Generic drugs have made essential medicines more affordable, benefiting millions worldwide. However, a study has suggested that not all generic drugs are equally safe. Researchers from Korea and the USA have analyzed 2,443 generic drugs manufactured in advanced and emerging economies, comparing the quality of drugs produced in the USA and India.
The study found that drugs manufactured in India were associated with 54% more serious adverse events (SAEs), including hospitalization, disability, and death, compared to their US-made counterparts. While the study did not establish a direct causal link between these SAEs and the generic drugs, researchers urge the FDA to investigate potential quality differences. A key concern highlighted by the study is the lack of transparency in drug supply chains, which makes it difficult to thoroughly assess quality risks associated with manufacturing…
