Skip to main content

Bioequivalence

Meaning

Bioequivalence is a pharmaceutical concept demonstrating that two different formulations of the same drug, when administered at the same molar dose, yield comparable bioavailability. This means the rate and extent of drug absorption into the systemic circulation are not significantly different between the test and reference products. Achieving bioequivalence is a regulatory standard used to approve generic drug alternatives to innovator products. Clinical efficacy and safety are presumed to be the same if this pharmacokinetic criterion is met.