Partners Eli Lilly and Alkermes, whose drug delivery technology makes Bydureon long-acting, could also hurt.

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When assessing the merits of a generic drug with a unique drug delivery technology, the most significant risk of course is patent protection.

FORBES: Special Delivery From Depomed

This is admittedly small stuff compared with tiny computers and targeted drug delivery, but it demonstrates how companies that master the technology will be able to produce an endless array of innovative products.

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