Authorized generics : Is it good or bad ?

Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs that have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and strength as the original drug. In other words, their pharmacological effects are exactly the same as those of their brand-name counterparts.

"Authorized generic drugs" are generic drugs from branded companies. Aka copycat version of their own brand drug. You will be wondering why do they (brand companies) do that. This way branded companies still make money even though their patent expires.

Many people say these are nothing but bad news for the generic drug industry because they cut into the 180-day exclusivity period that is granted to the first generic on the market.

$63 billion worth of brand-name drugs are expected to go off patent between 2007 and 2012. This news is good news for generic drug makers, however the competion among them is increasing tremendously because of new emerging companies from India and China. They got one more big hurdle of Authorized generic drugs , since they are increasing.

This is good news for consumers. The more the competition..the cheaper the drugs are.