UK uses fewer branded medicines per person than comparable countries and is still using older therapies

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has published new research showing that the UK use of branded medicines is less per person than many other countries, with the UK remaining ninth out of 13 countries surveyed. While less branded medicine is used per person, the medicines that are used tend to be older, meaning fewer UK patients are receiving innovative medicines than the average in a range of comparable countries.

The International Comparison of Medicines Usage report shows an increase in usage per person for 11 of the 16 therapy classes surveyed, with France maintaining its position at number one. In seven of these 11 classes, the UK usage per person was below the international average for 2012/13 – this included the latest cancer medicines less than five years old and those for dementia, multiple sclerosis and stroke prevention.

David Watson, director of pricing reimbursement at the ABPI, said: “Whilst this report highlights an improvement in ranking for the use of some medicines and a decline in just a few areas, overall the UK has remained static in the bottom half of the table, which is disappointing given the number of initiatives in place since 2009 to improve patient access to newer medicines. The UK’s continued use of older medicines, especially to treat cancer and diabetes, highlights a failing in the system to ensure that patients benefit from the new, innovative treatments the pharmaceutical industry is developing to improve patients’ health outcomes.  We are seeing NICE recommended medicines facing further review, restrictions and modifications compared to NICE guidance.”