I've been using a Merck drug called Propecia for 6 or 7 years.  I'm
wondering when the drug patent expires so I can expect to see cheaper
generics available.  I need info specifically on Propecia, not the
higher dosage drug called Proscar.

Sjmelet,

According to Drug Digest,in the article "Are Your Drugs Available in
Generic Versions", the patent expiration date for Propecia is June
2006.

Drug Digest
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Articles/News/0,10141,-17%7C1%7C6,00.html


According to RX Solutions, the exact expiration date for  Propecia is
June 19, 2006.

Brand Name:       Propecia
Ingredient Name:  Finasteride
Patent Number:    4760071
Expiration Date:  Jun 19, 2006

http://www.rxsolutions.com/b/rxnews/rxnews_view.asp?Article=608&type=19

 

Search criteria:
Propecia patent expire OR expiration

I hope this helps!

Best regards,
Bobbie7

---

Request for Answer Clarification by sjmelet-ga on 17 Nov 2005 16:19 PST

Great answer, thanks!  Related to my original question, any idea how
long it takes generic makers to hit the marketplace after the brand
name patent expires?

---

Clarification of Answer by bobbie7-ga on 17 Nov 2005 16:46 PST

IŽll take a look and get back to you as soon as I can.
Bobbie7

---

Clarification of Answer by bobbie7-ga on 17 Nov 2005 17:28 PST

Marketing of generic drugs is governed by the Drug Price Competition &
Patent Term Restoration Act, commonly known as the Hatch-Waxman Act.

"A drug going off patent paves the way for lower priced generic
versions. That is always great news for anyone who has to pay the full
price of drugs. But because of the law and regulations governing
generic drugs, a brand-name drug's loss of patent protection does not
guarantee timely access to lower cost generic versions. Marketing of
generic products can be delayed through various maneuvers--in which
generic companies and innovator drugmakers are either pitted against
each other or work hand in hand."
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/coverstory/8038/8038biogenerics2.html


"Under current generic-drug law ? the Hatch-Waxman Act ? generic firms
can manufacture and then test a patented drug, using the innovator's
own patented information before a patent expires. That allows them to
hit the market the day after a drug goes off patent. They also have
the only real monopoly the Act provides: 180 days of market
exclusivity if they can prove in court that an innovator's patent is
invalid or doesn't exist."
http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/comment-rgoldberg073002.asp


This article is interesting.
Patents hold no guarantee new generics marketplace - Generics Watch
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3374/is_16_25/ai_110533010

I hope this helps!

Couldn't be more impressed....fast, accurate, thorough.  They even
answered my follow up question fast!