Oseltamivir is available under the brand name Tamiflu and as a generic medication [1]. Several companies manufacture generic versions of oseltamivir [2].
When does the oseltamivir patent expire?
The primary patents for oseltamivir phosphate, the active ingredient in Tamiflu, expired in the United States in 2016 [3]. This allowed for the introduction of generic versions to the market.
Who makes generic oseltamivir?
Multiple pharmaceutical manufacturers produce generic oseltamivir. Companies that have marketed generic oseltamivir include Teva Pharmaceuticals, Apotex, and Mylan, among others [2]. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent expirations and generic availability for medications like oseltamivir [4].
How does generic oseltamivir differ from brand-name Tamiflu?
Generic oseltamivir contains the same active ingredient, oseltamivir phosphate, and is therapeutically equivalent to brand-name Tamiflu [1]. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires generic drugs to meet the same standards of quality, purity, and potency as their brand-name counterparts [5]. Differences between generic and brand-name medications typically lie in inactive ingredients, such as fillers, binders, or dyes, which do not affect the drug's safety or effectiveness [5].
What is oseltamivir used for?
Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza (flu) in adults and children [1]. It works by inhibiting the viral enzyme neuraminidase, which is necessary for the virus to replicate and spread within the body [6]. It is most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms [1].