way to integrate markets may be through a broad combination of alternatives. These alternatives are grouped and analyzed according to the market issues or challenges that must be overcome. Several options are then identified based on the degree of market consolidation to be obtained.(AU)

Economy of generic drugs in Latin America

Rev Panam Salud Publica;23(1),ene. 2008

Formulación de Políticas; Medicamentos genéricos; Similar; América Latina; Policy Making; Drugs; Generic; Latin America; Medicamentos Genéricos; Medicamentos Genéricos; Competição Econômica; Política de Saúde; América Latina; Marketing; Prescrições de Medicamentos

Tobar, Federico (2008) Economía de los medicamentos genéricos en América Latina. Rev Panam Salud Publica;23(1) 59-67,ene. 2008. Retrieved from http://www.scielosp.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1020-49892008000100008