Original Brand Research Articles

Affordability of newer anti-seizure medications in Asian resource-limited countries.

One of the objectives of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) on epilepsy and other neurological disorders for 2022 to 2031 is to ensure at least 80% of people with epilepsy (PWE) will have access to appropriate, affordable, and safe anti-seizure medications (ASMs) by 2031. However, ASM affordability is a significant issue in low-and-middle-income countries, preventing PWE from accessing optimal treatment. This study aimed to determine the affordability of the newer (second and third-generation) ASMs in resource-limited countries in Asia. We conducted a cross-sectional survey by contacting country representatives in Malaysia (upper-middle- in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) in Asia, including Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Malaysia from March 2022 to April 2022. The affordability of each ASM was calculated by dividing the 30-day ASM cost by the daily wage of the lowest-paid unskilled labour. Treatment costing one day's wage or less for a 30-day supply of chronic disease is considered affordable. Eight LMICs and one UMIC were included in this study. Lao PDR had no newer ASM, and Vietnam had only 3 newer ASMs. The most frequently available ASMs were levetiracetam, topiramate, and lamotrigine, and the least frequently available was lacosamide. The majority of the newer ASMs were unaffordable with the median number of days' wages for a 30-day supply ranging from 5.6 to 14.8 days. All new generation ASMs, either original or generic brands, were not affordable in most Asian LMICs.

The Influence of Brand and Country of Origin on Mobile Phone Purchasing Decisions

The background of this research is the increasing number of mobile phone brands circulating with different specifications and originating from different countries, public perceptions regarding brands and also country of origin also influence a person's purchase of something, including the purchase of a mobile phone. In making mobile phone purchasing decisions, it is influenced by two things, namely brand and country of origin. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of brand and country of origin on consumer attitudes in choosing mobile phones for students of Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare. Where the sample that became the object of research was 100 students. The analytical method used in this study is multiple linear regression with the help of the SPSS 23 application. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant influence between brands and country of origin on consumer attitudes in choosing mobile phones for students of Institut Agama Islam Negeri Parepare. And the most significant influencing consumer attitudes in choosing mobile phones is the country of origin variable

Key Factors for a Successful OBM Transformation with DEMATEL–ANP

Production costs and global competition have increased sharply in recent years, forcing manufacturers to upgrade to the original brand manufacturer (OBM) to survive and thrive and capture more profit margins. However, studies that explore key factors that affect the success of such an important transition are lacking. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the key factors that will influence the success of contract manufacturers to upgrade to the OBM on the basis of a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory with an analytic network process. Our results identify six key factors that exhibit a cause-and-effect relationship among the key criteria. Moreover, organizational innovation will determine the difference between the success and the failure of an OBM transition apart from material and component stability. Our findings can help researchers, policy makers, and practitioners increase their understanding of how to upgrade manufacturers successfully in global value chains.

Are brands re-evaluated when consumers learn about brand origin misperceptions? Outcomes, processes, and contingent effects

This study develops and empirically tests an integrative model of what happens when consumers learn about brand origin misperceptions (BOM). The proposed model suggests that learning about the true origin of a previously misclassified brand influences consumers’ purchase intentions through cognitive and affective brand re-evaluations and that these effects are subject to certain boundary conditions. An empirical study conducted in the United States involving multiple product categories and brands provides empirical evidence for the hypothesized moderated mediation model. The findings indicate that consumers adjust both their cognitive and affective brand evaluations to true brand origin information, but for affective brand evaluations, this is only the case if the true origin has a worse country image than the initially assumed (incorrect) origin. In addition, while several consumer- and brand-related factors moderate the cognitive consequences of becoming aware of BOM, only consumers’ confidence in brand origin moderates its affective consequences.

Anti-Counterfeiting of Products Using Blockchain

In the modern world, industrialization has played a key role the in the development of the mankind. Enormous indus- tries/brands have come into existence to cater to the ever-growing demand for goods of consumers. While the original brands are serving the people with integrity, many illegal elements in the industry are producing copycat products with the cheapest quality and sell them as original products to the consumers. Such malpractice is known as counterfeiting of products which is a pressing problem that industries are facing nowadays. To counter this global problem we propose a solution, which will track the supply chain of the product by leveraging Blockchain technology. The system will aim to minimize the counterfeiting of products and in turn, increase the consumption of genuine products.

