Generic Aromasin

A patent currently prevents any generic Aromasin from being manufactured and sold in the United States. The earliest date that a generic version of Aromasin could become available is in October 2008, when the patent expires. However, lawsuits or additional patents for specific uses of Aromasin could cause this exclusivity period to extend beyond this time. Once the patent expires, several companies may begin manufacturing generic Aromasin.

 

Generic Aromasin: An Overview

Aromasin® (exemestane) is a prescription medication used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is part of a group of medications called aromatase inhibitors.
 
Aromasin is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Aromasin from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Aromasin Be Available?

Pfizer holds the exclusive rights to market Aromasin until at least October 2008. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Aromasin could become available. However, circumstances could extend this exclusivity period beyond 2008. This could include things such as other patents for specific Aromasin uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Aromasin.
 

Is Exemestane a Generic Aromasin?

No -- exemestane is the active ingredient in Aromasin, but it is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different than 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) must make the product.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;