When are we going to get generic?

Pharmaceutical giants such as Pfizer and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in recent years as generic versions of their blockbuster drugs have entered the market. To protect their patents and maintain their market share, these corporations have taken various measures to ensure their intellectual property remains secure. For instance, Pfizer's patent on Viagra is set to expire in 2020.

Original ED medications like Cialis and Viagra have been available in the United States for quite some time. However, due to their high costs, consumers have been seeking more affordable generic alternatives for erectile dysfunction treatment.

In 2017, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of original Cialis (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, kamagra, suhagra, tadacip, revatio, cenforce), signed a contract with generic producers to resolve pending patent disputes in the United States. Since its introduction in 2003, Cialis has dominated the US market with both on-demand and daily low-dose pills. With the arrival of generic competition last fall, the market landscape is poised to change.

Eli Lilly, in collaboration with Sanofi, is working to obtain approval for over-the-counter sales of Cialis in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, following the expiration of the relevant patent.

Viagra's patent will remain valid for a few more years. Nevertheless, Pfizer, the drug's manufacturer, decided to allow generic production in December 2017, in response to competition from Cialis. Pfizer began selling its product at half the retail price as its patent-protected exclusivity nears its end in 2020. Generic manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals will also start selling its version at that time, though the price remains undisclosed.

It's worth noting that generic Cialis and Viagra contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts, meaning they have the same formula, dosage, intended use, effects, and side effects. The primary reason generic drugs are more affordable is that their manufacturers did not invest in the development and marketing of a new drug.

With more generic alternatives expected to hit the market next summer, prices for these medications are likely to decrease significantly, possibly by up to 90%. This competition is undoubtedly beneficial for consumers, as it will drive down prices and make these medications more accessible.

US consumers eagerly anticipate the release of new generic drugs in 2020. However, for the time being, many are resorting to ordering generics from abroad and paying for international shipping. The forthcoming changes in the market promise to make erectile dysfunction treatment more affordable and accessible for those in need.