Although people generally think of oral dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids, when they think about generic prescription drugs, generic versions of other drug dosage forms, such as injections, patches, inhalers, and others, must also meet a bioequivalence standard.
Bioequivalence measures evaluated were drug peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma drug concentration versus time curve (AUC), representing drug rate and extent of absorption, respectively.
• Refresh the concepts of pharmaceutical equivalence bioequivalence (BE) for a generic drug product. Define a reference standard (RS) in abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) submission and Orange Book. Describe the general considerations in BE studies and Product-Specific Guidance (PSG).
Manufacturers must conduct studies to determine whether their version is bioequivalent to the original drug—that is, that the generic version releases its active ingredient (the drug) into the bloodstream at virtually the same speed and in virtually the same amounts as the original drug.