[MJemison]

A good example: Prilosec=Omeprazole, Merek was making 11 million/day on it when the patent was to expire. They brought out Nexium=Esomeprazole and claimed it to be better. Omeprazole was the first in the class, little was known about it. Originally it was approved for 20mg/day, no more than 6 weeks. It was learned to be realatively safe over time. Nexium has a recommended dose of 40mg/day, it should work better. Trust me, drug companies know how to work the system.

OK. So when does the patent run out on Prevacid?

[millerph]

I don't know, but since they came out with Prevacid Solutabs and many insurances now cover the Solutabs, but not the capsules it is an indication it won't be too long. They give rebate to the insurance companies for the Solutabs, quit detailing the caps to doctors & tell them how much better the Solutabs work so they will start writing for them. They probably got a patent extension for the Solutabs because it's a different dosage form. My guess, capsules will go generic in less than a year.