Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
05:10
Drug Repurposing Hypothesis Generation Using the "RE:fine Drugs" System
Published on: December 11, 2016
[Generic drugs in Spain: first stage]
M Siles Gutiérrez1, M Goldaracena Tanco
1Dirección Territorial INSALUD, Inspección Farmacéutica, Zaragoza. msiles@dtz.insalud.es
Atencion Primaria
|September 21, 2000
Summary
Generic medicine consumption in Spain is growing but has not reached its full potential, resulting in substantial unachieved savings. The supply of these cost-effective alternatives is also steadily increasing.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Pharmaceutical policy
Context:
- Observational, retrospective study analyzing the Spanish National Health System.
- Data from medical prescriptions issued between October 1997 and December 1998.
Purpose:
- To analyze the consumption patterns and supply of generic medicines.
- To quantify potential savings achievable through increased generic medicine utilization.
Summary:
- Total consumption of generic medicines reached 10.4 million euros (0.15% of total pharmaceutical spending).
- Potential additional savings were estimated at 79.5 million euros.
- The number of available generic medicines increased to 67 by May 1999.
Impact:
- Despite steady growth, generic medicine uptake remains below its potential, indicating significant opportunities for cost savings.
- The study highlights the need for policies to maximize generic medicine utilization within the National Health System.
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