Legal Definitions - pioneer drug

A pioneer drug is the first drug that contains a specific active ingredient approved by the FDA for a particular use. It is also known as a brand-name drug.

• Viagra was the pioneer drug for treating erectile dysfunction.
• Lipitor was the pioneer drug for lowering cholesterol levels.

These examples illustrate how pioneer drugs are the first of their kind to be approved by the FDA for a specific use. They are often marketed under a brand name and have exclusive rights to sell the drug for a certain period of time before generic versions can be produced.