Viagra, the brand name for sildenafil, became available as a generic medication in late 2017 [1]. This followed the expiration of Pfizer's key patents covering the drug [2].
When did Viagra go generic?
The U.S. patent protecting Viagra expired on April 22, 2020 [3]. However, the generic version, sildenafil, became available much earlier, in December 2017 [1]. This earlier availability was due to a settlement agreement between Pfizer and Teva Pharmaceuticals, allowing Teva to launch its generic version of sildenafil [4].
Who manufactures generic Viagra?
Following the patent expiration and settlement agreements, multiple pharmaceutical companies have begun manufacturing and distributing generic sildenafil [4]. These include companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals, Aurobindo Pharma, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, among others [5].
How much does generic Viagra cost?
The cost of generic Viagra (sildenafil) is significantly lower than the brand-name Viagra [1]. Prices can vary depending on the pharmacy, dosage, and insurance coverage, but consumers can expect to pay a fraction of the original brand-name price [5]. For example, a 2019 estimate suggested generic sildenafil could cost around $1 to $5 per pill, compared to $50 or more for brand-name Viagra [6].
What are the differences between Viagra and generic sildenafil?
Generic medications, including sildenafil, are required to be bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts [7]. This means they contain the same active ingredient, work in the same way, and are absorbed into the body at the same rate [7]. The primary differences are typically in inactive ingredients, which do not affect the drug's safety or efficacy, and in the branding and packaging [7].
What is the patent status for Viagra?
Pfizer's primary patents for Viagra have expired, allowing for the production of generic versions [2, 3]. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks the patent status and exclusivity periods for drugs like Viagra [8]. The expiration of these patents opened the door for market competition from generic manufacturers [4].
Why did generic Viagra become available before patent expiration?
The availability of generic sildenafil in December 2017, prior to the official U.S. patent expiration in April 2020, resulted from a legal settlement [4]. Pfizer reached an agreement with Teva Pharmaceuticals, which allowed Teva to launch its generic version of sildenafil. Such settlements are common in the pharmaceutical industry and can lead to earlier generic market entry [4].
What are the implications of generic Viagra availability?
The introduction of generic sildenafil has increased accessibility and affordability for patients who require medication for erectile dysfunction [1, 5]. It also fostered competition within the market, driving down prices [4].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug-status/sildenafil/us
[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiries/viagra-pfizer
[3] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug-status/sildenafil/us
[4] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/articles/understanding-drug-patent-expirations-and-generic-entry
[5] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug-status/sildenafil/us
[6] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/223768/sildenafil-oral/details
[7] https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cd er/generics-fda
[8] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/