What is patent evergreening in drugs?

Pharma tweaking approved drugs (doses, forms) for new patents, allegedly to block generics. Data shows it doesn't—generics enter on schedule.

Do drug patents really keep prices high forever?

No. Original patents last 20 years; generics dominate 90% of U.S. scripts after. Follow-ons protect *improvements*, not originals.

Doubtful. You'd get generics faster (already quick), but skip upgrades like needle-free versions. Net loss for patients.

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What if the big bad wolf blocking cheap drugs is just a fairy tale activists tell? Policymakers are biting—hard.

theAIcatchup Apr 08, 2026 3 min read

Generics fill 90% of U.S. prescriptions despite 'evergreening' claims—myth busted. 𝕏
Follow-on patents drive real improvements, like pill versions of injectables, without delaying original generics. 𝕏
Weakening IP risks killing post-approval innovation, hurting patients long-term. 𝕏

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#drug patents #drug-pricing-myth #evergreening myth #generics-market #patent-evergreening #pharma-innovation

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Originally reported by IPWatchdog