Why different countries have different names for the same medicine?
In: Economics
Drugs are given an official name when they are made. The manufacturer usually sells the drug under a different brand name.
Why do they do this? Because a drug patent only lasts for 20 years, but a trademark can last forever.
For instance Pfizer developed an erection drug called Sildenafil but they sold it under the name Viagra.
The patent for Sildenafil has expired. Any drug company can make it. But only Pfizer can call it Viagra. They can charge more than other companies because they have brand recognition. Even though it’s chemically identical. Some generic brands of drugs are sold under their own brand name.
Sometimes drugs in foreign countries are made on license. Which means a rival company pays to make a drug that is still patent protected. Those drugs will usually be sold under a different name.
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