Generic Irbesartan: An Overview
Irbesartan (
Avapro®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to
treat high blood pressure (
hypertension) and diabetic nephropathy. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs for short). As the name implies, irbesartan blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, irbesartan causes blood vessels to relax, which can
lower blood pressure.
Irbesartan is manufactured and sold through a partnership between two pharmaceutical companies -- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and sanofi-aventis. It is currently protected by a patent that prevents any generic irbesartan from being manufactured.
Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic irbesartan," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines could be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. You should not buy any generic irbesartan until there is an approved generic version available.
When Will a Generic Irbesartan Be Available?
The first patent for irbesartan currently expires in March 2012.
Although this patent originally was set to expire in September 2011, the manufacturer was given an extension for performing much-needed pediatric studies.
March 2012 is the earliest predictable date that a generic irbesartan could become available. However, other circumstances could extend the exclusivity period beyond 2012. This could include such things as other patents for specific irbesartan uses or lawsuits. Once irbesartan goes off-patent, several companies may begin manufacturing a generic irbesartan.
