Generic drug use varies widely by state, stu...( ST. LOUIS DECEMBER 6 2004 Generic dr...),Health

The study revealed that Massachusetts had the highest generic dispensing rate, at 51%, followed by New Mexico and Oregon, with generic dispensing rates of approximately 50%.

Eastern states, such as New Jersey and New York; and southern states, including Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Mississippi, used generics to fill fewer than 43% of all prescriptions. New Jersey used generics for fewer than 40% of all prescriptions.

Possible explanations for the variations in generic fill rates include variations in prescribing patterns, state regulations, differences in disease prevalence and varying use of drug benefit designs that encourage greater use of generics. A copy of the study is available at www.express-scripts.com/ourcompany/news/outcomesresearch/onlinepublications/.

By the end of 2008, branded pharmaceutical products accounting for more than $38 billion in sales last year are expected to lose patent protection. Taking advantage of generics can result in significant savings for plan sponsors and their members. Express Scripts statistics show that for every 1% increase in generic drug use, prescription benefit plan sponsors save nearly 1% off their cost for drugs in providing the benefit. Express Scripts' overall generic dispensing rate increased to 51% in the third quarter of 2004.

The generic variation study is the second Express Scripts study to examine geographic variations in prescription drug use. In 2001, Express Scripts research in geographic variation in prescription drug use found significant variation in the prevalence of use of prescription medication overall and
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Contact: Derrell Carter
derrell.carter@express-scripts.com
314-702-7584
Express Scripts, Inc.
6-Dec-2004