Breaking the Medicine Monopolies: Reflections of a Generic Drug Pioneer

Alfred Engelberg is widely regarded as the legal father of the modern generic drug industry for his work on the Hatch-Waxman Act, which created the framework for the explosive growth in generic drug use. Engelberg was a pioneer in challenging improperly granted drug patents that block generic competition on important medicines. He is the author of numerous articles on regulation of brand and generic competition, high prices on new drugs, the role of patent monopolies on drug price competition and innovation, drug shortages, and more. Al has degrees in Chemical Engineering (Drexel, 1961) and law (New York University, 1965) and has worked as a patent examiner, a patent agent for Exxon, a Justice Department trial lawyer, and a partner in an intellectual property law practice. He founded NYU’s Engelberg Center on Innovation Law and Policy, is a fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, and has been honored by NYU and others for his achievements in law and philanthropy.