Observational
No
There are considerable opportunities to improve prescribing efficiency and achieve significant financial savings in China by increasing the utilization of lower-cost generic ARBs.
Low generic ARB uptake despite price cuts may limit savings in China; leaves open whether policy interventions can increase utilization.
INTRODUCTION: Pharmaceutical expenditure is rising by 16% per annum in China and is now 46% of total expenditure. Initiatives to moderate growth include drug pricing regulations and encouraging international non-proprietary name prescribing. However, there is no monitoring of physician prescribing quality and perverse incentives. OBJECTIVES: Assess changes in angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) utilization and expenditure as more generics become available; compare findings to Europe. METHODOLOGY: Observational retrospective study of ARB utilization and expenditure between 2006 and 2012 in the largest hospital in Chongqing district. RESULTS: Variable and low use of generics versus originators with a maximum of 31% among single ARBs. Similar for fixed dose combinations. Prices typically reduced over time, greatest for generic telmisartan (-54%), mirroring price reductions in some European countries. However, no preferential increase in prescribing of lower cost generics. Accumulated savings of 33 million CNY for this large provider if they adopted European practices. CONCLUSION: Considerable opportunities to improve prescribing efficiency in China.
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Zeng et al. (2014) conducted an observational in Cardiovascular disease (ARB indications). Generic angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) vs. Originator ARBs was evaluated on Proportion of generic ARB utilisation among total single ARBs.
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