An innovator drug is the first drug and one of the novel, innovative products that contain a specific active ingredient to receive approval for us for the first time in the world. The innovator drug gets an approval after the rigorous research and development process carried out over the years by research-based pharmaceutical companies.

The robust efficacy, safety, and quality of these products are stringently reviewed prior to their approval by regulatory authorities such as US FDA, EMA, etc. These products are patent protected and bear distinct brand names/ trade names.

During the patent period, no generic copies can be introduced in the market. Innovator drugs have been responsible for many important medical advances, helping to treat and cure a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Examples of a few products include Zantac (having Ranitidine HCl as the active ingredient), Ponstan (having Mefenamic acid as the active ingredient), Feldene (having Piroxicam as the active ingredient), etc.