Posted by oracle on September 2, 2002, at 4:01:17
In reply to Cheap, Generic Celexa, posted by moxy1000 on September 1, 2002, at 14:14:07
> So why is Lexapro being released here? It has been said that it is "basically the same as Celexa." Why would a company introduce a drug that is effectively the same as a drug they have three years left to make money off of?
Simple, more slices of the pie mean more money.
In general everyone rushes to the latest, so they will have 2 patents in force at the same time for the same chemical (an isomer). While it may seem that it would be better to release Lexapro when Celexa's patent runs out, I don't think it works this way. Having both patents in force means they see the profits sooner. It should take at least 2 years for the general population to indicate yea or nay on this one.
It is also a BIG leap to say they are doing this because Lexapro is better; this is about profit.
And, in truth, it should be ! Don't expect business to be run any way else, or they are doomed to fail.
poster:oracle
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020829/msgs/118504.html