Branded generics and value-added medicines
Branded generics and generic value-added medicines play a vital role in strengthening the UK's medicines ecosystem. Both build on well‑established, off‑patent molecules, offering the same high standards of quality, safety and efficacy as the original brand while delivering meaningful advantages for patients, clinicians and the NHS.
What is a branded generic?
A generic may be branded for two reasons. The first is because the regulator (the MHRA) recommends that a patient be maintained on a single manufacturer's brand. The second is by choice, where the manufacturer wants to differentiate its product. This can be to draw attention to it and promote some of its features.
Prescribers are free to decide whether a pharmacist must dispense a particular brand or whether to allow the pharmacist to dispense a version of their choosing.
Branded generics provide clear product identity, trusted clinical continuity and competitive pricing that helps unlock significant savings for the health system. Their strong brand recognition supports confident prescribing and dispensing, while robust supply chains enhance resilience and availability.
What are value-added medicines?
Value-added medicines are generic medicines that have been enhanced beyond their original formulation to deliver additional clinical, practical or economic benefits for patients, clinicians or the health system. These improvements can include new strengths or formulations, alternative delivery mechanisms, combination products, improved packaging, or digital support tools that make treatment safer, easier or more effective. Examples of use include smoking cessation products and a digitally enabled inhaler for use by patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
While the active ingredient remains well‑established and off‑patent, value-added medicines apply innovation to proven molecules – helping address unmet needs, support adherence, improve patient experience and strengthen the resilience and efficiency of care pathways.
These enhancements help address unmet needs, improve adherence, simplify treatment pathways and create additional value without the cost of developing a new molecule.
It is important that stakeholders recognise this value and investment. For example, Medicines UK has recently established a ready-to-use working group to help promote understanding and awareness of these important products in the secondary care market.
Value-added medicines demonstrate how the off-patent sector continues to innovate, creating meaningful value for the NHS and patients.
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