OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present analysis is to investigate generic penetration in European countries, focusing on selected groups of medicines.

METHODS: Market shares (in volume) for on-patent, off patent and generics (Gx) medicines were calculated for 18 European countries, using IQVIA data from 2020. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) groups in scope were C10A – Lipid Modifying Agents, Plain (excluding ATC C10A4); N05/N06 Psychoeleptics/Psychoanaleptics; and A10 Drugs used in Diabetes (excluding insulin). Volume shares for on-patent, off patent and Gx medicines were calculated in standard units (SUs). Data reflect sell-out retail channel for prescription drugs.

RESULTS: Lipid Modifying Agents: Gx penetration in this ATC is high (average 83.5%), which can be explained by the absence of on-patent drugs. However, there are countries performing lower than EU18 average with the lowest share reported in Italy (50.5%) and Belgium (54.5%). Germany and Sweden present the highest Gx volume shares (98.7% and 97.7% respectively). Psychoeleptics/Psychoanaleptics: on-patent medicines are dominant in this ATC with an average volume share of 52.1%. Gx penetration average in terms of volume share is 38.3%; the lowest Gx share is observed in Greece (13.4%). UK is an outlier, with a Gx volume share of 91.6% in this ATC group. The Netherlands and Germany are also high performing countries (51.4% and 45.4% Gx volume share respectively). Drugs used in Diabetes: the average market share of Gx medicines in terms of volume in this group is 63.3%. The highest volume shares are observed in the Netherlands (95.4%) followed by Sweden (83.2%). Greece is an outlier, with a very low Gx volume share (6.9%), followed by Portugal (32.8%).

CONCLUSIONS: there is significant variability in Gx penetration in the ATC groups included in the analysis. High performing countries could provide useful lessons for countries with low Gx volume share such as Greece.