GENERIC BOOM FORECAST FOR 2011-2012

Brand name prescription drugs with annual sales of >$140 billion are in line to lose patent protection between now and 2016, according to a new analysis that bodes well for the generic pharmaceutical industry?s prospects during the coming decade. The analysis by researchers at Data-monitor predicts that the peak of the patent expirations will occur during 2011 and 2012, when heavily prescribed branded products such as clopi-dogrel bisulfate (Plavix), atorvas-tatin calcium (Lipitor), fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder (Advair), and queti-apine fumarate (Seroquel) will face generic competition for the first time.