title: Cost comparison and economic implications of commonly used originator and generic chemotherapy drugs in India.
abstract: Cancer treatments have improved outcomes but access to medications is an issue around the world and especially so in low- and middle-income countries, such as India. Generic substitution may lead to significant cost savings. The author aimed to compare the cost and estimate potential cost savings per cycle, per patient, and for the country as a whole with generic substitution of frequently used chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of common cancers in India. Generic paclitaxel (Taxol), docetaxel (Taxotere), gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and irinotecan cost from 8.9% to 36% of their equivalent branded originator drug, resulting in cost savings of ~ Indian Rupees (INR) 11,000 to >INR 90,000 (USD 200-1600, Euro 160-1300) per cycle; and ~INR 50,000 to >INR 240,000 (USD 900-4300, Euro 700-3400) per patient. Overall, potential yearly savings for health systems in India were nearly INR 47 billion (~USD 843 million, Euro 670 million). In conclusion, generic substitution for frequently used chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of common cancers has an enormous potential to generate significant cost savings and increase access to cancer treatments in India and other low- and middle-income countries.
authors: The Johns Hopkins Singapore International Medical Centre, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore. glopes.md@gmail.com
authors: G de L
authors: Gde L
authors: Lopes
mesh_terms: D002166:Camptothecin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017046:Cost Savings / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077143:Docetaxel; D016568:Drugs, Generic / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D000077146:Irinotecan; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics*; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011203:Poverty; D043823:Taxoids / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000093542:Gemcitabine
chemical_list: D016568:Drugs, Generic; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D043823:Taxoids; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D000077143:Docetaxel; D000077146:Irinotecan; D017239:Paclitaxel; D002166:Camptothecin; D000093542:Gemcitabine