There is no generic Fuzeon available at this time because it is protected by patents. The first patent for Fuzeon expires in June 2013, which is the earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, certain circumstances (such as lawsuits or other patents for specific uses) could delay the availability of generic Fuzeon.
Generic Fuzeon: An Overview
Fuzeon® (
enfuvirtide) is a prescription
HIV and
AIDS medication. Fuzeon is the first and only medication in a group of HIV drugs known as fusion inhibitors. It is approved only for use in combination with other HIV medications.
Fuzeon is made by Roche Laboratories. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Fuzeon from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Fuzeon Be Available?
The first patent for Fuzeon currently expires in June 2013. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond 2013. This could include such things as other patents for specific
Fuzeon uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Fuzeon drug.
Is Enfuvirtide the Same as Generic Fuzeon?
No -- enfuvirtide is the active ingredient in Fuzeon, but 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 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 must make the product.
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