p. 1-104 / Submitted by Santiago Fabio (fabio.ssantiago@hotmail.com) on 2013-03-06T20:06:34Z No. of bitstreams: 1 wwww14.pdf: 1450489 bytes, checksum: ae0e213bd3a56fc00ceab3623f52cb06 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Tatiana Lima(tatianasl@ufba.br) on 2013-03-14T18:32:28Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 wwww14.pdf: 1450489 bytes, checksum: ae0e213bd3a56fc00ceab3623f52cb06 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-03-14T18:32:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 wwww14.pdf: 1450489 bytes, checksum: ae0e213bd3a56fc00ceab3623f52cb06 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / A preocupação em encontrar alternativas que reduzissem os custos de saúde pública e que, ao mesmo tempo, favorecessem o acesso da população em geral à medicamentos levaram – dentre outros fatores – o Governo Brasileiro a adotar uma política de medicamentos genéricos, institucionalizada oficialmente em 1999 através da Lei 9.787. O Governo, ao lançar os genéricos, apoiou esta categoria sob duas bases: medicamento de qualidade garantida e preço baixo. Mas, se por um lado, o argumento de “preço baixo” funciona como um trunfo comercial para os medicamentos genéricos, por outro, a ausência de uma marca de produto pode dificultar a relação de confiança do consumidor acerca do produto. Portando, a “qualidade” só seria observada pelo consumidor em um processo de composição de representações sociais positivas. O processo de composição de representações sociais positivas para um produto é processo fundamental para a sua aceitação social e sucesso, principalmente no caso de medicamentos cujo efeito é ligado diretamente à saúde humana. Com base nisso, o objetivo deste trabalho é verificar quais as representações sociais elaboradas pelos consumidores da cidade do Salvador sobre os medicamentos genéricos, com a finalidade de ajudar a compreender como elas orientam o comportamento do consumidor local no processo de aquisição deste novo produto. / Salvador

Medicines play a pivotal role in the process of human development as their rational utilization can decrease morbidity and mortality as well as improve quality of life (Jamshed, Hassali, Ibrahim, Shafie, & Babar, 2010). Access to therapeutic drugs form an integral part of any successful healthcare system. The high cost of medicines, is a barrier to accessibility and improved health to the majority of the South African population (Bangalee, 2015). In developing countries with limited healthcare budgets, such as South Africa, generic drugs (medicines) can be a cost-saving treatment alternative, resulting in medical expenditure being reduced and access to scarce resources increased (Van der Westhuizen, Burger, Lubbe, Serfontein, 2010). There is very little knowledge on perception and attitude of South African citizens with regard to use of generic drugs (Bangalee, 2015). Consumer perception can have a large impact on the choice of medicines or drugs chosen. The study intended to find out what the current consumer beliefs, attitudes, behaviours and knowledge of generic drugs are. There was also intent to establish if lack of awareness or misconception about generic drugs influence consumer choice. The study consists of a literature review of the definition of generic drugs and original or branded drugs, their influence in the public and private health sector, factors that influence consumer behaviour, brand effect, brand trust, brand loyalty, and most importantly the South Africa acceptance of generic drugs. Primary data was collected, reported and analysed through the use of a questionnaire to determine the current consumers’ belief, attitude, behaviour and knowledge of generic drugs. The study results reveal that scepticism does exists, yet there was clear acceptance, but still lack of confidence in generic drugs. Consumer education and information is the key to increased generic drug acceptance.

