The FDA's new First Generics Policy has evoked a positive response from leaders of the generic drug industry, who are predicting that the action will speed the marketing of lower-cost prescription medicines. "Ensuring that at least one generic medicine will be available to consumers when a brand's patent expires is good news for consumers," officials at the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) said.

Because of the FDA's action, "consumers will have more timely access to safe, effective, and affordable generic medicines," GPhA said. "By making generics more accessible, [the] FDA is saving consumers and our entire health care system millions of dollars."