Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Key Terms

Get to know key terms used by pharmaceutical manufacturers

If you need to partner with a pharmaceutical manufacturer, there is a wide selection of choices in the United States and abroad. They include large, merged and well-known manufacturers, as well as small companies that produce generic drugs. An understanding of industry terminology will help you choose the company that will help your business.

 

Generic drugs

Generic drugs are sold at substantially lower prices than brand name drugs, saving consumers and hospitals billions of dollars each year. They are regulated and tested, just like brand name drugs, and offer the same benefits as brand names. Generic drugs are created after the patent for a drug expires.
Try: MedicineNet provides an article that compares generic and brand name drugs.

Biotechnology

A broad definition of biotechnology is the use of biological systems or organisms to create products that improve life. In the pharmaceutical field, it includes research and processes to produce new drugs.
Try: The Biotechnology Industry Organization gives detailed information about biotechnology processes and the industry in general.

Veterinary drugs

Veterinary drugs include vaccines used by veterinarians as well as prescription medicines and treatments that are sold in animal hospitals and pet supply stores. They include drugs for household pets as well as farm and exotic animals. Some veterinary drugs are made by the animal health division of large pharmaceutical companies, while others are made by specialty manufacturers.
Try: Find out more about the many types of veterinary drugs that are available at Drugs. The website lists descriptions of veterinary drugs by species and by drug name.

Drug regulations

All drugs in the United States must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA.) Approval is a long process that includes laboratory testing, clinical trials and comprehensive FDA review.
Try: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides information on how drugs get approved for sale and use.

Dietary supplements

Dietary supplements are over-the-counter drugs that are used to supplement the diet and provide health or fitness benefits. They include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and enzymes.
Try: See the Iowa State University Extension website for information about dietary supplements and a database of individual products.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are research studies of experimental drugs or treatments. During clinical trials, participants are studied for side effects and treatment effectiveness. Being aware of news in clinical trials can help to identify innovative new drugs.
Try: ClinicalTrials.gov provides detailed information about clinical trials.

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