Counterfeit products Barmer GEK launches new round of tenders

Generic: Barmer GEK launches tenders for drug rebate contracts
As a rule, copycat drugs are significantly cheaper than the originals. The drug-like copies of a drug marketed under a brand name are called generics. The health insurance Barmer GEK is now writing for the eighth time generic discount agreements.

Cheaper alternatives
Drug-like copies (generic) of a drug already on the market under a brand name are usually cheaper than the first-choice drug. Especially because there are no research costs for the copycat and the development costs for a generic drug are comparatively low. For patients, of course, this has a significant financial advantage. According to a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, pharmacists must favor a more favorable drug. The German health insurance companies also conclude over and over again discount contracts, by the drugs for the buyer ultimately cheaper. Barmer GEK is now preparing the next round of tenders for drug rebate contracts.

The use of generics saves considerable costs in the health system. (Image: F.Schmidt/fotolia.com)

Sales volume of almost one billion euros
As stated in a press release from the fund, the eighth call for tenders concerns the follow-up contracts for the fifth installment, which will be phased out by the end of June next year. Accordingly, the new call for tender comprises a total of 133 active substances or combinations of active substances in 165 specialist lots with an annual sales volume of approximately 980 million euros. "Pharmaceutical discount agreements with generics manufacturers have proven to be successful, as they combine high quality of care and cost-effectiveness," explained Dr. med. Mani Rafii, board member of Barmer GEK. The statutory health insurance companies in Germany spent more than 35 billion euros on medicines last year, Barmer GEK about 4.5 billion euros. According to their own statements, Barmer GEK currently has more than 250 generic and sales-related active ingredients under contract.

Multi-partner model offers prescription alternatives
In the current tender, 120 of the 165 lots will be tendered in the multi-partner model. Up to three bidders will be awarded the contract. 45 lots are awarded exclusively. According to the health insurance company, the multi-partner model is successful because it offers prescription alternatives to doctors, pharmacies, wholesalers and patients, which had a positive effect on adherence to therapy and delivery. For example, the new call contains drugs to treat diabetes, hypertension, gastrointestinal complaints and lipid disorders. On 1 July 2016, the new contracts should come into force. (Ad)