A global perspective on combatingShanzhaiproducts: Cross‐cultural solutions

AbstractTo compete on the world market, companies from emerging economies often adapt their innovations to satisfy unique cultural needs. They do so, in part, by copying the products of their western counterparts with a degree of modification. This approach is referred to asShanzhai,which is a Chinese neologism meaning “copycat.” In this article, we discuss theShanzhaiphenomenon and explainShanzhai'sdevelopment stages and threats to original brands across the globe. Then, we examine how cultural factors (i.e., power distance belief, face consciousness, and analytic vs. holistic‐thinking style) influence consumers’ perception towardsShanzhaiproducts. We further suggest that original manufacturers should adopt selected strategies to combatShanzhaithreats vis‐à‐vis three cultural drivers. One driver entails launching full product lines and developing new distribution channels in high power distance belief cultures but promoting brand originality in low power distance belief cultures. A second alternative involves embracing a sustainable and green brand image in low face‐sensitive cultures but strengthening brand logo impacts and enhancing intangible brand benefits—such as social value (e.g., brand user profile, prestige)—in high face‐sensitive cultures. The third entails communicating integrated product values in holistic‐thinking cultures but highlighting an offering's most competitive and unique features in analytic‐thinking cultures.

A comprehensive survey of cancer medicines prices, availability and affordability in Ghana.

In Ghana, prices for cancer medicines are characterized by high retail markups, forex fluctuations and high variation in prices of medicines. Most patients cannot afford the cancer medicines. There is a problem of unaffordability and limited availability of essential cancer medicines which suggests potential inequity in patient access to cancer medicines. The study objective was to assess the prices, availability, and affordability of cancer medicines in Ghana. Prices of cancer medicines are a major contributor to the cost of treatment for cancer patients and the comparison of these cost was assessed to determine the affordability. The methods developed and standardized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Health Action International (HAI), was adapted and used to measure prices, availability, and affordability of cancer medicines in Ghana. The availability of cancer medicines was assessed as percentage of health facilities stocked with listed medicines. The price of cancer medicines (of different brands as well as the same medicine manufactured by different pharmaceutical industries) available in the public hospitals, private hospitals, and private pharmacies was assessed, and the percentage variation in prices was calculated. Medicine prices were compared with the Management Sciences Health's International Reference Prices to obtain a Median Price Ratio (MPR). The affordability of cancer medicines was determined using the treatment cost of a course of therapy for cancer conditions in comparison with the daily wage of the unskilled Lowest-Paid Government Worker. Overall availability of cancer medicines was very low. The availability of Lowest Priced Generic (LPG) in public hospitals, private hospitals, and private pharmacies was 46%, 22%, and 74% respectively. The availability of Originator Brand (OB) in public hospitals, private hospitals, and private pharmacies was 14%, 11%, and 23% respectively. The lowest median price [United States Dollars (USD)] for the LPG was 0.25, and the highest median price was 227.98. For the OB, the lowest median price was 0.41 and the highest median price was 1321.60. The lowest and highest adjusted MPRs of OBs and LPGs was 0.01 and 10.15 respectively. Some prices were 20.60 times more expensive. Affordability calculations showed that patients with colorectal and multiple myeloma cancer would need 2554 days wages (5286.40 USD) and 1642 days wages (3399.82 USD) respectively to afford treatment. The availability of cancer medicines was very low, and less than the WHO target of 80%. There were considerable variations in the prices of different brands of cancer medicines, and affordability remains suboptimal, as most patients cannot afford the cancer medicines. Comprehensive policies, regulations and multifaceted interventions that provides tax incentives, health insurance, and use of generics to improve cancer medicines availability, prices, and affordability, for the masses should be developed and implemented in Ghana.

