See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Viagra
Viagra's last patent in the United States expired on April 27, 2020 [1]. This expiration allowed for the introduction of generic versions of sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, into the market [2].
When did generic Viagra become available?
Generic versions of Viagra, containing sildenafil citrate, became available in the U.S. in December 2017 [2][3]. This was after Pfizer, the manufacturer of Viagra, reached an agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Teva Pharmaceuticals [2]. Teva Pharmaceuticals was the first to launch its generic version [2].
What is the difference between Viagra and generic sildenafil?
The active ingredient in both Viagra and its generic versions is sildenafil citrate [2]. While the active ingredient is the same, there can be minor differences in inactive ingredients, such as fillers or binders, which do not affect the drug's efficacy or safety [4]. Generic drugs are required to be bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they work in the same way and provide the same health benefits [4].
What is the status of Viagra patents in other countries?
Patent expirations for Viagra vary by country. For example, in Europe, the patent expired in 2013 [5]. DrugPatentWatch.com provides comprehensive information on patent expiration dates for various drugs globally [6].
Why are drug patents important?
Drug patents grant a period of market exclusivity to the pharmaceutical company that developed a new drug [7]. This exclusivity allows the company to recoup its research and development costs and fund future innovation [7]. Once a patent expires, other companies can produce and sell generic versions of the drug, which typically leads to lower prices for consumers [8].