A retrospective study: efficacy of an originator versus a generic formulation of simvastatin in patients who suffer from hyperlipidaemia

South Africa is home to a multi-ethnic society with a large range of cultures and lifestyles. Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. South Africa is known to have one of the highest incidence rates of hypercholesterolaemia in the world, especially among the Caucasian population.

The aim of this retrospective chart review was to establish whether a multisource simvastatin (Simvotin^®, Ranbaxy, a Sun Pharma company) maintained the cholesterol-lowering effect after switching from the innovator brand Zocor^® (MSD South Africa) in the public-sector hospitals. Since prescribers often doubt the registration requirements of multisource products based on bioequivalence alone, this research was done to confirm similar clinical outcomes in a real-world setting.

More than 200 charts were identified from patients treated for hyperlipidaemia. Patients were treated for at least six months prior to and again six months after the switching of brands in order to meet criteria to be eligible for inclusion. The lipid values at initiation of therapy as well as before switching (visit 1 and 2) had to be available and again six months after treatment on the multisource product (visit 3).

No significant change was observed in the lipid control after switching, confirming similarity.

This real-world evidence should allay any fears of generic inferiority of this important medicine in the treatment and prevention of high cardiovascular risk in patients requiring lipid-lowering therapy.