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Generic Isentress: An Overview

Isentress^® (raltegravir) is a prescription HIV and AIDS medication. It is the first and only medication in a group of HIV drugs known as integrase inhibitors. Isentress is approved only for use in combination with other HIV medications.

 

Isentress is made by Merck & Co., Inc. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Isentress from being manufactured in the United States.

 

When Will Generic Isentress Be Available?

The first patent for Isentress currently expires in October 2022. 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 2022. This could include such things as other patents for specific Isentress uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Isentress drug.

 

Is Raltegravir the Same as Generic Isentress?

No -- raltegravir is the active ingredient in Isentress, 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.