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\begin{document}

\title{Availability of Different Branded Generic Vildagliptin after
Off-patenting: An Observation from Eastern India}



\author[1]{Shambo Samajdar}%
\author[2]{Shatavisa Mukherjee}%
\author[1]{Sougata Sarkar}%
\author[1]{Sumalya Sen}%
\author[3]{Santanu Tripathi}%
\author[1]{Shashank R Joshi}%
\affil[1]{Affiliation not available}%
\affil[2]{School of Tropical Medicine}%
\affil[3]{Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata (formerly), N S Medical College and Hospital Patna, Bihar, }%


\vspace{-1em}



  
  \date{May 15, 2024}


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\begin{abstract}
This cross-sectional observational study evaluated the availability and
switching patterns of branded generics of Vildagliptin, an antidiabetic
medication, in a real-world setting. Data from 967 prescriptions
obtained from various pharmacies over a 3-month period post-patent
expiration were analyzed. The study revealed a diverse range of branded
generics, highlighting challenges in consistent availability. Switching
patterns were observed, with a significant proportion of patients
deviating from the initially prescribed branded generic. These findings
emphasize the need for strategies to improve availability and promote
appropriate use of branded generics, enhancing cost-effective diabetes
management and patient care. Further research is warranted to
investigate factors influencing brand switching behaviors and their
impact on patient outcomes. This study provides valuable insights for
optimizing the prescribing and availability of branded generics,
ultimately enhancing the quality of care for patients requiring
Vildagliptin treatment.%
\end{abstract}%



\sloppy


\textbf{Letter to Editor}

\textbf{Availability of Different Branded Generic Vildagliptin after
Off-patenting: An Observation from Eastern India}

Shambo S Samajdar\textsuperscript{1, 2}, Shatavisa
Mukherjee\textsuperscript{3}, Sougata Sarkar\textsuperscript{2}, Sumalya
Sen\textsuperscript{4}, Santanu K Tripathi\textsuperscript{5}, Shashank
R Joshi\textsuperscript{6}

Affiliation:

\begin{enumerate}
\tightlist
\item
  Consultant, Diabetes and Allergy-Asthma Therapeutics Specialty Clinic,
  Kolkata
\item
  Clinical Pharmacologist, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata
\item
  PhD Scholar, Department of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology,
  School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata
\item
  Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Gouri Devi Medical
  College and Hospital, Durgapur
\item
  Clinical Pharmacologist and Principal, Netaji Subhas Medical College
  and Hospital, Patna
\item
  Senior Endocrinologist, Joshi Clinic, Mumbai
\end{enumerate}

Branded generics are pharmaceutical products that are marketed under a
brand name but contain the same active ingredients as their innovator
counterparts. These generics offer comparable therapeutic benefits at a
lower cost, making them essential in healthcare systems
worldwide.\textsuperscript{{[}1{]}} Vildagliptin, a widely prescribed
antidiabetic medication, is available in various branded generic forms.
However, limited research has been conducted to assess the availability
of these branded generics, particularly in a real-world setting.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted to evaluate the
availability of branded generics of Vildagliptin over 3-month period
post 6 months of off-patenting of Vildagliptin. Additionally, we
investigated the switching patterns among patients prescribed branded
generic Vildagliptin, shedding light on potential challenges and
implications for patient care. The study included data from 967
prescriptions for branded generic Vildagliptin obtained from various
pharmacies in a specified region. Demographic information, including
gender and age, was recorded for each patient.The number of pharmacy
visits per prescription was determined, providing insights into the
availability of branded generic Vildagliptin. Furthermore, switching
trends among innovator brand and branded generics were observed and the
data was statistically analysed

Among the 967 prescriptions analysed, 56\% were for male patients and
44\% for female patients. The age distribution revealed that 34\% of
patients were below 50 years, 28\% were aged 51-60 years, 23\% were aged
61-70 years, and 15\% were above 70 years. A total of 56 different
branded generic names were prescribed for Vildagliptin during the study
period. This wide range of branded generics reflects the diversity in
the market and the potential options available to patients. Each
prescription for branded generic Vildagliptin resulted in an average of
2.29 pharmacy visits (Range: 1-14). This finding indicates that patients
may need to visit multiple pharmacies to obtain the prescribed
medication, highlighting potential challenges in ensuring consistent
availability of specific branded generics. Reflecting on switching
patterns, due to the unavailability of the prescribed branded generic
vildagliptin at the pharmacy store, 28\% patients switched to the
innovator brand, 41\% switched to other branded generics, while only
31\% received the prescribed branded generic. These switching patterns
suggest a significant proportion of patients who deviate from the
initially prescribed branded generic, potentially impacting treatment
adherence and outcomes.

This study provides valuable insights into the availability of branded
generics of Vildagliptin. The findings indicate a diverse range of
branded generics and highlight challenges in ensuring consistent
availability. There exists a definite need in generic prescribing but
prescribing branded generics increases the chances of unavailability due
to inability of storing multiple brands in a pharmacy store. The
observed switching patterns suggest a need for further investigation
into the factors influencing brand switching behaviours. Optimizing the
availability and patient adherence to branded generics can significantly
contribute to cost-effective diabetes management\textsuperscript{2}.
Further research is warranted to explore the underlying factors driving
these switching patterns and their potential impact on patient outcomes.
Strategies aimed at improving availability and promoting appropriate use
of branded generics can enhance the overall quality of care for patients
requiring vildagliptin treatment.

References:

Lavtepatil S, Ghosh S. Improving access to medicines by popularising
generics: a study of 'India's People's Medicine' scheme in two districts
of Maharashtra. BMC Health Serv Res. 2022 May 13;22(1):643. doi:
10.1186/s12913-022-08022-1. PMID: 35562697; PMCID: PMC9107149.

Samajdar SS, Mukherjee S, Sarkar S, et al. Clinical Pharmacological
Consultation in Optimizing Diabetic Patient Care: A Cross-sectional
Observational Study. Bengal Physician Journal 2023;10(1):6--8.

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