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Have you ever been curious about how medicines get their names? The often years-long journey begins in the lab, where chemical formulas inspire complex names, and then progresses to generic and brand identities shaped by science, safety, and creativity. Behind each name is a serious process involving international standards, clinical trials, and marketing skills.
In this gallery, you’ll discover how these names ensure global recognition and patient safety in healthcare. Curious about how a medicine gets its name? Click through now to find out.
Naming drugs is a process that involves several stages. It begins with a chemical name and moves on to a generic and then a brand name. Each of these steps reflects specific rules in order to ensure it is safe for use.
In the beginning phase of development, a drug's name is reflected in its chemical makeup. For example, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide is the chemical name for acetaminophen (generic name) sold as the brand name Tylenol.
Before a clinical trial, drugs will get their generic name. Typically drug companies file between three and six generic suggestions to the United States Adopted Name Council (USAN), which includes members of the American Medical Association, American Pharmacists Association, and U.S. Pharmacopeia.
A generic drug should be the exact same as the brand-name marketed drug in terms of dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use.
The stem of a drug's name reflects how the drug works within the body. For example "-oxetine" such as fluoxetine and paroxetine are SSRIs that treat mood disorders.
There are several rules, like which letters the generic prefixes can't use. They include H, J, K, W, or Y, as these letters may not exist in all languages or resemble other generic drugs sharing the same suffix. Additionally, they can't reflect or promote the name of the drug company.
A generic drug name should be the same worldwide. Even if the brand name varies, the generic name being the same lowers the risk of medication errors when traveling internationally.
Companies often use focus groups and research to select one name from as many as 200 options.
These focus groups and other methods help companies refine their choices to ensure the name resonates with healthcare providers and patients while being memorable and easy to use.
Sometimes companies will try to come up with a brand name that is reflective of what the drug does. An example might be Lyrica, which helps treat nerve pain. The name evokes soothing music lyrics and alludes to the soothing of nerves.
Drug companies can submit only one brand name to the FDA and up to two to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
By the time a medication is released with its official brand name, it has undergone three iterations and names—the chemical drug name, a generic drug name, and finally, the brand drug name.
The FDA and EMA have requirements when it comes to a drug's brand name. It cannot look or sound too similar to another branded drug, it must avoid medical claims such as "rapid," and it can't resemble the generic name too closely.
If a brand name is rejected by the FDA or EMA then the company must start over. This can mean a lot of extra time and cost for the company and ultimately a delayed release to the market.
Given the processes outlined previously in this gallery, the entire naming process of a drug can take up to four years.
The amount a drug company spends to get a new drug to market can vary greatly. Even just working with a consulting firm to develop a name can cost drug companies up to half a million dollars.
US trademark laws don't allow generic drugs to look exactly like brand drugs. Though they may share the same active ingredients, the inactive ingredients like colors and flavors may be different.
In order for the FDA to approve a generic drug it must be bioequivalent to the brand drug and meet strict requirements for strength, safety, performance, and intended use.
Drug companies must submit an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) proving the generic drug is equivalent to the brand drug in active ingredient, strength, dosage form, administration route, as well as stability and manufacturing quality.
Generic drugs and brand-name drugs must have the same strength. This helps to ensure similar therapeutic effects.
Generics undergo stability tests to ensure they last as long as brand drugs.
Generic drugs must meet rigorous FDA manufacturing standards for consistency, strength, purity, and quality.
Aside from information protected by patents and exclusivities, generic drug labels must mirror those of their brand name equivalent.
Drug companies are awarded patents and exclusivities as an incentive to develop new medicines.
Naming a drug can take a lot of careful consideration of the chemical composition and therapeutic use. Additionally, it's important to keep the global safety standards in mind. Names are vetted for clarity, accuracy, and compliance with international naming standards.
Understanding the naming process helps healthcare providers and patients identify medications accurately, reducing errors and ensuring effective treatment.
Sources: (Clevland Clinic) (Pfizer) (FDA)
How do medicines get their names?
The journey from brainstorming to approval
HEALTH Pharmaceuticals
Have you ever been curious about how medicines get their names? The often years-long journey begins in the lab, where chemical formulas inspire complex names, and then progresses to generic and brand identities shaped by science, safety, and creativity. Behind each name is a serious process involving international standards, clinical trials, and marketing skills.
In this gallery, you’ll discover how these names ensure global recognition and patient safety in healthcare. Curious about how a medicine gets its name? Click through now to find out.