Difference between Brand and Generic drugs

Brand-Name Drugs (Patented): Innovative products sold during the limited period of time when patents provide the market exclusivity, or TPP protection of innovator data. Example: Viagra, patented by Pfizer.

Generic Drugs (Non-Patented): Copies of innovative products sold by multiple manufacturers once any limited market exclusivity period has expired. Example: Sildenafil Citrate (which is the active ingredient found in Pfizer branded Viagra).

A generic drug is identical, or bioequivalent to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. When a drug patent expires the market for generic conterparts opens up. Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price.