Do Generics of imatinib Jeopardize Patient Safety for the Sake of Saving Money? An Experience in Turkish Patients

MILAN, June 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Dr Zafer Başlar will present the results of a multicenter study that was conducted in Turkey to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of generics for CML patients. 

The high cost of tyrosine kinase inhibitors developed for chronic myeloid leukemia is a major concern for the health care payers, especially in countries with restricted resources. It is true that generics lead to considerable cost savings but they also give rise to questions associated with their efficacy, safety and quality.

The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of generics, and to compare these with the original molecule when used in patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia as initial treatment.

There were two study groups, Group A consisted of thirty-six patients who received the original imatinib (Gilvec, Novartis), and 26 patients in which a generic was initiated (Group B). The two groups were comparable regarding age, gender, and risk scores. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding response and resistance rates, and the rates of hematological and non-hematological adverse events.

Among our patient cohort, the generics were at least non-inferior to the original molecule regarding efficacy and tolerability. In Turkey, each box of generic imatinib (400 mg/day, 30 tablets) is approximately €100 cheaper than the original molecule. This may result in a cost saving of €12,000,000 per 10,000 chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients per year (approximately €30,000 per day). Prospective randomized trials with larger number of patients are needed to address the efficacy of generics compared with imatinib (Glivec, Novartis) in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Presenter: Dr Zafer Başlar

Affiliation: Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Topic: Do generics of imatinib jeopardize patient safety for the sake of saving money? An experience in Turkish patients.

Abstract P887 will be presented by Dr Zafer Başlar on Saturday June 14, 2014, 17:45 - 19:00 at the Poster Area (NW - Level 0)

About the EHA Annual Congress 

Hematology is a specialty that covers everything to do with blood: its origin in the bone marrow, diseases of blood and their treatments. The latest data on research and developments will be presented. The topics range from stem cell physiology and development, to leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma - diagnosis and treatment; red blood cells -, white blood cells- and platelet disorders; thrombosis and bleeding disorders.