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Generic Skelid

There are currently no generic Skelid products available on the market. The first patent for Skelid expires in April 2009, meaning other drug companies could start manufacturing a generic version of the medication at that time. However, circumstances could arise to extend the exclusivity period of the medicine beyond 2009, such as lawsuits or other patents.

 

Generic Skelid: An Overview

Skelid® (tiludronate disodium) is a Paget's disease medication available by prescription. It is part of a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. Skelid is made by sanofi-aventis and is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Skelid from being made in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Skelid Be Available?

Currently, the first patent for Skelid expires in April 2009. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Skelid could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond 2009. This could include such things as other patents for specific Skelid uses or lawsuits. Once Skelid goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic version of Skelid.
 

Is Tiludronate the Same as Generic Skelid?

No -- tiludronate is the active ingredient in Skelid but is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from a generic version of a medicine. 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 make the product.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;