Patterns and Trends in Scientific Research on Generic Drugs.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study to investigate the evolution and current status of peer-reviewed publications concerning generic drugs during the past few decades.

METHODS

Scientific articles about generic drugs published until 2012 were retrieved through the PubMed/MEDLINE database, and a content analysis was performed.

FINDINGS: Our study revealed an increasing number of publications on generics since 1984. Statins, antiretroviral therapies, and antiepileptics, followed by immunosuppressants and antithrombotic agents, were the most common therapeutic drug categories.

IMPLICATIONS: Almost 60% of the generics detailed in studies indexed in MEDLINE were acting on the cardiovascular system as anti-infectives and on the nervous system, which is not surprising considering the leading causes of death and disability worldwide.