Branded generics, like regular generics, can only be developed after the patent expiration of the original brand name drug. However, branded generics can be made by any pharmaceutical company willing to submit the abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) to the FDA. In fact, many large pharmaceutical companies that typically only create brand name drugs are now acquiring generic companies, or spinning one off, to delve into this lucrative business. According to the Generic Pharmaceutical Association, brand name companies make about half of the generic drugs on the market.