Availability, Price and Affordability of Psychotropic Medicines in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Access to affordable, quality-assured essential medicines is crucial to reduce the burden of disease. However, one third of the world's population lacks regular access to essential medicines. The purpose of this study was to assess the availability, price, and affordability of medicines for mental disorders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was done in selected pharmacies after modification of a WHO/HAI methodology developed questionnaire. Data on the availability and price of 28 lowest priced generics and originator brand essential psychotropic medicines were collected from seven public sectors, five private sectors, and seven other sectors (five Kenema Public Community Pharmacies and two Red Cross Pharmacies) in Addis Ababa between May 9 and May 31, 2022. The data were analyzed using the developed WHO/HAI workbook part I Excel sheet. Descriptive results were reported in text and table format. The overall availability of lowest-priced generics medication was 41.69%. The availability of lowest-priced generics and originator brand medication was 54.68% and 1.7% in the public pharmacies; 24.14% and 0.0% in private pharmacies; 43% and 0.0% in Red Cross Pharmacies; and 42% and 3.2% in Kenema Public Community Pharmacies. The median price ratio in the public, private, Red Cross, and Kenema Public Community pharmacies was 1.26, 3.72, 1.65, and 1.59, respectively. Most of the medications were unaffordable. A patient could be required to pay up to 73 days wages to purchase a standard treatment for 1 month. The availability of psychotropic medicines was lower than the WHO target for non-communicable diseases and most of the available medicines were unaffordable.

Research on the Development of Image Processing Software Industry - Taking "Meitu Xiuxiu" and "Xingtu" as Examples

This research starts with an analysis of the operating models of two major image processing softwares, Meitu Xiuxiu and Xingtu, and then explores the changes and operating rules under new technological conditions. The study focuses on these new changes under the conditions of popular demand and new technology, and concludes on how to attract users as well as increase user stickiness and enhance the business value of the Meitu platform. The aim is to analyze the development path of the image beatification software industry. As the originator of photo retouching software, Meitu was once a must install software for many girls who loved beauty. It started at the peak and relentlessly developed corresponding mobile phones and original beauty brands. From the initial valuation of more than 10 million yuan, it is not difficult to found the expectation of the capital market. Given the fact that the world is in an era of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity), the VUCA will determine the unpredictability of changes in the pattern of current business world. To sum up, Meitu should dig deep into the content and build the content ecological core in the "beauty" field of its expertise.

Sustainable Development Goal indicator for measuring availability and affordability of medicines for children: a proof-of-concept study

ObjectivesTo complement Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 3.b.3 that monitors access to medicines for all, a corresponding child-specific methodology was developed tailored to the health needs of children. This methodology...

Is this Truly Healthy? Consumer's Trust in a Healthy Product Extension in Traditionally Unhealthy Products

Global health awareness trend has been increasing even before the pandemic. Companies jump on this bandwagon by introducing a healthier product line or extension. Problems arise when the parent brand is widely perceived as unhealthy, as it may hinder the process of building trust in the new brand. This research examined how brand trust of a healthy brand extension mediates the relationship between perceived competence and benevolence on customer loyalty. Structural Equation Modelling was employed in answering this question, involving a survey on respondents’ attitudes toward a recently-launched healthy instant noodle. The study found that brand trust mediates the relationship between perceived competence and benevolence and brand loyalty. Therefore, this study found that it is advisable to introduce a newer product line to form trust instead of relying on brand extension when the public's attitudes towards the original brand are too strong.

Business Model Using Design Thinking Concept for Pet Industry in Indonesia

The COVID-19 pandemic that has been present since 2019 has had a significant impact on many aspects of human life. One of the business sectors that has thrived even in the midst of a pandemic is pet industry. The aim of this research is to identify possibilities for business growth in the pet industry. This study attepmts to describe the consumer behavior of pet owners, the pain and gain associated with providing the needs of their pets, and the potential solutions to the challenges that experienced by the pet owners. The design thinking methodology and in-dept interviews with pet pwners as persona mere both used in this study. The stages of design thinking method applied in this study include; understand, define, ideate prototype, and test. Based on this research a quick-commerce platform online app, called Petway apps is being offered to pet owners as a solution. The Petway apps provide solution by addressing all of the pet needs, including providing original pet food brands, with fast delivery services to consumers’ homes at affordable pricing.

Brand Origin Effects During Economic Declines: Evidence from an Emerging Market

Drawing on the signaling theory perspective, this study examines the effect of perceived country of origin on brand performance during economic contractions. The authors specify an econometric model linking brand market share to recession periods and analyze the interaction with brand origin perception. They test the model on four years of longitudinal data on consumer packaged goods brands combined with a self-administrated consumer questionnaire to infer consumers’ perceptions about brands’ origins. The authors find that economic contractions differentially affect brands with different country-of-origin perceptions. The results indicate that the market share of brands that customers most identify as domestic suffers more damage during contractions than brands they perceive as foreign. The main contribution of this article is in generating a better understanding of brands’ resistance to economic contractions based on their perceived country of origin. Moreover, the authors provide strategic recommendations to brands based on their origin perception and the country's economic situation.

