Does every brand name drug have a generic?
No. Brand name drugs are generally given patent protection for 20 years from the date of submission of the patent. This provides protection for the innovator who paid the initial costs to develop the new drug. However, when the patent expires other drug companies can introduce competitive generic versions. Generic drugs can be legally produced for drugs where: 1) the patent has expired, 2) the generic company certifies the brand company’s patents are either invalid, unenforceable or will not be infringed, 3) for drugs which have never held patents or 4) in countries where a patent(s) is/are not in force.
Related Questions
- A non-preferred drug is a medication that has been determined to have an alternative drug available that is clinically equivalent. If I am taking a brand name drug when a generic equivalent is available, at what co-payment level will this drug be available?
- Aetna RX charges like price for brand drug Altace and Ramipril which is the Generic. Is this officially recognized?
- Won’t generic companies stop challenging brand drug patents if Authorized Generics are allowed to continue?
