Translation guide
In Japanese, 'original drug' typically refers to a brand-name pharmaceutical developed first, as opposed to a generic copy. The most common term is 先発医薬品, used in medical and insurance contexts. Other expressions exist for specific nuances like 'new drug' or 'pioneer drug'.
The original patented pharmaceutical, as opposed to a generic version.
Standard term in medical, pharmaceutical, and health insurance contexts. Literally 'first-launch medicine'.
What is the difference between brand-name drugs and generic drugs?
The doctor prescribed the brand-name drug.
Abbreviated form of 先発医薬品, common in insurance and pharmacy contexts.
If you prefer the brand-name version, there is an additional charge.
Direct translation of 'original drug', used in some pharmaceutical contexts but less common than 先発医薬品.
The patent on the original drug has expired.
A drug that is newly created or discovered, not necessarily in contrast to generics.
Means 'new drug', often used for recently approved pharmaceuticals.
The pharmaceutical company succeeded in developing a new drug.
The very first drug of its kind, often a breakthrough treatment.
Literally 'pioneering drug', used in academic or industry writing to emphasize innovation.
This pioneer drug changed the treatment paradigm.
先発医薬品 emphasizes the contrast with generic drugs (後発医薬品). 新薬 simply means a newly developed drug, regardless of generic status. In many contexts, a 新薬 is also a 先発医薬品, but the focus differs.
This new drug is a brand-name drug for which no generic has been released yet.