Successful generic manufacturing is driven by cost control to maintain an effective profit margin, therefore, product development objectives will be driven by commercial value.
It is estimated that over 80% of prescribed medicines in the UK are generic medicines, yet they account for only one-third of the total market value. Why? The average price of a generic is between 20% and 90% less than the branded equivalent. In other European territories the market share of generic medicines is increasing (OECD STAT). As the price of generic medicines are driven down the tight profit margins need a lean approach in development and manufacturing.