Keytruda is a brand name for the drug pembrolizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody used for cancer treatment. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], the patent for Keytruda will expire in 2028 in the United States. However, it is important to note that patents can be extended or challenged, so the availability of a generic version may be subject to change.
Currently, there are no FDA-approved biosimilars for pembrolizumab in the United States [2]. However, there are several companies developing biosimilars for this drug, including Merck (the manufacturer of Keytruda), Pfizer, and Biocon [2]. These biosimilars are not yet available on the market, but they are in various stages of development and clinical trials.
It is also worth noting that biosimilars are not identical to the original drug, but they are highly similar and have been shown to have no clinically meaningful differences in safety and efficacy compared to the reference product [2]. Therefore, if and when biosimilars for pembrolizumab become available, they may offer a more affordable alternative to Keytruda.
In summary, while there is currently no generic version of Keytruda available, several companies are developing biosimilars for pembrolizumab. The availability of these biosimilars may offer a more affordable option for cancer treatment in the future.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/biologics/tradename/KEYTRUDA
[2] https://www.gabionline.net/biosimilars/general/biosimilars-of-pembrolizumab
[3] https://www.keytruda.com/