Bolar exemption

The Bolar exemption is a legal provision that allows pharmaceutical companies to use a patented drug for research and development purposes without obtaining permission from the patent holder. This means they can conduct necessary tests to gain regulatory approval for a generic version of the drug, typically while the original patent is still in effect. The goal is to encourage competition and speed up the availability of cheaper medications once the patent expires, benefiting consumers by fostering lower drug prices without undermining the rights of patent owners during their exclusive sales period.