Report warns of crisis as Europe’s generic medicines reduced

Teva Pharmaceuticals, which ranks as the world’s largest generic drug manufacturer, claims in its research that the number of generic medicines withdrawn from the market has surged by 12%, while the launch of new generic products has decreased by an average of 3% annually.

In 2012, it points out, Europe boasted 40,280 distinct generic products. But after just over a  decade later, this figure plummeted to a mere 29,836 generics, representing a sizeable 26% decline.

Generics – containing the same active pharmaceutical ingredient as drugs formerly protected by patent  constitute 67% of all medications, says the company. In many instances patent periods last for 20 years, but the European Union also permits an additional five year patent restoration period on certain conditions. 

However generics offer the advantage of more competitive pricing, hence their popularity among consumers and retailers.

Teva’s study, The Critical Medicines Health Check’, warns of escalating health challenges across Europe, citing antimicrobial resistance and adding the region now has 31% fewer antibiotic medicines than a decade ago, with a serious 21% decline in children's antibiotic syrups. 

In addition, it claims, the continent's average life expectancy dipped by 0.7 years due to the Coved pandemic, while cancer incidence has notably increased, recording in 202 deaths per 100,000 individuals in 2021, compared to 191 in 2019. The number of cancer generics fell 38% in the period.

The report advocated three key measures: a better incentive framework for innovation to foster development of complex treatments; more legal clarity for generic launches to enhance access and variety; and safeguarding mature essential medicines through sustainable market practices, improved procurement and optimised regulatory frameworks.