Generic Pramlintide

There is no generic version of pramlintide available in the U.S. because it is protected by a patent. The patent expires in March 2010, at which time a generic pramlintide could be manufactured and sold. However, circumstances could arise that prevent a generic version of the medication from becoming available at that time. In the meantime, do not purchase any so-called "generic pramlintide" -- such products are likely fake and could be dangerous.

 

Generic Pramlintide: An Overview

Pramlintide acetate (Symlin®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed as a type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatment.
 
Pramlintide is manufactured by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic pramlintide from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic pramlintide," you may find a number of companies selling it. These medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be generic pramlintide available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if such medications are genuine or not. Therefore, you should not buy any generic pramlintide until there is an approved generic available.
 

When Will Generic Pramlintide Be Available?

The earliest that generic pramlintide could possibly be available is in March 2010. However, there are circumstances that could arise to extend the exclusivity period of pramlintide beyond 2010. This could include things such as other patents for specific pramlintide uses or lawsuits. Once pramlintide goes off patent, there may be several companies that manufacture a generic pramlintide drug.
 

Is Pramlintide a Generic Symlin?

No. Pramlintide acetate is the active ingredient in Symlin, but it is not a generic version of Symlin. What can be confusing is that, often, the active ingredient of a brand-name drug is referred to as the "generic name" of the medication. This "generic name" is different from a generic version of a medicine. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off patent and another company (besides the original manufacturer) would make the product.
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;