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Cheaper Generic Medication for Lipitor, Actos and Plavix
Generic Versions of Lipitor, Actos and Plavix Might Enter Market
A recent article in the Chicago Tribune reports that patients using Lipitor, Actos, or Plavix may start enjoying savings of up to 90 percent as patents on those drugs expire. The three drugs comprise a significant percentage of the $300 billion brand-name U.S. pharmaceutical market, according to the Tribune.
As patents granting exclusivity to the drugs' manufacturers expire, cheaper generic versions will begin to enter the market. Lipitor, for example, now costs up to $40 for a one-month supply. However, competing generic forms of the cholesterol-lowering drug could drive the cost down as low as $4 per month-a 90 percent savings.
Among the three drugs the article discusses, Actos is the one directed at the diabetes market. Produced by Takeda for people with type 2 diabetes, Actos (pioglitazone) is a thiazolidinedione, which works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin. According to Consumer Reports, U.S patients spent $3.5 billion in 2010 for the drug.
Inventions and new drugs win patents so that their originators have time to recoup the costs of research and development. Once those patents expire, other manufacturers can enter the market with generic versions. Generics can be priced much lower because the new sources of supply do not have to create the products from scratch.
Categories: Actos, Diabetes, Diabetes, Generic Medication, Lipitor, Pharmaceutical Market /Products , Plavix, Type 2 Issues
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Diabetes Health is the essential resource for people living with diabetes- both newly diagnosed and experienced as well as the professionals who care for them. We provide balanced expert news and information on living healthfully with diabetes. Each issue includes cutting-edge editorial coverage of new products, research, treatment options, and meaningful lifestyle issues.
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Topics
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- Type 1 / 1.5 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Blood Glucose / Sugar
- High/Low Blood Sugar / Fast Acting Glucose
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- Type 2 Medications
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
Comments
I think the price for a one-month supply of Lipitor is more like $80-$110. There are some promotional offers that Pfizer is putting out, but the standard price is much higher than $40.00.
Good article, but the most significant part of the story was missing entirely. WHEN are these patents expiring ?!?
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