Biotech Values

[Tamhas]

I'm curious about typical generic pricing. My doctor recently shifted me from simvastatin to atorvastatin (generic Lipitor) and I expected that, since both were now generics that pricing would be similar. Turns out, though, at least with Anthem Blue Shield, the atorvastatin 10mg is $45 for 30, exactly the same copay as generic Lipitor. Anthem claims that, since the generic is so far only made by the same company as made the brand name, that the generic costs nearly as much as the brand name. I can understand that competition would bring down the price, when that happens, but is this relationship normal before the competition happens? What is the expected timeline for a competing generic?