In this paper, the authors document the complex issues facing the FDA in assessing the quality of generic drugs. They conclude that increased transparency as well as the updating of FDA bioequivalence standards may be important to overcome some of these challenges.

Evidence from numerous studies shows that emerging markets have far more poor quality drugs than western markets. There are many reasons for this, but one reason, investigated in this paper, is the possibility that smaller, often privately-owned, pharmacies take greater risks with drug...

The authors demonstrate how regulation intended to control costs can exacerbate cost growth by subsidizing high-risk activities and firms at the expense of low-risk activities and firms.