There are currently no generic versions of Invirase manufactured in the United States because the medication is protected by patents. The earliest date that generic Invirase could become available is in November 2010, when the first patent for the drug expires. However, lawsuits, other patents for Invirase uses, or other circumstances could extend this date past 2010.
Generic Invirase: An Overview
Invirase® (
saquinavir mesylate) is a prescription
AIDS and
HIV medication. It is a protease inhibitor and is approved only for use in combination with other HIV medications. Invirase should always be used with
ritonavir (
Norvir®), another HIV medication that increases the level of Invirase in the blood, making it more effective.
Invirase is made by Roche Laboratories. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Invirase from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Invirase Be Available?
The first patent for Invirase currently expires in November 2010. 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 of Invirase beyond 2010. This could include things such as other patents for specific
Invirase uses or lawsuits. Once Invirase goes off-patent, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Invirase drug.
Is Saquinavir the Same as Generic Invirase?
No -- saquinavir is the active ingredient in Invirase, 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 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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