Entresto (Sacubitril/Valsartan) is a prescription medication used to treat patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or those with left ventricular dysfunction post myocardial infarction. Novartis markets Entresto, and according to DrugPatentWatch.com [1], the original patent for Entresto expired in June 2022.
Following the expiration of the patent, generic versions of Entresto become available in the market. [1]
When a brand-name medication's patent expires, generic versions usually enter the market, which can lead to lower prices due to increased competition [2]. Generic manufacturers can often produce similar medications at a lower cost because they don't need to invest in developing and marketing the drug from scratch.
According to a report by IQVIA [3], after patent expiration, prices for generic medications can drop by as much as 80% to 90% compared to their brand-name counterparts. However, it is essential to note that prices can fluctuate based on factors such as production costs, distribution channels, and market demand [4].
While prices may decrease for Entresto due to generic competition, it's also worth noting that the prices of medications in the US can be influenced by market conditions, payer negotiations, and government programs [5].
Generic manufacturers that have obtained FDA approval for their versions of Entresto may challenge Novartis' pricing strategies as more entrants come into the market, potentially further reducing prices.
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com: Entresto patent expiration date.
[2] FDA: Generic Drugs.
[3] IQVIA: How much can generic prices drop after patent expiration?
[4] APhA: Impact of Generic Substitution on Drug Prices.
[5] NEJM: The Effects of Medicare and Medicaid on Prescription Drug Spending.