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Optimizing Oncology Generic Medication Selection in the Gulf Region: Expert Consensus and MCDA Tool Development

Anas Hamad1,2, Omar AbdulAziz3, Osama Abu Tabar4

  • 1Pharmacy Department National Center for Cancer Care & Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.

Journal of Health Economics and Outcomes Research
|July 21, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Generic oncology medications offer cost-effective cancer treatment in GCC countries. Manufacturing quality, cost, and reference country use are key to adoption, alongside supply reliability and regulatory improvements.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacoeconomics
  • Health Policy

Background:

  • Cancer poses a significant global health burden.
  • Generic oncology drugs present a cost-effective alternative to patented treatments in GCC countries.
  • Barriers to generic oncology drug adoption include regulatory disparities and concerns over quality and supply.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate key factors influencing the selection of off-patent oncology drugs in GCC countries.
  • To develop a structured framework for assessing generic oncology drug formulary decisions.

Main Methods:

  • Multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) was employed.
  • A structured survey and workshop were conducted with 10 formulary management experts from UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
  • Experts prioritized decision-making criteria through guided discussions, case studies, and weighting surveys.

Main Results:

  • Manufacturing quality (30.8%), cost (20%), and use in reference countries (14.6%) were the most critical selection factors.
  • Supply reliability (13%), regulatory aspects (8%), and pharmacovigilance/extra services (6.8% each) were also important.
  • A structured evaluation framework for formulary decisions in the GCC region was developed.

Conclusions:

  • An expert consensus highlights the need for a balanced approach to ensure quality, affordability, and accessibility of oncology generics.
  • Strengthening regulatory frameworks, pharmacovigilance, and stakeholder education is crucial for optimal integration.
  • Findings support policy recommendations to improve generic drug adoption and patient outcomes in oncology care.
Keywords:
Gulf Cooperation Councilhealthcare accessibilitymanufacturing qualitymulticriteria decision analysisoncology geneticspharmacovigilanceregulatory frameworkssupply reliability

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