The Pursuit of Distinction: The Method of Developing the Non-Proprietary Name

Abstract

The meaning and purpose behind a generic, or non-proprietary, name is elusive, even to those well entrenched in the medical profession and pharmaceutical industry. This paper intends to define generic names, explain their purpose and the global challenges they pose to manufacturers, provide some insight to their development – citing the US development process — and identify how the non-proprietary name can support marketing opportunities.