Generic Zometa: An Overview
Zometa® (
zoledronic acid) is a medication approved to treat high
calcium or prevent bone problems caused by cancer. It is available by prescription only and is given by IV. Zometa belongs to a group of medications known as bisphosphonates and is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
When Will Generic Zometa Be Available?
Novartis has the exclusive rights to market Zometa until at least March 2013. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Zometa could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond 2013. This could include such things as other patents for specific
Zometa uses or lawsuits. Once Zometa goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing a generic version of Zometa.
Is Zoledronic Acid the Same as Generic Zometa?
No -- zoledronic acid is the active ingredient in Zometa (as well as another medication,
Reclast®) 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.