Aging population is becoming the potential social and economic problem for many governments all around the world. These countries including Taiwan are seeking for solutions for the increased healthcare spending. According to the United Nations’ population estimates, we are living in a rapidly aging world. The global share of what we call “senior” or people age over 65 is expected to rise from nearly 8% in 2015 to more than 14% by 2050. The situation in Taiwan is not much different. With increasing life expectancy and a birth rate that continues to decline, the aging population in Taiwan has become more and more obvious. Widespread adoption of Generic and Biosimilar drugs, as opposed to patented or brand name drugs, could help governments reduce healthcare costs and increase the reach of healthcare services. Patented drugs in the prescription drugs segment account for about 70% of total prescription spending in Taiwan. However, the share is set to decline gradually under pressure from government policies promoting the use of generic products and the increasing switches from prescription segment to OTC segment (RX-to-OTC). We expect the penetration of generic drugs in Taiwan OTC drugs segment to increase as the generic drug market has continued to gain prominence within the pharmaceutical sectors in recent years. Despite the fact that OTC generic drug market is a highly competitive market in Taiwan, Genedex Co. still aims to provide good quality generic drugs at a competitive price to meet the generic drugs demands. In addition, Genedex Co. understands the ability to quickly bring new products to the market will play a large role in the future success. Thus, product innovation and differentiation will also be the center focus in the business model. Looking into the future, Genedex Co. expects to see growth at a more rapid pace starting from year 2020 as newly developed generic OTC drugs will be introduced to the market to compete with the branded counterparts and also expects to achieve a more solid presence in the market by year 2021.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / This study analyses the effects of generic medicine competition on the market share growth and pricing of originator brand medicine in the South African private pharmaceutical market. The study is based on five years (2005 to 2011) of IMS Health market share data for 39 originator brand drugs that have been exposed to competition from generic substitutes from 2001. The results show that, for all the drug molecules included in the study pooled together, the price of an originator brand medicine relative to the weighted average price of its generics has a significant negative impact on the change of its market share. Results for the molecules pooled according to anatomical classes, as well as each molecule separately, show that in four out of the nine classes represented in the study and nine out of the 39 molecules the relative price of the originator brand medicine had a significant negative impact on its change in market share. The manufacturers and marketers of generic medicines would be well advised to offer their medicines at significantly discounted prices compared to the originator brands, as the results suggest that the market penetration of the generic product may depend heavily on the price the generics are offered at. Investigations into the prices of the originator brands in relation with the number of generic equivalents in the market show that the number of generics available in a specific market has a significant positive impact on the relative price of originators, thereby making originators relatively more expensive compared with their generic competitors, while at the same time the results show that the absolute price of the originator brand medicines declines as the number of generic equivalents in the market increases. This indicates that, from a policy perspective, reducing the barriers to entry for generic medicine once originator patents expire may have a significant role to play in reducing the cost of pharmaceutical drugs in the South African market.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-03T18:33:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silvia_Antonio_Sfeir.pdf: 596406 bytes, checksum: ba9f6d2de4dbeab8fffcccbf0e9b8a18 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-01-04 / This dissertation discusses perceptions and opinions of generic industry executives about the development of this market in Brazil through a qualitative survey with in depth interviews. Stakeholders?? competitive forces were also studied in generic industry environment. There is lack of academic information about generic drug industry worldwide. It was made ten interviews with executives in the generic industry in a period of three months study - from August through October 2005 - with the objective of analyzing their perceptions regarding the importance of distributor, pharmacy, physician, patient and government. The main criteria to select the interviewers were based on the strategic positions they have in the companies. Some of the conclusions of this study were that government develops an important role in divulging generic drugs to people. Pharmacy and distributor were indicated as barriers to grow this market due to the sales practices they develop in the stores. Physician plays an important role as a stakeholder in this industry in order to popularize the use of generic drug in Brazil. / Esta