INTRODUCTION:

The pharmaceutical industry is essential to healthcare, sacrificing specifics that help, treat, and manage a wide range of conditions. Within this field, specifics are generally divided into two main orders: general drugs and hardwired drugs. Understanding the differences between these orders is important for consumers, healthcare professionals, and manufacturers likewise. This design, named" Survey on Marketing Strategies for Generic and ingrained drugs," explores how pharmaceutical companies sell these two types of products and compares the strategies they use.

Definitions:

Branded Drugs:

A branded drug is a medicine created to be the same as an formerly vended brand- name drug in capsule form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use.

Generic Drugs:

Generic medicines are the original products developed and vended by pharmaceutical companies. They suffer extensive clinical trials and bear blessing from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration.

Branded Generics:

Branded generics they're not under any patent and are sold by using a brand name rather of a chemical name This design seeks to bridge the gap in understanding these strategies by conducting a detailed check and analysis of the marketing practices of both hardwired and general drug manufacturers. The study explores pivotal areas analogous as promotional tactics, pricing models, distribution styles, and non supervisory compliance. It also examines the factors impacting consumer preferences, including brand dedication, perceived effectiveness, and cost considerations.

By furnishing a comprehensive comparison, the design aims to uncover the strengths and sins of each approach. It seeks to offer practicable insight for pharmaceutical companies to upgrade their marketing strategies in a way that balances profitability with social responsibility. Ultimately, the study aspires to contribute to a farther indifferent and ethical pharmaceutical terrain that prioritizes patient welfare while fostering healthy request competition.

The Main Aim of This Project Design:

To explore and understand the marketing strategies used for both hardwired and general drugs in moment’s competitive medicinal request. Specifically, the study will.

Compare and distinct:

The marketing approaches used by hardwired and general drug companies, fastening on what makes each strategy unique.

Assess the Impact:

These strategies on request share, consumer preferences, and the financial success of pharmaceutical companies.

Identify the Challenges Faced:

These companies promote their products, especially in a request that’s both competitive and heavily regulated.

Give Recommendations for Perfecting Marketing Strategies:

For both hardwired and general drugs, helping companies more meet the conditions of consumers and adapt to changing requests and non-supervisory conditions.

Difference Between Generic and Branded Drugs

Branded Drugs	Key Aspects	Generic Drugs
No Difference	Active Ingredients	No Difference
Higher In Cost	Price	Lower In Cost
Covered If No Generic Form Exists	Insurance Coverage	Normally Always Covered
Tested And Approved By FDA	Inactive Ingredients	May Differ but Proven to Be Acceptable by the FDA
No Difference	Strength/Dosage	No Difference

METHODOLOGY FOR SURVEY:

The study was conducted for the following target populations. The population chosen for study comprises of the following categories:

Serial Number	Category	Number of respondents
1.	Physicians	28
2.	Medical Representatives	31
3.	Pharmacists	36
4.	Consumers	27

Questionnaire for Physicians:

1. How would you rate your trust level in generic over branded drugs? Scale 1 to 5

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

2. How often do patients request branded drugs specifically?

Always, Sometimes, Never, Rarely

3. How often do you prescribe or recommend generic over branded drugs?

Always, Often, Sometimes, Rarely, Never

4. What are the primary barriers for you to prescribe or recommend generic drugs?

Efficacy concerns, Patient’s trust, Regulatory issues

5. How much impact do you think pharmaceutical marketing has on your choice between generic and branded drugs? (Scale of 1-5)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Questionnaire for Medical Representatives:

1. Which type of drug do you find easier to market in terms of convincing healthcare providers of its benefits?

· Branded drugs, due to their clinical data and brand recognition

· Generic drugs, due to their affordability

· Both are equally challenging

· It depends on the specific drug and its competitive landscape.

