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Generic drug prices reduced by up to 30%

World Diabetes Day today; once-a-week injectable drug for diabetics to be available from November 23

DUBAI - Prices of 115 generic drugs for chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases have been reduced by up to 30 per cent.

The Ministry of Health announced on Sunday that the new price cuts ranging between five and 30 per cent will be applicable from January 1, 2012. Prices of 565 innovative and vital drugs were also reduced by up to 55 per cent on September 1.

Dr Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practices and Licensing at the ministry said that 15 international, local and Arab companies had voluntarily participated in the price reductions.

“These reductions will help poor patients in need of medication, especially those suffering from chronic diseases,” he said, adding that the reductions would mean that a variety of medicines would be available at lower prices. He also said that in the near future, the UAE would offer the lowest priced medicines in the region. “Soon, medicine prices will be at par with other GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia,” he explained.

Medicines for acne, anti-depressants, histamines, hypertension, diabetes and asthma will be available at lower costs after the price cuts. A cancer drug Anzatax currently available for Dh2,599 for a 50ml vial will cost 30 per cent less at Dh1,819 after the price cut. Also, a five-litre bottle of dialysis liquid will cost Dh30.50 instead of Dh34.

Prices of at least three drugs (cancer medicines) have been reduced by 30 per cent, 21 drugs by up to 25 per cent, 23 by 20 per cent, 33 by 10 per cent, nine by 15 per cent and 26 by up to five per cent.

Dr Amiri said the ministry was offering incentives to investors. “The ministry encourages investment and strategic partnerships based on trust, communication and transparency.”

A total of 8,503 drugs have been registered with the ministry. Currently, a number of medicines in the UAE are among the highest priced in the region with differences ranging up to 100 per cent from its strongest competitor, Saudi Arabia.

“Almost 80 per cent of patients buy medicines from private pharmacies at high prices,” said Dr Amiri. He also said that a price estimation study undertaken by the ministry in six countries — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan and the UAE — pointed to the need to bring about changes in the pricing policies. He added that medicines registered over the past three years were now available at lower prices.

‘Once-a-week’ diabetes injection

Ahead of World Diabetes Day today, the UAE has become the first Arab country to register a new ‘once-a-week’ injectible drug for diabetics.

The new drug, Bydureon by Eli Lilly is the first once weekly treatment for type 2 diabetes and is expected to be available in pharmacies by November 23.

Yet to be approved in the US, the Dh732 drug was approved registration by the UAE health ministry within two months. It was earlier registered in the European Union, including the UK, Germany, Iceland and Romania.

The drug also helps diabetics manage their weight, explained Joachim Becker, Senior Advisor, Diabetes Strategy, Emerging Markets at Eli Lilly.

However, the usage of the drug differs from patient to patient and should be administered only on prescription from a doctor.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com