title: Generic immunosuppression in transplantation: current evidence and controversial issues.
abstract: The overall success of organ transplantation in the 21st century has been predicated, in part, on the use of newer, more potent, and selective immunosuppressive agents. However, the high cost of lifelong immunosuppression represents a financial burden for many patients. In the past 15 years, regulatory agencies in Europe and America have approved several generic immunosuppressants. One concern is whether the conversion between innovator and generic immunosuppressants will prove to be problematic. This manuscript aims to compare and contrast the bioequivalence requirements among regulatory authorities in the USA, Europe, and Canada, evaluate published studies of generic immunosuppressants in transplant recipients, summarize consensus statements made by transplant organizations and discuss how to engage patients in discussion regarding the choice between innovator and generic immunosuppressants.
authors: Pharmacy Practice PGY-1 Resident - Department of Pharmacy Services, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: El Hajj
authors: Miae
authors: M
authors: Kim
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Phillips
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Gabardi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002170:Canada; D032921:Consensus; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control; D016568:Drugs, Generic / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005060:Europe; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016377:Organ Transplantation; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency; D035703:Therapies, Investigational; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D016568:Drugs, Generic; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents
keywords: generic; immunosuppressants; immunosuppression; innovator; organ transplant