noun
original drug; originator drug
Pharmaceutical term for a brand-name drug that was developed first, before generic versions. Often contrasted with 後発品 (generic drug).
See also: 先発医薬品
先発品の特許が切れると、後発品が市場に出回る。
When the patent on the original drug expires, generic versions enter the market.
Doctors often prescribe the original brand-name drug.
More formal synonym for 先発品, explicitly meaning 'original pharmaceutical product'. 先発品 is a shorter, commonly used form in business and medical contexts.
Compound of 先発 (first launch, first release) and 品 (product, goods). The term is used in the pharmaceutical industry to refer to the first-developed drug.