1.   Bought the Rugby-Darby Group, a major generic maker and distributor, at a reasonable price.

2.   Both Duramed and another generic maker, Barr Laboratories Inc., argued that their versions were just as effective as Premarin.

3.   Duramed and other generic makers seeking approval, including Barr Laboratories Inc., say their versions have the key ingredients.

4.   Generic makers have to prove their drugs are bioequivalent to brand-name drugs, meaning they have the same effect on the body.

5.   Generic makers in developing countries might be able to produce good drugs, he said, noting that they have apparently already done so in Brazil.

6.   In some cases, though, the generic makers have been blocked from selling their wares in other developing countries that have Western-style patent laws.

7.   Ivax has struggled as other generic makers slashed prices.

8.   Merck has said it plans to use the money to pay off debt and purchase a U.S. generic pharmaceutical maker.

9.   Other generic makers face some serious court challenges over the deals they have made with the drug giants.

10.   Some worry about whether the generic makers are up to the task and can consistently provide reliable versions of the needed antiviral drugs.