Today (Friday), the Food and Drug Authority revealed the differences between innovative medicines and generic medicines, and its role in controlling generic medicines to ensure quality.
She explained that there is a misconception that generic medicines are less effective than innovative medicines, but the truth is that they are registered by the authority and have the same effectiveness as the innovative medicines.
She pointed out that the difference between them comes in color, flavor and price, but they are identical in terms of the active substance, concentration, dosage, method of use and medical claims.
She indicated that every new innovative drug has a legal protection period of 17 to 20 years, during which only the innovative company is allowed to manufacture the same drug, and after the end of the period, other pharmaceutical companies are allowed to manufacture the same drug, and at that time it is called a generic drug, and its price is cheaper because it does not need costs Research and marketing.
She stressed that the generic medicines are subject to strict control by the authority and the drug, and the components, bioequivalence, efficacy and safety are reviewed, and the drug factory is inspected and quality control is carried out after approval of registration; To ensure the consumer a safe, effective and economical medicine.
Learn the differences between innovative and generic medicines, and the role of #food_and_medicine In the oversight of generic medicines to ensure quality. pic.twitter.com/DroG4KCePU
— Food and Drug Authority (@Saudi_FDA) September 9, 2022