Brand Name Drug

A pharmaceutical product marketed under a proprietary, trademarked name by a pharmaceutical company. Unlike generic drugs, brand name drugs are developed and initially patented by the company, giving them exclusive rights to produce and sell the medication.

 

Generic Drug

A medication that is bioequivalent to a brand name drug in terms of dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality, and intended use. Generics become available after the patent protection for the brand name drug expires, providing more affordable alternatives.

 

Patent Expiration

The end of the period during which a drug manufacturer has exclusive rights to produce and market a particular drug. After patent expiration, other companies can produce generic versions, leading to increased competition and often lower prices for consumers.

 

Bioequivalence

The measure of similarity in the rate and extent of absorption of the active ingredient(s) of a drug when compared to a reference drug. Generic drugs must demonstrate bioequivalence to their brand name counterparts to ensure they have the same therapeutic effect.

 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

The regulatory agency responsible for evaluating and approving pharmaceutical products for safety and efficacy in the United States. Brand name and generic drugs must undergo rigorous testing and meet FDA standards before they can be marketed to the public.

 

Clinical Trials

Rigorous research studies conducted during drug development to assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication. These trials involve different phases, including testing on human subjects, to gather data on the drug’s performance before it can be approved for widespread use.

 

Off-Patent

The status of a drug when its patent protection has expired, allowing other pharmaceutical companies to produce and market generic versions. This often leads to increased competition and lower prices for consumers.

 

Brand Loyalty

The degree to which consumers consistently choose and prefer a particular brand name drug over generic alternatives. Brand loyalty is often influenced by factors such as perceived quality, trust in the brand, and marketing strategies.

 

Pharmaceutical Marketing

The strategies and tactics employed by pharmaceutical companies to promote and advertise their brand name drugs. Marketing efforts include direct-to-consumer advertising, physician detailing, and other initiatives aimed at building brand awareness and driving sales.

 

Placebo Effect

The psychological and physiological response that occurs when a patient perceives an improvement in their condition after receiving a treatment with no therapeutic effect. Understanding the placebo effect is crucial in clinical trials to distinguish between actual drug effects and perceived improvements.