According to the recent FDA data, the term generic has to be clarified in that there are 3 types of drugs in the market:

	Original drugs: either on or off patent
	Generic products with bioequivalent studies to the original (100%bioequivalent true generics) either carrying a brand name or international non proprietary name INN
	Copies: products without bioequivalent studies to the original (not bioequivalent and so called copycats or me too products)

A generic drug as defined by the US FDA is:

Identical or bioequivalent to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strengths, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use

NB. Since generics contain well known safe and effective substances, preclinical tests and clinical trials can be replaced by bioequivalent studies

‘All Ranbaxy products are true generics with approved bioequivalent studies to the innovators with patency on the manufacturing techniques in many cases’ Generic business for medicines is expanding worldwide and represents a true valuable alternative to patients. The EU generic market today is worth 7 billion euros out of 70 billion total market.

Many of the world's industrialized countries have implemented policies that encourage the use of generic medicines. As a result generics currently account for over 40% of total pharmaceutical sales by volume in USA, Canada, Denmark, and UK

(Source World Bank, respective ministries of health; IMS health 2003)