OBJECTIVES:

it is not clear whether the introduction of low-cost generics have actually reduced pharmaceutical spending, especially when the definition of target population is rather vague. We sought to describe market dynamics of statins, where in-patent and off-patent drugs are mixed and whose demand is relatively elastic.

METHODS:

We utilized IMS Health Analytical Link databases from 2012 to 2016 in Italy, Japan, Germany, France, UK, US, Switzerland, Taiwan, Korea, and Australia. We refer to the volume (in Standard Unit, SU), price per SU, and the market share of the generics vs, originator where patents had expired in 2012 in most countries (simvastatin, atorvastatin), and have partly expired (rosuvastatin pitavastin). Their market expansion was measured as CAGR (compound annual growth rate) and relative market share was illustrated.

RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS:

statin volume has expanded, yet its expansion differ dramatically based on the price, patent status, and the country characteristics.