Generic Accolate

At this point, Accolate is not available as a generic medicine. Accolate's first patent expires in September 2010, so that is the earliest possible date that the medication could become available in generic form. However, there are other circumstances that could arise to extend the exclusivity period of Accolate beyond 2010. These circumstances could include lawsuits or other patents for specific Accolate uses.

 

An Overview of Generic Accolate

Accolate® (zafirlukast) is a prescription medication used to prevent asthma attacks. It is part of a group of medications called leukotriene modifiers.
 
Accolate is manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Accolate from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Accolate Be Available?

The first patent for Accolate currently expires in September 2010. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Accolate could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Accolate beyond 2010. These circumstances could include things such as other patents for specific Accolate uses or lawsuits. Once Accolate goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic Accolate product.
 

Is Zafirlukast a Generic Accolate?

The answer is no. Zafirlukast is the active ingredient in Accolate but is not a generic version of the medication. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as its "generic name." The generic name of a drug is different from a generic version of it. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off patent and another company (besides the original manufacturer) must have made the product.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;