2. When promoting drugs to healthcare providers, which message do you find resonates more effectively?

· Clinical efficacy and safety data (Branded)

· Cost savings and affordability (Generic)

· Availability and ease of prescription (Both)

3. Which of the following best describes the level of support you receive for marketing branded versus generic drugs?

· Greater resources and support for branded drugs

· Greater resources and support for generic drugs

· Equal support for both

· Limited support for both types

4. Which strategy do you believe is more successful in gaining patient trust?

· Branded drugs, due to brand recognition and perceived quality

· Generic drugs, due to affordability and regulatory approval

· Both are equally trusted by patients

· It varies widely based on patient demographics

5. In your experience, which type of drug has a greater emphasis on digital marketing strategies?

· Branded drugs, as they require more direct-to-consumer engagement

· Generic drugs, as digital marketing allows for cost-effective promotion

· Both utilize digital marketing equally

· Neither, as traditional methods are more common

Questionnaire for Pharmacists:

1. What are the common strategies used by pharmaceutical companies to promote branded drugs?

· Regular visit of medical representatives

· Discount schemes

· Sponsorships/Events

· Free samples

2. Do generic drug companies approach you with marketing strategies similar to branded drug companies?

Yes, No, Maybe

3. How effective are incentives (such as discounts, samples) from branded drug companies in influencing your recommendations? Very Effective, Somewhat Effective, Not Effective, No Opinion

4. Which Medicines do you personally buy for self-medication?

Branded, Generic

5. What approx. percentage generic medicines prescribed by doctors?

25%, 50%, 75%, 100%

Questionnaire For Consumers:

1. Have advertisements or brand promotions influenced your choice of medication?

Yes frequently, yes occasionally, Rarely, Never

2. Do you usually follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s recommendation when choosing between generic and branded drugs?

Always, Often, Sometimes, Rarely

3. If you prefer generic drugs, what are the main reasons? (Select all that apply)

Lower price, Perceived same quality as branded, Pharmacist’s recommendation, Insurance coverage, Other

4. Do you find it easy to get information about the benefits of generic drugs from healthcare providers (doctors, pharmacists)?

Easy, Difficult

5. How often do you choose generic drugs over branded drugs?

Always, Sometimes, Never, Rarely

RESULTS OF SURVEY: FROM PHYSICIANS:

Results of Survey: From Medical Reresentatives:

Results of Survey : From Pharmacists

Results of Survey: From Consumers

CONCLUSIONS:

1. Physicians:

Physicians play a crucial role in determining whether a patient receives a branded or generic drug. The survey indicates that while many physicians acknowledge the efficacy and affordability of generic drugs, brand trust and patient perception often influence their prescription choices. Some physicians hesitate to prescribe generics due to concerns about patient adherence and perceived quality differences. Pharmaceutical marketing significantly impacts their prescribing behavior, making promotional strategies a key factor in brand preference.

2. Pharmacists:

Pharmacists, being the direct link between pharmaceutical companies and consumers, exhibit a strong inclination toward generics due to their affordability and regulatory approval. However, marketing efforts by branded drug companies, such as free samples, discount schemes, and medical representative visits, influence pharmacists’ recommendations. While many pharmacists advocate for generics, branded drug promotions often create a bias in drug dispensation.

3. Medical Representatives:

Medical representatives find it easier to market branded drugs due to their strong clinical backing and brand recognition. The study highlights that branded drug receive more promotional resources compared to generics. However, affordability and increasing consumer awareness of generics are shifting the landscape. Digital marketing strategies are playing an increasing role in promoting both drug types, though branded drugs still dominate traditional marketing avenues.

4. Consumers:

Consumer preference for branded or generic drugs largely depends on pricing, recommendations from healthcare professionals, and marketing influence. While a significant percentage of consumers choose generics due to cost-effectiveness, many remain skeptical about their efficacy. Advertisements and brand promotions have a notable impact on consumer choices, often creating a perception that branded drugs are superior. However, increasing awareness about generic drug benefits is gradually bridging this gap.

KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

· Brand trust remains a significant factor: Consumers and physicians often prefer branded drugs due to perceived reliability and marketing efforts.

· Affordability drives generic drug adoption: Lower pricing makes generics a favorable choice among pharmacists and cost-conscious consumers.

· Marketing strategies influence decision-making: Branded drugs benefit from aggressive promotions, while generic drug companies need to strengthen their marketing approaches.

· Consumer education is essential: Awareness campaigns can help reduce skepticism around generics and improve trust in their efficacy.

· Balanced regulatory policies can improve market competition: Stricter guidelines on marketing ethics can ensure fair competition between branded and generic drugs.

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Received on 24.03.2025 Revised on 15.04.2025

Accepted on 30.04.2025 Published on 12.07.2025

Available online from July 21, 2025

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis. 2025; 15(3):197-202.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5675.2025.00031

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