What distinguishes a generic drug from a brand-name drug?

A generic drug is defined by its chemical composition rather than a trademark or brand name, which is the main distinction from brand-name drugs. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients, dosage forms, strength, route of administration, and are used for the same indications as their brand-name counterparts, but they are marketed under their chemical name or a non-branded name without trademark protection.

This distinction ensures that generic drugs can be sold at lower prices, as they do not carry the same research and development costs that are often associated with brand-name drugs. This promotes accessibility and affordability for patients and healthcare systems. Additionally, the approval process for generics is generally less extensive than for brand-name drugs once the patent on the original product has expired.

In contrast, brand-name drugs are marketed under a specific name protected by a trademark, intended to distinguish them from other medications. This legal protection is what allows brand-name manufacturers to maintain a higher price point relative to generic versions after the patent expiry. Thus, the correct choice highlights the fundamental nature of generic drugs as being identified by their chemical name rather than a brand or trademark.