| A generic pharmaceutical product is the bioequivalent of a brand name (innovator) pharmaceutical. This includes dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they traditionally cost consumers 20 – 50 percent less than the brand drug. New drugs are developed under patent protection which protects the innovator company’s investment in the drug's development by giving them the exclusive right to sell the drug while the patent is in effect. When patents or other periods of exclusivity expire, manufacturers can apply to the Food and Drug Administration to sell generic versions of the drug. Generic drugs are held to the same rigid standards as the innovator drug, as dictated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Today, more than 45 percent of U.S. prescriptions are filled with generic drugs. Sandoz is pleased to offer these links for additional information regarding generic pharmaceuticals. |
