Skyrizi, Vabysmo, Rinvoq, Wegovy………we’ve all heard these names on television commercials, many accompanied by music and even dancing. They’re prescription drug names with bizarre, if not downright comical, names. How do these drugs get their names? Believe it or not, there’s an intricate method to the madness. Drugs have three types of names: chemical, brand and generic. Take Advil — it’s chemical name is propionic acid, it’s brand name is Advil, and its generic name is ibuprofen. So how does the psoriasis medication Risankizumab become Skyrizi? Years before a drug hits the market, consultants are enlisted to come up with a brand name that not only satisfies regulators but has a chance at becoming a household name. Specifically, it should be easy to pronounce — ideally with 5-9 letters, and 2-4 syllables. One way to achieve that is to create a completely made-up word, known in the business as an “empty vessel.” That name doesn't necessarily mean anything, but you can still build the brand around it — like Xeljanz, a drug that treats inflammatory bowel disease. The name can also be created from subtle indications about what the drug does. That’s how the generic drug iptacopan — a factor B inhibitor used to treat a rare chronic blood disorder — came to be known as Fabhalta. The prefix “fab” had two things going for it: It evoked both “fabulous” and “factor B.” The suffix “halts” suggests halting — a nod to what factor B inhibitors do. In the ever-expanding drug market, finding a unique name is getting trickier. So, maybe we should help them out. How about “Tufarti” — a drug to address excessive gas. Another good one would be “Mindnummi" — perfect for the next up-and-coming antidepressant. There’s always room for another blood thinner — how about “Meebleedee”? Better yet, how about something we can all take to settle our stomachs after having to watch commercials with such absurd prescription drug names? We can call it “Weepuki”!
