The Generic Drug Gamble

[jeffrey]

More generic-drug makers are introducing cheaper versions of brand-name medicine even while fighting patent claims in court, lowering consumer costs.

The latest: Ivax. Last week, it announced a limited launch of a generic of Pfizer's Neurontin, an anti-convulsant also used to treat pain and other ailments, even though litigation has yet to determine when Pfizer loses patent protection on the drug.

The "launch at risk" strategy means the generic-drug maker would be liable for damages if it were to lose a patent case. Companies take that chance because of intense competition to be first with generics of blockbuster drugs and their increased confidence of winning patent disputes.

"This is very positive for consumers because it allows cheaper drugs to get to market sooner," says industry analyst Albert Rauch of A.G. Edwards... [read more at usatoday.com]

For more ways to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, read the SavingAdvice.com article Save On Prescription Drugs