Posted by Sunnely on August 21, 2000, at 22:37:57
In reply to Re New Prozac and shorter half life, posted by shar on August 21, 2000, at 17:32:17
> If the new, improved version has a shorter half-life than the old Prozac, it may not be as much help when used to alleviate withdrawal from other meds.
Good point. The "new, improved Prozac" (shorter half-life) will probably be just like the other SSRIs when it comes to withdrawal symptoms.
>I wonder if they will keep the old prozac available?
Probably not for long. The old Prozac will probably be relegated to oblivion in due time. FYI, a generic version of the old Prozac will be available by next year, probably as early as February 2001 or August 2001.
On August 9, 2000, a federal court ruling denied an extension to Eli Lilly's patent on the old Prozac. Lilly plans to appeal, however. If the current ruling is upheld, a generic version of the old Prozac could be available as early as February 2001 or at a later date, August 2001. (Based on this ruling, the patent on the old Prozac is set to expire in February 2001. But because Lilly is going to test the drug in pediatric cases, the patent could be extended another six months, until August 2001.)
Barr Laboratories Inc., has 2 generic versions of the old Prozac awaiting FDA approval. The price of the generic old Prozac will no doubt be much cheaper than the brand name. Typically, generic drugs are at least half the price of brand-name equivalents.
FWIW, after the news of the court decision, Lilly's stock value dropped 29%.
poster:Sunnely
thread:43425
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000811/msgs/43484.html