What's the difference between a generic and a biosimilar?

Generics are chemically identical copies of small-molecule drugs (atorvastatin, sildenafil). Biosimilars are highly-similar copies of biologic drugs (adalimumab, trastuzumab). Different molecules, different approval pathways, different economics — generics achieve 60-95% price reductions, biosimilars only 15-35%.

How much does a generic cost vs the brand?

Generic small-molecule drugs typically launch at 60-80% discount to the originator. Within 2 years of multiple manufacturers entering, prices drop further to 85-95% below originator. Many generic drugs cost <$10/month at retail pharmacy cash price.

Yes. The FDA requires generic drugs to demonstrate bioequivalence (pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds) and identical chemical composition. Most patients can switch between brand and generic without clinical effect. Rare exceptions exist for narrow-therapeutic-index drugs (warfarin, thyroid hormones).

Generic Drug Tracker

Track every approved generic small-molecule drug by originator. Lipitor, Plavix, Crestor, Viagra, Nexium, Singulair — full generic competition list, manufacturer, first approval date, and originator patent timeline. Sourced from FDA Orange Book.

Every approved generic small-molecule drug in our index, organised by originator. Each page lists every generic version, the originator's patent timeline, and links to the full drug profile.

Tracked originators (25)

Lipitor generic Statins / lipid lowering

generic name: atorvastatin

Crestor generic Statins / lipid lowering

generic name: rosuvastatin

Zocor generic Statins / lipid lowering

generic name: simvastatin

Plavix generic Antiplatelet

generic name: clopidogrel

Nexium generic PPI

generic name: esomeprazole

Prilosec generic PPI

generic name: omeprazole

Protonix generic PPI

generic name: pantoprazole

Viagra generic PDE5 inhibitor

generic name: sildenafil

Cialis generic PDE5 inhibitor

generic name: tadalafil

Singulair generic Leukotriene antagonist

generic name: montelukast

Zyrtec generic Antihistamine

generic name: cetirizine

Allegra generic Antihistamine

generic name: fexofenadine

Zoloft generic SSRI

generic name: sertraline

Lexapro generic SSRI

generic name: escitalopram

Cymbalta generic SNRI

generic name: duloxetine

Glucophage generic Biguanide / T2D

generic name: metformin

Januvia generic DPP-4 inhibitor

generic name: sitagliptin

Norvasc generic CCB

generic name: amlodipine

Cozaar generic ARB

generic name: losartan

Prinivil generic ACE inhibitor

generic name: lisinopril

Celebrex generic COX-2 inhibitor

generic name: celecoxib

Mobic generic NSAID

generic name: meloxicam

Lyrica generic Neuropathic pain

generic name: pregabalin

Abilify generic Atypical antipsychotic

generic name: aripiprazole

Seroquel generic Atypical antipsychotic

generic name: quetiapine

How generic approval works

Generic small-molecule drugs are approved via the FDA's Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) pathway under the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984. Sponsors must demonstrate bioequivalence and identical chemical composition — no clinical trials in patients are required. Approval typically takes 18-24 months.

Why generics matter

Payers: 60-95% price reduction means dramatic spend savings
Patients: many common medicines cost <$10/month at retail cash price
Originators: revenue erosion 30-80% within 24 months
Manufacturers: first-to-file ANDA gets 180-day exclusivity (lucrative)

Biosimilar tracker — for biologic drugs (Humira, Avastin, etc.)
Patent cliff tracker — year-by-year forecasts
Biosimilar vs generic — what's the difference?

Generic Drug Tracker

Tracked originators (25)

How generic approval works

Why generics matter

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