Generic Banzel

There is currently no generic Banzel (rufinamide) available, as the medication is protected by exclusivity rights that prevent any generic versions from being manufactured. The rights are set to expire in November 2015, at which time a generic form may become available. However, lawsuits or other patents for specific uses may extend or shorten the date by which a generic version becomes available.

Banzel Medication Information

Is a Generic Version of Banzel Available?

Banzel™ (rufinamide) is a prescription seizure medication. It is approved for use in adults and children age four and over who have a certain type of epilepsy known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Banzel is manufactured by Eisai Co., Ltd. It is currently under the protection of exclusivity rights that prevent any generic versions of Banzel from being manufactured in the United States.

When Will Generic Banzel Be Available?

Eisai holds the exclusive rights to market Banzel until at least November 2015. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version could become available. However, other circumstances could come up to extend or shorten the exclusivity period. This could include such things as lawsuits or other Banzel patents. Once the medication goes off-patent, several companies may begin manufacturing a generic Banzel drug.

Is Rufinamide Generic for Banzel?

No -- rufinamide is the active ingredient in Banzel, but is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from a generic version of a medicine. 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.