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.This study was supported by grant CS02015-65594-C2-2-R from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.Peer Reviewe