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Glossary · Tier 1

Brand-Name Drug

Also known as: proprietary drug, innovator drug, reference listed drug

Verified from FDA Drugs@FDA Glossary on 06-02-2026
Quick answer

Brand-name drugs are pharmaceutical products marketed under a trademarked name owned by the manufacturer or sponsor that brought the drug to market. The proprietary name distinguishes the product from generic equivalents that may enter the market after patent and exclusivity periods expire. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines the term as follows.

MedivaScan summary. The authoritative source quote follows below.

FDA Drugs@FDA Glossary definition

A brand name drug is a drug marketed under a proprietary, trademark-protected name.

U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationView on source ›Verbatim quote. Last verified 06-02-2026.
For information only. MedivaScan summarizes public FDA data and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before changing any medication. If you experience a serious reaction, contact your doctor or call 911.