disserta????o discute as percep????es e opini??es dos executivos da ind??stria de gen??ricos sobre o desenvolvimento deste mercado no Brasil atrav??s de uma pesquisa qualitativa com entrevistas em profundidade. Foram analisadas as for??as competitivas dos stakeholders desta classe de medicamentos. Estas informa????es s??o ainda prec??rias na literatura acad??mica mundial. Foram realizadas entrevistas com dez executivos da Ind??stria Farmac??utica de gen??ricos, em um per??odo de estudo de tr??s meses - de agosto a outubro de 2005 - com o objetivo de verificar suas percep????es em rela????o a import??ncia do papel do distribuidor, farm??cia, m??dico, paciente e governo na performance desta ind??stria. O crit??rio principal de escolha dos entrevistados foi baseado nos cargos estrat??gicos ocupados por eles. Pode-se concluir que o governo desempenha um papel importante na divulga????o dos medicamentos gen??ricos ?? popula????o. A farm??cia e o distribuidor foram apontados como entraves no crescimento deste mercado, devido ??s pr??ticas utilizadas nos pontos-de-venda. O m??dico tamb??m foi apontado como um agente para popularizar o uso de medicamentos gen??ricos no Brasil.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-12T20:34:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Paulo em 17-9.pdf: 465544 bytes, checksum: 33b5b1a2b098715556b9cc2171800076 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-10-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In order to contribute for the evaluation of the Brazilian policies on generic drugs and their social relevance, this study investigated, by means of a case study on a public health unit, the knowledge that prescribers, dispensers, and users possess on generic drugs and their confidence on those drugs. First, the study investigated the history of the production and use of drugs in Brazil, from the colonial times to the present days. Then, by means of an examination of the legislation, the study investigated the characteristics of the Brazilian National Policy on Drugs, drawing a distinction between generic, similar and brand name drugs. Data were also obtained on the production and sales of drugs in Brazil. After that, by means of a case study, information was collected on the attitudes of health professionals and patients towards generics (knowledge, confidence, use, etc.). Subjects of this study were 62 patients of a policlinic in São José, Santa Catarina, Brazil, plus 14 prescribers (11 doctors and 3 dentists) and 2 dispensers (pharmacists), all of which work at the policlinic. The data were collected by means of questionnaires. Patients had a great difficulty to distinguish the classes of drugs based on the Law 9787/99 (Law of Generic Drugs). Most of them have the wrong conception that generics are cheaper than similar drugs. Prescribers also were also confused by the definitions of generic and similar drugs presented in the legal text. On the other hand, most of them are aware of the fact that generic drugs have the obligation to be cheaper than brand-name drugs only. Most of the prescribers rely on the quality of generic drugs, but they do not always make their prescriptions using the Brazilian Common Denomination, which would facilitate the acquisition of generics by patients. The pharmacists could easily identify drug classes, as presented in the legal text. They were also knowledgeable about the fact generics are normally more expensive than similar drugs. This research allowed for the following general findings, among others: a) Brazilian national policy for generics has warranted safety and efficacy of drugs, by establishing accurate criteria for the certification of the centers that test bioequivalence/bioavailability and pharmaceutical equivalence; b) the national policy for generics has favored the development of the Brazilian drug industry, because most the great majority of the generics sold in Brazil are produced by national laboratories; c) the national policy for generics has attended the principle of rational drug use, because it presupposes surveillance and control of drug production, prescription, and dispensing; d) generics are cheap enough to provoke a significant reduction on the cost of some treatments and bring some economy for the government concerning the acquisition of pharmaceuticals; e) in the last ten years, raises in drug prices caused a reduction in the consumption of drugs in Brazil, but it is probable that the increase in the use of generics forces a decrease in the price of brand name drugs; f) new public campaigns seem necessary in order to restate the distinctions among drug classes and to reinforce prescribers confidence in generics / Como forma de contribuir para a avaliação da política nacional de medicamentos genéricos e sua relevância social, este trabalho investigou, mediante estudo de caso em uma unidade pública de saúde, o conhecimento que têm prescritores, dispensadores e usuários relativamente aos medicamentos genéricos e a confiança que neles depositam. Para situar historicamente a pesquisa, traçou-se inicialmente um histórico da produção e uso de medicamentos no Brasil, desde os tempos coloniais até os dias atuais. A seguir, mediante exame da documentação oficial, procurou-se conhecer as características da Política Nacional de Medicamentos, distinguindo medicamentos genéricos de similares e de referência e obtendo também dados sobre a produção e comercialização de medicamentos no País. Depois, mediante