Modeling HIV/AIDS Drug Price Determinants in Brazil: Is Generic Competition a Myth?
2011

Understanding Antiretroviral Drug Prices in Brazil

Sample size: 246 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Constance Meiners, Luis Sagaon-Teyssier, Lia Hasenclever, Jean-Paul Moatti

Primary Institution: Economic and Social Sciences, Health Systems and Society (SE4S), UMR 912 (INSERM, IRD, Aix-Marseille University), Marseille, France

Hypothesis

What factors influence the prices of antiretroviral drugs in Brazil?

Conclusion

The study found that both originator and generic ARV prices decreased over time, but generic prices showed more variability in response to market dynamics.

Supporting Evidence

  • Overall ARV prices in Brazil have followed a declining trend from 1996 to 2009.
  • Generic suppliers are more responsive to market competition than originator suppliers.
  • Changes in therapeutic guidelines have a significant impact on ARV prices.

Takeaway

This study looks at how the prices of HIV drugs in Brazil have changed over time and what affects those prices. It shows that both brand-name and generic drugs are getting cheaper, but generics can be more unpredictable.

Methodology

The study analyzed effective prices paid for ARV procurement in Brazil from 1996 to 2009 using econometric models to assess price determinants.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the reliance on data from a single country and the specific characteristics of the Brazilian ARV market.

Limitations

The analysis is limited to the Brazilian market, which may not be representative of other developing countries due to specific local conditions.

Participant Demographics

The study focuses on the Brazilian population receiving antiretroviral treatment, specifically nearly 190,000 patients living with HIV/AIDS.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023478

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