This analysis studies the pharmaceutical approval policy regarding generics in the United States and European and Indian markets. Therapeutically equivalent generics are therefore considered safe, effective, and of comparable quality to their name‐brand counterparts. In the United States, the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) route introduced under the Hatch‐Waxman Act is the main channel for the approval of generic drugs, with the FDA stipulating very strict guidelines. In addition, approval of generics by the European Union includes a framework; however, it is not as explicitly structured as the American one. India’s retail distribution channels for generic medicines include “JANAUSHADHA,” with the CDSCO approving formulations—and marketing of generic drugs. However, bioavailability and bioequivalence guidelines for those generics have to be more exhaustive so that the quality and effectiveness of generics become credible in India. Moreover, this study explains how important the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) is in drug development and generic drug approvals. Biowaivers, based on BCS, are endorsed under specific conditions by regulatory authorities, including the FDA, WHO, and EMA in association with the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH). Although biowaivers are perhaps generally understood as applying in the generic drug context, they also play a role in new medicines. In this respect, biowaivers build efficiency in the regulatory process through simple drug development and approval for both generic and novel products. This review points out that the United States is adopting a much more rigid and standardized regulatory pathway, while the EU provides more flexible routes, and India continues to strive for stronger harmonization. Advancing the process of regulatory convergence among these regions has the potential for better worldwide access to safe and efficacious generic medicines.
Alsaqer et al. (Thu,) studied this question.