Brand names

When it comes to brand names, several key points emerged from the discussions on different podcasts:

1. Generic Drugs and Brand Names:

   • Generic drugs are essentially versions of brand name drugs, typically produced after the original drug's patent expires. They tend to be cheaper but are not identical to the brand name versions. This is because they are reverse-engineered and might use different ingredients (excipients) while still meeting FDA bioequivalence standards, which aren't strict duplicates but should fall within a 20-25% range of the original drug's absorption rate. Approximately 90% of the drugs in pharmacies are generics, driven by consumer insurance requirements and the discontinuation of less profitable brand name drugs 1 1.

2. The Role of Branding in Consumer Capitalism:

   • Branding plays a crucial role in consumer capitalism. Brands serve as essential units of selection, helping consumers reward good experiences and penalize bad ones. This selection process encourages better products and services. The creation of recognizable and memorable brand names, even for proprietary or private label products, is key to building trust and ensuring long-term business sustainability. Good branding is not just about legal trademarking but creating a reliable, consumer-friendly identity 2 2.

These expert insights highlight both the practical aspects of generic drug production and the strategic importance of branding in consumer markets.