Generic drug use up 8% in 2008, says BCBSA

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association has published data showing that generic drug prescribing in 2008 was up 8% in the USA on the  previous year, accounting for 65% of all dispensed medicines versus 60%  in 2007. The pharmaceutical benefit management company also estimated  that its 51 million members across 32 affiliates generated at least $2.5  billion in savings by switching from patent-protected agents.

Commenting on the analysis from the BCBSA's 2008 Generic Drug Survey,  Mark Merritt, the president of the Pharmaceutical Care Management  Association, said: "with these data showing the clear alignment among  consumers, physicians and payers to expand the use and availability of  generic drugs, we urge Congress to act this year on a far-reaching  agenda that will reduce costs and improve quality."

In particular, the PBM representative body favors action to support a  regulatory pathway for the review of follow-on biotechnology drugs  (Marketletters passim), electronic prescribing and mail-service  pharmacies.