estudo de caso, buscou-se obter informações quanto à relação de profissionais da saúde e usuários com os medicamentos genéricos (conhecimento, confiança, uso, etc.). Foram informantes da pesquisa 62 usuários da Policlínica Municipal de Campinas - São José/SC, 14 prescritores (11 médicos e 3 cirurgiões-dentistas) e 2 dispensadores (farmacêuticos), todos atuantes na Policlínica. Os dados foram colhidos mediante a aplicação de questionários. Os usuários tiveram bastante dificuldade para distinguir as classes de medicamentos a partir do texto da Lei 9.787/99 (Lei dos Genéricos). Mais da metade deles têm a percepção equivocada de que os genéricos são mais baratos que os similares. Já os prescritores também confundiram as definições para medicamento genérico e similar oferecidas no texto legal. Por outro lado, a maioria dos prescritores mostraram-se cientes de que os genéricos têm por obrigação serem mais baratos apenas que os medicamentos de referência. A maioria dos prescritores confiam na qualidade dos medicamentos genéricos, mas nem sempre fazem suas prescrições usando a DCB, o que facilitaria a aquisição de genéricos pelos pacientes. Os dispensadores identificaram sem dificuldade as classes de medicamentos, a partir do texto legal. Também sabem que os genéricos geralmente têm preço mais elevado que os similares. Entre outras, o trabalho permitiu as seguintes constatações gerais: a) a política nacional de genéricos tem garantido a segurança e eficácia dos medicamentos, mediante o estabelecimento de critérios apurados para certificação dos centros que realizam os testes de bioequivalência/biodisponibilidade e equivalência farmacêutica; b) a política de genéricos tem favorecido o desenvolvimento da indústria nacional de medicamentos, pois a grande maioria dos genéricos consumidos no País são produzidos por laboratórios nacionais; c) a política de genéricos tem favorecido ao princípio de uso racional de medicamentos, pois prevê acompanhamento e controle da produção, da prescrição e da dispensação de medicamentos; d) os genéricos são suficientemente baratos para provocar redução considerável no custo de alguns tratamentos e propiciar ao poder público alguma economia na aquisição de medicamentos; e) nos últimos dez anos, aumentos acima das taxas de inflação provocaram uma redução no consumo de medicamentos no País, mas é provável que o crescimento que se vem verificando no uso dos genéricos provoque uma queda no preço dos medicamentos de referência; f) parecem ser necessárias novas campanhas estabelecendo a distinção entre as classes de medicamentos e reforçando, nos prescritores, a confiança nos genéricos

Made available in DSpace on 2010-04-20T21:00:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 4 Jose Antonio Lopes.pdf.jpg: 14118 bytes, checksum: c889b29f5f70038e9202ed5ff58975d8 (MD5) Jose Antonio Lopes.pdf.txt: 99454 bytes, checksum: 3a0d9e5475dc749d8ee501b09eeee580 (MD5) Jose Antonio Lopes.pdf: 583370 bytes, checksum: 8f59c41f14df7e84775fb3ddcb57e4a6 (MD5) license.txt: 4886 bytes, checksum: 2af242f47fcec166b0886a2531cbaf60 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-01-16T00:00:00Z / The aim of this document is to evaluate the price behavior in the Brazilian market for drugs that are market leader in its segment after the presence of competitors such as similar and generics drugs. According to some American studies, leading drugs reacts positively in relation to price variance when generic competitors are introduced in the market after patent expiration of original brands. Leading drugs accommodate share growth of the followers, turning towards an inelastic market segment that is less sensitive to changes in the leading drug prices. This behavior is not aligned with the economic common sense that expects price reduction of leading brands when facing new competitors in a specific market. The results of this study related to the Brazilian pharmaceutical market, demonstrates that leading drugs reacts positively in relation to price variance when losing market share for generic and similar brands. On the other hand, a fierce competition among similar and generic brands leads their price to go down and its dispersion relatively to the leader price tends to go up. / O objetivo desse trabalho é avaliar o comportamento da variável preço para os medicamentos líderes de mercado no Brasil após a entrada de concorrentes similares e posteriormente a instituição dos medicamentos genéricos no Brasil. Segundo estudos realizados no mercado norte-americano, os medicamentos originais reagiriam à entrada de concorrentes genéricos de forma positiva no que se refere à variação de seu preço de comercialização. Dessa forma, os medicamentos originais se concentrariam nos segmentos de mercado mais inelásticos e com menor sensibilidade a possíveis alterações no seu preço de venda. Tal comportamento contradiz a intuição econômica comum de que a entrada de novos concorrentes em um mercado levaria a redução de preços por parte da empresa dominante. Os resultados desse trabalho, sobre o mercado farmacêutico brasileiro, indicam que as marcas líderes respondem positivamente em relação a aumento de seus preços quando da perda de participação de mercado para marcas seguidoras como genéricos e similares. Por outro lado, quando da presença de um aumento de competição entre as marcas seguidoras, se verifica uma diminuição de preços dessas marcas e um aumento da dispersão relativa dos preços das marcas seguidoras em relação à marca líder.