In Vivo Bioequivalence Study of Drug: An Analysis of Related Regulations in Current Pharmaceutical Legislation in Vietnam

Abstract: Implementation of in vivo bioequivalence study is a growing trend in the pharmaceutical industry in Vietnam and over the world. These studies are required in order to demonstrate whether a generic drug is a bioequivalence to an innovator’s drug or to an original brand name drug. At present, there are 26 active ingredients that have to provide in vivo bioequivalence study report for drug registration in Vietnam. In the next few years, this number will gradually increase. Therefore, the government should introduce promotion, development, and preferential policies for enterprises to invest in these ingredients. This paper aims to provide general guidelines on regulations of in vivo bioequivalence studies for pharmaceutical enterprises in Vietnam and support the initial implementation of these studies in practice.
 Keywords: Bioequivalence, BABE, BE, Regulations.

Analysis of Drug Procurement Results in Vietnam from 2013 to 2020

Abstract: Drug procurement bidding has always been under the government’s particular concern to assure drug quality, stabilize drug costs, and enhance the use of domestic drugs. A retrospective study analyzes data from the drug procurement results in Vietnam from 2013 to 2020 based on the results reported to the Drug Administration of Vietnam. The rate of drugs selected through the bidding process in Hanoi and HCMC accounted for the highest proportion in the country with 17.5% and 14.3%, respectively. The number of selected drugs with domestic origins had seen a gradual increase over the years with 4545 drugs during 2020, which was 2.2 times higher than that of 2013 (2079 drugs). Generic drugs in group 3 with domestic origins comprised the highest proportion of both quantity and value compared to drugs in other groups. Antiparasitic drugs and anti-infectives had the highest value rates among pharmacological groups with over 20%. During the research period, the costs of selected drugs tended to witness a decreasing trend, accounting for 60% of drugs. Only 9% of the drugs had their values remain unchanged, and the other 31% saw an increase in these values. State bidding procurement policies are making positive effects in lowering drug costs and encouraging domestic drug use. However, the value rate of domestic drugs is still lower than that of imported ones. It is necessary for domestic pharmaceutical enterprises to invest in developing factories, actively find domestic ingredient sources, and focus on specific medications in great demand.
 Keywords: Drug bidding, drug price, generic bidding package, original brand name bidding package, period of 2013-2020, Vietnam.
 

Shortages of antiseizure medications in Australia and the association with patient switching, and adherence in a community setting

PurposeTo quantify sponsor-reported shortages of oral antiseizure medications in Australia, estimate the number of patients impacted, and the association between shortages and brand or formulation switching, and changes in adherence. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of sponsor-reported shortages (defined as where the supply of a medicine will not or will not be likely to meet the demand over a 6-month period) of antiseizure medications reported to the Medicine Shortages Reports Database (Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia); cross-referencing shortages to the IQVIA-NostraData Dispensing Data (LRx) database, a deidentified, population-level dataset collecting longitudinal dispensation data on individual patients from ∼75% of Australian community pharmacy scripts. ResultsNinety-seven sponsor-reported ASM shortages were identified between 2019 and 2020; of those, 90 (93%) were shortages of generic ASM brands. Of 1,247,787 patients dispensed ≥1 ASMs, 242,947 (19.5%) were impacted by shortages. Sponsor-reported shortages occurred more frequently before the COVID-19 pandemic versus during the pandemic, however, shortages were estimated to affect more patients during the pandemic than before the pandemic. An estimated 330,872 patient-level shortage events were observed, and 98.5% were associated with shortages of generic ASM brands. Shortages occurred at a rate of 41.06 shortages per 100 person-years in patients on generic ASM brands versus 0.83 shortages per 100 person-years in patients on originator ASM brands. In patients taking a formulation of levetiracetam affected by a shortage, 67.6% switched to a different levetiracetam brand or formulation during shortages compared with 46.6% in non-shortage periods. ConclusionsApproximately 20% of patients on ASMs were estimated to have been impacted by an ASM shortage in Australia. The rate of patient-level shortages was approximately 50 times higher for patients on generic ASM brands versus originator brands. Shortages of levetiracetam were associated with formulation and brand switching. Improved supply chain management amongst sponsors of generic ASMs is needed to maintain the continuity of supply in Australia.

