And for just as long, there have been arguments – usually by the manufacturers of so-called original drugs - against the use of generics. This is understandable considering the large amount of money at stake, as the prices of generic drugs can be well below the prices of the original manufacturer. The arguments have hardly changed since then: "They are not directly comparable, their use reduces financing for future research, there are problems with transition and compliance, etc."

However, what has changed is the fact that health care systems are confronted with modifications to the “aging pyramid” of the population, continuous improvements in medicine, and the high quality of physicians – all of which create difficulties is providing adequate financing/funding for the systems.

This is precisely where generics play a crucial role. Generics can provide financial saving possibilities in areas where there is sufficient expertise, thereby actually creating opportunities for expensive new therapies to be funded in the future.span>

Adequate experience for treatments with generics is available. In most cases, the original product can be replaced by a generic product without any restrictions. The use of generic drugs is accepted today on a worldwide basis - and essential for improving our health systems.

In Austria, the use of medications whose patents have expired is relatively small in comparison with international markets. It is therefore appropriate to intensify the use of generic drugs in all established therapies. There are a number of instruments already used successfully at the international level. These range from prescription budgeting, using referenced price limits, to the obligatory use of lowest priced product of an active substance, or to changes in the tender process.

easypharm advocates that these opportunities for cost reduction in health care in Austria need a broad and honest basis of discussion; and as necessary, need implementation within a meaningful and effective framework.