Generic Fortical

Generic Fortical is not expected to become available until 2021, at the earliest. The osteoporosis medication is currently being protected by a patent that prevents any generic versions from being manufactured. As soon as this patent expires in February 2021, however, other drug companies may begin applying to produce generic Fortical products.

 

Generic Fortical: An Overview

Fortical® (calcitonin salmon nasal spray) is an osteoporosis medication. It is a manufactured version of calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate bone formation and breakdown.
 
Fortical is made by Upsher-Smith Laboratories. It is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any generic Fortical from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Fortical Be Available?

The patent for Fortical currently expires in February 2021. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of the drug could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond 2021. This could include such things as other patents for specific Fortical uses or lawsuits. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely begin manufacturing generic Fortical.
 

Is Fortical the Same as Miacalcin Nasal Spray?

Fortical and Miacalcin® nasal spray are not equivalent. Although they both contain calcitonin salmon in the same strengths, there are a few differences between these two osteoporosis medications. For one thing, they are made differently: Miacalcin nasal spray is made using chemical reactions, while Fortical is made using DNA technology. Also, these two products have different inactive ingredients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider these medications to be equivalent.
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;