A patent currently prohibits any generic Starlix from being manufactured. Some companies claim to sell a generic version, but these medications are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. The earliest date that a generic Starlix could become available is in 2009, when the patent expires. However, circumstances could come up to extend that date past 2009, such as other patents for specific uses of Starlix or lawsuits.
Generic Starlix: An Overview
Starlix® (
nateglinide) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat
type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone do not control blood sugar enough. It is part of a class of
diabetes drugs called meglitinides. These drugs help the
pancreas make more insulin in order to lower blood sugar following a meal.
Starlix is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Starlix from being manufactured in the United States. Yet, if you search the Internet for "generic Starlix," you may find a number of companies selling it. The fact is that these medicines are fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. Generic Starlix may be available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Starlix or not. You should not buy any generic Starlix until there is an approved version available.
When Will Generic Starlix Be Available?
The first patent for Starlix currently expires in 2009.
This is the earliest possible date that a generic Starlix could become available. However, other circumstances could extend the exclusivity period beyond this time. This could include things such as other patents for specific
Starlix uses or lawsuits. Once the drug goes off-patent, several companies will likely begin manufacturing a generic Starlix drug.
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