I'm not saying they are exactly equivalent -- things like particle sizes, buffers, release speed, etc (which are often different in different formulations) are known to make a difference.
It is, however, extremely unlikely (to the point of impossibility) that every single brand name is better than every single equivalent generic. I have anecdotal evidence about a specific generic working significantly better than a related name brand for a specific person.
There are specific studies showing a specific brand name is better than a specific [set of] generics. In the few cases I looked into it, that study was financed by the brand. They wouldn't publish a result saying the generic is better if that was the conclusion (and it's usually possible to p-hack a favorable result). I am not aware of generic manufacturers commissioning a study either way.
I can accept a "75% of brands are better than generic" if it came from a well defined study. It's statistically impossible that "100% of brands are equal or better to generics".
Agreed. In the case of the drugs mentioned in the article (ADHD), the generic equivalents of the extended release aren't as good and/or potent as the brand name. This sucks because the generic drugs are so much cheaper, even with insurance.
I'm not saying they are exactly equivalent -- things like particle sizes, buffers, release speed, etc (which are often different in different formulations) are known to make a difference.
It is, however, extremely unlikely (to the point of impossibility) that every single brand name is better than every single equivalent generic. I have anecdotal evidence about a specific generic working significantly better than a related name brand for a specific person.
There are specific studies showing a specific brand name is better than a specific [set of] generics. In the few cases I looked into it, that study was financed by the brand. They wouldn't publish a result saying the generic is better if that was the conclusion (and it's usually possible to p-hack a favorable result). I am not aware of generic manufacturers commissioning a study either way.
I can accept a "75% of brands are better than generic" if it came from a well defined study. It's statistically impossible that "100% of brands are equal or better to generics".