Are "New" Drugs Really New or Simply More Expensive?

As many popular brand-name prescription drugs lose their patents and become available as lower cost generics, pharmaceuticals companies are introducing "new" brand name drugs to maintain or grow their profits. But are these new drugs really "new"?

When a drug is developed, it typically has two isomers. For example, even though your hands both have four fingers and a thumb they aren't exactly alike, but are mirror images of each other. However, your hands perform the same functions. The same analogy holds true with an isomer in the drug world. Isomers are simply molecules (hands) with the same chemical formula but arranged differently.

Many common drugs are often first marketed by pharmaceutical companies as a combination of two isomers. When the patent expires for the original drug, the manufacturer advertises a single isomer formulation under a new patent and new brand name.

Isomeric Drug Examples

Here are some examples of popular isomeric drugs and their lower cost generic or over-the-counter (OTC) alternative:

*Zyrtec is over-the-counter as of January 2008.

Out-of-pocket costs for patients are lowest for generic or Tier 1 drugs. An average copayment for a tier one drug (generic) is $10; tier two (preferred brand) is $25; and tier three is $40.

Return to previous view

Copyright© 2008 Wellmark, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross®, Blue Shield®, and the Cross® and Shield® symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.