Reshaping Australian drug policy: the dilemmas of generic medicines policy
2007
Reshaping Australian Drug Policy
Commentary
Author Information
Author(s): Hans Löfgren
Primary Institution: Deakin University
Hypothesis
How can Australia improve its drug policy to promote the use of generic medicines?
Conclusion
The new drug policy aims to lower prices for off-patent medicines and improve access to generics in Australia.
Supporting Evidence
- Most medicines can be made cheaply, especially generics.
- The Australian government is introducing changes to drug policy to promote cheaper generics.
- Generic drugs account for a significant portion of PBS expenditure.
- Pricing incentives for choosing generics over brand names are currently weak.
Takeaway
Australia is trying to make medicines cheaper by using more generic drugs, which are often less expensive than brand-name ones.
Limitations
The implications of the new policy are still uncertain and many details are yet to be finalized.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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