Trade assortment of sweets sold in chain stores in Moscow and their assortment policy analysis

The purpose of the article is to conduct a survey of the commercial assortment of sweets in order to identify changes in the assortment for this subcategory. The article presents the results of the examination of the trade assortment of sweets in three chain stores in Moscow. The following indicators of the assortment have been calculated and analyzed: completeness, depth (basic, actual, and advisory coeffi cients), stability, novelty, harmony, rationality (coeffi cient), the type structure, and brand assortment of sweets. It has been found that in all the surveyed stores, the assortment of sweets is identifi ed as expanded. The most complete and deep assortment of sweets is presented in the Auchan store: it has a lot of original brands, including own brands and their modifications. All surveyed stores are characterized by deepening as a general direction of the assortment policy, with such additional directions as renewal and improvement in Auchan.

Evaluating the effectiveness of reformulated extended-release oxycodone with abuse-deterrent properties on reducing non-oral abuse among individuals assessed for substance abuse treatment with the Addiction Severity Index-Multimedia Version (ASI-MV)

Objective Original brand extended-release (ER) oxycodone tablets (OC) for oral use were reformulated (ORF) with abuse-deterrent properties (ADP) against inhalation and injection routes in August 2010. This product transition provided an opportunity to compare “before and after” reformulation abuse trends. Our goal was to assess the change in abuse of brand oxycodone ER from before and after introduction of ORF. Methods Change in self-reported non-oral “OxyContin” abuse in the previous 30 days during two years pre- and four years post-reformulation was assessed among adults evaluated for substance use and treatment planning using the Addiction Severity Index-Multimedia Version (ASI-MV). Comparator opioids were used to provide a frame of reference for changes in abuse due to competing population-level opioid abuse interventions and other factors unrelated to the reformulation. A proportion (PR) and abuse report dispensing ratio (ARDR) are reported because a single measure of abuse has not been identified that can optimally describe opioid abuse or changes in opioid abuse. Results Interrupted time-series analyses indicated an immediate decline in non-oral abuse measures post-reformulation (PR = −52.1%; ARDR = −32.2%). Significant decreases from pre- to post-reformulation in non-oral abuse overall were observed (PR [95% CI] = −30.7% [-46.9%, −9.5%]; ARDR = −29.3% [-37.5%, −20.1%]). Comparator opioids did not demonstrate similar trends over the period. Conclusions Methodology applied in this study suitably assessed the effectiveness of an ADP product. Among individuals assessed for substance use, a differential decline in non-oral abuse of brand ER oxycodone was observed since introduction of ORF.

From Secondhand to Invisible Hand: Methods of Manipulating Object Biographies on The Realreal Online Marketplace

This article analyzes the methods employed to ensure the conservation of the value of goods sold on The RealReal online marketplace, a new-generation secondhand fashion reseller associated with the “circular economy.” First, we map challenges that The RealReal needs to overcome in order to enable fashion objects to come back onto the market. Next, based on a mixed methodology research, we detail the methods being used by the reseller to address these issues and analyze their effect. We argue that these methods interfere with the cultural biography of the objects being sold and present The RealReal as an authority in certifying the authenticity of a fashion object, although it has no official or practical ability to do so. By achieving this position, The RealReal forms a connection between the original brand and The RealReal’s own end customer. This connection is used to highlight the branded value of the objects, and at the same time to obscure the traces of previous ownership, to deflect attention from the fact that the inventory is mostly secondhand. We conclude that by doing so, the reseller has come up with a formula that enables fashion objects to take part in the circular economy.

Price and affordability of key essential medicines for children in Sri Lanka, a lower-middle-income country: comparison of two national cross-sectional surveys done 8 years apart

ObjectiveTo describe the price and affordability of key essential medicines for children in the private sector in Sri Lanka in 2017/2018, and compare the findings with 2009 data.DesignNational cross-sectional descriptive...