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Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly using 'use codes' to expand the nature of their patent claims, a strategy that delays the arrival of lower-cost generic drugs. According to a STAT analysis, this tactic involves submitting multiple use codes for brand-name medicines, which prevents rivals from producing cheaper generics. The FDA's Orange Book shows a significant increase in use codes, from 0.7 per drug in 2001 to 9.9 today. This trend is contributing to higher drug prices and is seen as a method for pharma giants to fend off competition and maintain market exclusivity. Important analysis from Pharmalot and Michael Nolan highlights the role of the FDA in this issue.