[pt] O objetivo deste estudo é o de comparar o desempenho do paradigma SCP (Mason, 1939; Bain, 1956, 1968), e de Porter (1980) na indústria farmacêutica brasileira no período de 1999 a 2002. Não se pretende, portanto, analisar a aplicabilidade ou robustez destes modelos ou mesmo criticá-los, mas tão somente testar sua aderência à realidade brasileira. Para a pesquisa, foram consideradas as 50 empresas da indústria farmacêutica brasileira com maior faturamento em reais no ano de 2002, representando 91% do faturamento total e 90% das unidades vendidas. Os dados foram retirados de Cohen (2004) e têm como fonte a base de dados do Pharmaceutical Market Brazil- PMB. Com base na técnica estatística de Modelo de Equações Estruturais e nos passos descritos por Hair et al (1998) para sua aplicação, testaram-se as variáveis selecionadas, determinaram-se as cargas em cada um dos modelos por meio da utilização do LISREL e, por fim, compararam-se os resultados apurados para os dois modelos teóricos. Concluiu-se, reservadamente, a despeito da qualidade da amostra, de pequena quantidade de casos, e do número de variáveis usadas para medir os construtos, que as estratégias das empresas têm influência mais importante no desempenho que o ambiente, confirmando estudos anteriores, e que esta influência é igual nos dois modelos testados. Uma sugestão para melhoria dos resultados diz respeito à troca da amostra pelo universo dos laboratórios, o que aumentaria a possibilidade de aderência dos modelos, sem que isso, necessariamente, venha a implicar relação direta com técnicas gerenciais. Outra, sem dúvida, seria a manutenção da amostra, mas com reavaliação das variáveis de teste. / [en] This study aims at comparing the performance of SCP (Mason, 1939; Bain, 1956, 1968) and Porter´s (1980) models in the Brazilian pharmaceutical industry between 1999 and 2002. The intension is not, therefore, to analyze the applicability or robustness of these models or even to criticize them, but just to test its adherence to the Brazilian reality. For the research, the 50 companies with greater revenue in reais in the year of 2002, in the pharmaceutical industry, are considered. They represent 91% of the total industry revenue and 90% of the industry sold units. Data are collected after Cohen (2004), which source is the Pharmaceutical Market Brazil-PMB data base. Based on the statistical technique of Structural Equations Model - SEM and using the stages described by Hair et al (1998) for its application, the selected variables are tested, the models are designed and calculated by means of LISREL and, at the end, results are compared. The conclusion, with reserves, is that, despite the quality of the sample - having small number of cases and proporcional great number of variables used to measure the constructs - the companies strategies show greater influence on the performance than the industrial structure, confirming previous studies, and that this influence is same in the two tested models. A suggestion for the improvement of the results concerns changing the used sample for the universe of the laboratories, what would increase the possibility of adherence of the models, without implicating direct relationship with managerial techniques. Other sugestion is to maintain the sample, but with revaluation of the test variables.

Introduction: Due to the increase in healthcare costs, generic medicines have been adopted for used in both developed and developing countries. When a generic or ‘multisource interchangeable medicine’ is to be registered, studies that prove that the generic is equivalent to the Innovator Product (IP) are used. The generic medicine is required to prove that it will mirror the IP in terms of safety, quality and efficacy and, in South Africa, the Medicines Control Council (MCC) ensures that generic medicines meet these requirements. Generic medicines may be registered using bioequivalence data obtained from comparison with a domestic reference product (usually the local innovator product) or in certain cases, a foreign reference product (FRP). The bioequivalence data can either be from in vivo or in vitro studies. The MCC guidelines require that for modified release preparations, in vivo bioequivalence studies are done for approval of registration; the exception being if a proportionally higher dose has already been registered. No information is currently given to prescribers and dispensers or to the public about whether a generic product was registered against a foreign or domestic reference product. Aims and Objectives: 1.) To determine the number of generic medicines in a predetermined sample registered using a FRP as comparator and to document the transparency of pharmaceutical companies when approached to disclose information regarding the registration of these products. 2.) To describe and document the use of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act 2 of 2000) [PAIA] from the perspective of a ‘layperson’ in the context of medicines’ regulation, in both private and public bodies. Methods: 20 modified release and Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class IV products were selected from the ‘generics dictionary’ – a commercial publication – and letters were sent to the manufacturers of the products requesting information about the tests done to prove equivalence and whether they were performed against a domestic or foreign reference product. The same information was also requested from the MCC. The requests were all made using the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). Results: Nine companies were represented by the 20 products chosen. Information was obtained about thirteen products. Ten of these products were registered using FRPs. Four products were registered based only on comparative dissolution studies. Four companies provided the requested information, two companies responded by refusing the requests and three did not respond at all. The MCC refused the request for information even after an internal appeal was lodged. Conclusions: The Promotion of Access to information Act was unsuccessful in obtaining information from the public body, and partly successful in obtaining it from the private bodies. While the title of the Act seems to indicate that the Act can be used to obtain information as such, it only provides for access to specified records. The MCC and the pharmaceutical companies involved in the study were under no obligation to provide the information as the request had not complied with PAIA requirements. The use of FRPs for registration is a reality in the pharmaceutical industry in South Africa. Neither the public nor healthcare professionals who prescribe medicines or who are involved in dispensing generic medicines as substitutes are aware of whether or not a FRP has been used to register a generic. Interchangeability cannot necessarily be guaranteed if the reference product was not proven equivalent to the local innovator product. It is debatable as to whether or not this information would be of any particular benefit to members of the public. Prescribers may choose to write ‘no substitution’ on their prescriptions if they were unconvinced that an FRP is acceptable. This could have consequences for healthcare costs. Dispensers are the most vulnerable in South Africa as they are obliged by law to substitute generic medicines when innovator medicines have been prescribed. Dispensers’ views on the acceptability of the use of FRPs can be seen as irrelevant. In the end, as this study demonstrates, the only option in the present situation is to rely entirely on the MCC’s rigour in assessing applications for registration of generic medicines.

