Generic Pramlintide: An Overview
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.
