Is there a generic for Zocor?

Yes — 13 approved generic versions of Zocor (simvastatin) are tracked in our index. Generic substitution is typically automatic at the pharmacy unless the prescriber writes "dispense as written."

How much cheaper is generic simvastatin?

Generic small-molecule drugs typically launch at 60-80% discount to the originator. After multiple manufacturers enter the market (12-24 months post-cliff), prices drop further to 85-95% below originator. Your insurance copay may not reflect the full savings — check the cash price too.

Are generics as effective as the brand?

For small-molecule drugs: yes. Generics are required to demonstrate bioequivalence — identical active ingredient, same dose, same route, same indication. Pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds (±20% AUC + Cmax). Most patients can switch without clinical effect.

When did Zocor go generic?

Generic simvastatin entered the US market when the originator's exclusivity expired. See the patent timeline below for specific dates.

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · How we verify

Zocor generic

Complete generic competition for Zocor (simvastatin): 13 approved generics across manufacturers, 0 filed under FDA review. 2 active patents remain. Sourced from FDA Orange Book + USPTO.

13 approved generics 2 active patents

About Zocor

Zocor (simvastatin) — originally marketed by Merck & Co.. Class: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor [EPC].

Approved generic versions (13)

Generic	Manufacturer	Phase
Simvastatin plus ticagrelor	Federal University of São Paulo	marketed
Simvastatin 40mg	Marc Goodman	marketed
Simvastatin or Atorvastatin	Hospital Arnau de Vilanova	marketed
Simvastatin combined with Amlodipine besylate	Third Military Medical University	marketed
Simvastatin 80mg	Helsinki University Central Hospital	marketed
simvastatin tablets	Federico II University	marketed
Simvastatin and micronized trans-resveratrol	Poznan University of Medical Sciences	marketed
Simvastatin 20mg	University of Oxford	marketed
Simvastatin/Ezetimibe	dr.Frank L.J. Visseren	marketed
Simvastatin plus clopidogrel	Federal University of São Paulo	marketed
Simvastatin (Zocor)	New York State Psychiatric Institute	marketed
Simvastatin-Methylcellulose	University of Nebraska	marketed
simvastatin and ezetimibe	UMC Utrecht	marketed

Originator patent timeline

Active patents (2)

2030-02-23 — 9597289 · Formulation · US
2027-04-26 — 10300041 · Formulation · US

Expired patents (0)

No expired patents tracked.

How small-molecule generic approval works

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

This is different from biosimilars for biologic drugs, which use the more complex 351(k) BLA pathway and typically achieve smaller (15-35%) discounts vs the originator. Small-molecule generics typically launch at 60-80% discount, dropping to 85-95% within 2 years.

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Zocor full drug profile
Biosimilar tracker (for biologic drugs)
Patent cliff tracker
Biosimilar vs generic — what's the difference?