Sammanfattning Titel: Alvedon vs det generiska läkemedlet Pamol - En studie om konsumentens kännedom, trovärdighet och dess påverkan av prisskillnader inför ett köpbeslut. Datum: 2021-05-25 Nivå: Kandidatuppsats  Författare: Darja Faily & Nader Albanna Handledare: Christine Tidåsen Examinator: Klaus Solberg Søilen Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka konsumenters preferens och uppfattning av de generiska paracetamol-läkemedlen Alvedon och Pamol. Detta mäts genom att undersöka variablerna kännedom, trovärdighet och pris.  Forskningsfråga: “Finns det en skillnad på trovärdighet och kännedom mellan det generiska paracetamol-läkemedlen Pamol och Alvedon?” samt “Kan de generiska paracetamol-läkemedlen påverka konsumentens köpbeslut av dess stora prisskillnader?”.  Teoretiskt referensram: Tidigare forskning och teorier gällande kännedom, trovärdighet och prisets påverkan på konsumentens köpbeslut.  Metod: Primär- och sekundärdata har samlats in genom trianguleringsmetoden, det vill säga både av en kvalitativ och kvantitativ metod. De kvantitativa metoden genomfördes med en webbenkät, med urvalsstorleken 236 individer. I den kvalitativa metoden, genomfördes  fokusgruppsdiskussion med två grupper, bestående av fyra deltagare i respektive grupp.   Slutsats: Baserat på primär- och sekundärdata och hypotesprövningar kan vi dra slutsatsen att kännedomen och trovärdigheten förekom högst hos varumärket Alvedon, i jämförelse med Pamol. Dessutom att varumärkenas stora prisskillnad var en avgörande roll för konsumentens köpbeslut när pris förekom som en faktor. Nyckelord: Kännedom, Trovärdighet, Köpbeslut, Pris, Alvedon, Pamol, Generiska läkemedel / Abstract Title: Alvedon vs det generiska läkemedlet Pamol - En studie om konsumentens kännedom, trovärdighet och dess påverkan av prisskillnader inför ett köpbeslut Date: 2021-05-25 Level: Bachelor Thesis in Science in Business Administration and Economics and International Marketing  Author: Darja Faily & Nader Albanna Supervisor: Christine Tidåsen  Examiner: Klaus Solberg Søilen Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate consumers preferences and perceptions of the generic-paracetamol drugs Alvedon and Pamol. By examining the variables knowledge, credibility and price. To review whether consumers prefer the branded drug Alvedon or the generic drug Pamol.  Research question:  “Is there a difference in credibility and knowledge between the generic paracetamol- drugs Pamol and Alvedon?” and, “Can generic paracetamol drugs influence the consumer’s purchasing decision due to its large price differences?” Method: Primary and secondary data were collected by the triangulation method, by both a qualitative and quantitative method. The quantitative method was conducted with a web survey, with a sample size of 236 individuals. In the qualitative method, focus discussions were conducted with two groups, where they consisted of four participants in each group. Findings: Previous research and theories regarding knowledge, credibility and how price affects the outcome of consumers purchasing decisions. Conclusion: Based on primary and secondary data and hypothesis tests, we can conclude that the knowledge and credibility were highest at the Alvedon brand, in comparison with Pamol. In addition to the fact that the brands' large price difference was a decisive role in the consumer's purchasing decision when price appeared as a factor. Keywords: Knowledge, Credibility, Purchase Decision, Price, Alvedon, Pamol, Generic Drugs