Nov 26, 2025
How TRIPS Patent Rules Shape Global Access to Generic Medicines
Explore how the 30-month stay under the Hatch-Waxman Act delays generic drug approval through patent litigation, impacting costs and market access.
The FDA approves generic drugs through a strict legal process based on the Hatch-Waxman Act. Generics must match brand drugs in active ingredients, strength, and bioequivalence - not just cost. Over 90% of U.S. prescriptions are for generics, saving billions annually.
Authorized generics and first-to-file generics both lower drug costs, but when they compete, prices drop even more. Learn how these two types of generics affect your prescription bills and why competition matters.