Reference pricing systems in Europe: characteristics and consequences
Journal Title: Generics and Biosimilars Initiative Journal - Year 2012, Vol 1, Issue 3
Abstract
Introduction: A reference pricing system is a system that establishes a common reimbursement level or reference price for a group of interchangeable medicines, i.e. the reference group. This article provides an overview of the different characteristics of the different reference pricing systems in Europe. Additionally, the impact of reference pricing on price competition, generic medicine use, pharmaceutical expenditure and health outcome will be discussed. Methods: Studies relevant for this article were found by means of a literature review. A survey was carried out to document the current status of reference pricing systems in Europe. Survey data were collected from member associations of the European Generic medicines Association in the context of their 2011 survey of European drug retail markets. Results: Many European governments have introduced reference pricing systems. Reference pricing systems reduce medicine prices but not always below the reference price, increase the use of medicines priced at or below the reference price, generate savings in pharmaceutical expenditure that tend to be limited to the short term, and do not seem to adversely affect health outcomes. Conclusion: Reference pricing is a popular policy for governments to contain pharmaceutical expenditures and seems to be effective in the different European countries.
Authors and Affiliations
Pieter Dylst, Steven Simoens, Arnold G Vulto
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP355644
- DOI 10.5639/gabij.2012.0103-4.028
- Views 128
- Downloads 0
‘Similar biologics’ approved and marketed in India
There have been established guidelines for approving generic versions of small molecule chemical drugs in India for some time already. However, no specific guidelines for ‘similar biologics’, as the Indian regulatory aut...
Editor’s introduction to the wide range of topics in the initial issue of the second volume of GaBI Journal
We start off the second year of GaBI Journal with articles covering a wide range of issues.
Myths, questions, facts about generic drugs in the EU
Many generic drugs are now being prescribed and the trend is increasing. For example, in Austria, the number of all generics prescriptions has more than doubled from 11% in 2000 to 23% in 2010. However, many myths and qu...
New EU guidance for the evaluation of medicinal products with modified drug release will be finished by the middle of 2014
The guideline ‘Note for guidance on modified release oral and transdermal dosage forms: Section II (Pharmacokinetic and clinical evaluation)’ [1] was issued over 10 years ago, and the need for revision was recognized in...
Health professionals in the risk communication process on counterfeit medicines
Communication is a key component in the fight against counterfeit medicines affecting the lives of patients. Two types of risk communication should be distinguished: pro-active and reactive. Reactive communication can be...