FAQ
Why the equivalent
medicines are cheaper than branded ones?
New drugs, like other new products, are typically
developed under patent protection. The patent protects
the original investment made in developing the drug
by giving that company exclusive rights to sell and/or
market the drug during the lifetime of the patent.
When patents or other periods of exclusivity expire,
manufacturers can make and sell the approved generic
versions. The Abbreviated New Drug Submission (ANDS)
process does not require the drug sponsor to repeat
costly animal and clinical research on ingredients
or dosage forms already approved for safety and effectiveness.
Generic manufacturers have plenty of competition,
but with lower R&D costs and considerably lower
expenses in advertising and marketing, in most cases
generic drugs are priced significantly lower than
the branded drug.
How can I recognize an equivalent
medicine?
Equivalent medicines show the
denomination of the active ingredient contained,
followed by the owner company’s name. Moreover
they must state the wording “Equivalent medicine”.
What’s change if I take
an equivalent medicine instead my usual medicine?
Equivalent medicines contain the same active
ingredient of the branded medicine and they have passed
the bioequivalence tests, so with the same dosage
they will have the same effects.
The method of prescription by the doctor, and the
purchase are the same of the branded medicine.
Can my Pharmacist suggest
me an equivalent medicine?
Pharmacists can suggest
an equivalent generic medicine corresponding to a
branded medicine and can offer substitution, in may
cases with an cost advantage for the patient.
Why many medicines in Italy
are still covered by a patent whilst the patent for
the same product has expired un much of the rest of
Europe?
In Italy many medicines covered by a patents have
enjoyed the extended patent via the CPC
(Complementary Protection Certificate). This means
that many molecules which in Europe already have a
correspondent equivalent medicine, in Italy are still
protected by a patent that will expire in the coming
years. This is one of the reason which we anticipate
future growth in the Italian generic market.
