+1 for C.

C focuses on the composition of the generic drug, something that the Brand name manufacturer with their higher profits and (assumed) better manufacturing capability may have an advantage of over the generic drug manufacturer. Passage C eliminates that by stating that the manufacturer of the generic drug is no more likely to have defects during the composition of the drug, (thus implying that the quality and effectiveness of the drug will be identical).

Merging similar topics posted at different times.

Edited and OA added. Bumping for further discussion.
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Initial Thoughts

The author’s belief is that generic drugs are equally as effective (and way cheaper) than brand-name drugs. He supports this conclusion by stating that the ingredients are EXACTLY the same. So to him, it must be obvious that same ingredient means same efficacy. This is a pretty weak argument.

It’s like saying: This gourmet cake is made with the same recipe as this amatuer cake, which also costs WAY less. Because the recipes used are the same, both cakes will taste/be practically the same. What about craftmanship? What if the amateur cake over whipped the batter? What if the amateur cake used worse ingredients?

Coming back to the topic, we’re looking for an answer choice that eliminates the possibility that there are other factors that could differentiate generic from brand name drugs (manufacturing process? ingredient quality?).

Which of of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?

A) The ingredients used in the manufacture of brand-name drugs cost no more than the ingredients used to produce their generic counterparts.
This is basically a repeat of the premise and doesn’t add additional information.

B) Generic drugs are no more likely than brand-name drugs to suffer from defects in composition.
Ah, this could be it. This answer choice strengthens our argument by ensuring us that the defective cases are the same.

C) Generic drugs are just as likely as brand-name drugs to be readily available in pharmacies.
OK, the availability has no affect on the effectiveness of the drugs. This is an out of scope answer.

D) The higher costs of brand-name drugs underwrite drugs companies' heavy investment in research.
What does research have to do with effectiveness of the generic v. brand drugs? None.

E) Because of advertising, doctors frequently prescribe brand-name drugs by their brand name, rather than by their chemical name.
Again, no effect on conclusion.
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Hi, I am stuck between choices A & B. How do we eliminate A when part of conclusion also rests on economical cost of generic drugs?
Would be great if some expert can provide a thorough explanation.
Thanks in Advance.

Choice B. The highlighted portion is the argument - so we need to look for an answer that supports the fact that ingredients in the brand and generic drugs are exactly the same.

A is a trap. We need a strengthener that focuses on the generic drug...saying that the brand-name drugs cost no more than generic drugs gives us reason to believe that all else being equal, perhaps we might choose the brand-name drugs. However, we already know that the generic costs less and is equally effect.

Generic drugs contain exactly the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts, but usually cost much less to develop, produce, and market. So, generic drugs are just as effective as their brand-name counterparts, but cost considerably less.

Which of of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?

A) The ingredients used in the manufacture of brand-name drugs cost no more than the ingredients used to produce their generic counterparts. X
B) Generic drugs are no more likely than brand-name drugs to suffer from defects in composition. CORRECT
C) Generic drugs are just as likely as brand-name drugs to be readily available in pharmacies. X
D) The higher costs of brand-name drugs underwrite drugs companies' heavy investment in research. X
E) Because of advertising, doctors frequently prescribe brand-name drugs by their brand name, rather than by their chemical name. X
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