Generic Saphris

At this point, no generic versions of Saphris (asenapine) are available because a patent protects the drug and prevents this. When this patent expires in 2015, provided there are no lawsuits or patents for other uses, drug manufacturers can produce a generic version. Until then, this prescription antipsychotic is only available in brand-name form.

Saphris Medication Information

Can I Buy Generic Saphris?

Saphris^® (asenapine) is a prescription antipsychotic medication. It is approved for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The medicine comes in the form of sublingual tablets (tablets that are specially designed to dissolve rapidly under the tongue).

Saphris is made by Catalent UK Swindon Zydis Ltd. and is marketed and distributed by Schering Corporation. A patent currently prevents any generic versions of Saphris from being manufactured in the United States.

When Will a Generic Version Be Available?

The first patent for Saphris currently expires in June 2015. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of the medication could become available.

However, other circumstances could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period. This could include such things as lawsuits or patents for other uses. Once the patent expires, several companies will likely manufacture a generic Saphris drug.

Is Asenapine a Generic Saphris?

No -- asenapine is the active ingredient in Saphris, but is not a generic version of it.

What can be confusing is that oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from a generic version. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off-patent, and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.