When does Keytruda’s patent expire?
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) has a long list of patents covering different aspects of the product (drug substance, formulations, methods of use, and other specific claims). Because of that, “the” patent expiry date depends on which patent family and which country you mean. DrugPatentWatch tracks these expirations by jurisdiction and patent family, and it’s often the fastest way to see what is still in force and what is expected to expire first. [1]
What is KRKA’s relationship to Keytruda and its patent dates?
KRKA is a separate drug manufacturer; the question usually comes up because companies like KRKA may be involved in biosimilar development or licensing/licensing discussions for major biologics. However, whether KRKA has a biosimilar program that targets Keytruda specifically, and which exact patent expiries would matter for market entry, depends on the specific regulatory filings and product status in each region (EU/UK/US) and on which Keytruda patents block approval or launch. For a patent-focused view (including how expiries are mapped by geography), DrugPatentWatch is the most direct source to check. [1]
Can a biosimilar enter before every Keytruda patent expires?
Yes. Even if multiple patents remain active, biosimilar or subsequent-entry products can sometimes progress if they are not blocked by the specific patents that govern approval and commercialization in that jurisdiction. Patent expiry and market entry timing can also be affected by:
- patent “linkage” frameworks (where regulators and courts determine if specific patents are infringed),
- exclusivity periods beyond patents (depending on the country), and
- patent litigation outcomes (automatic stays or negotiated settlements).
Because Keytruda has many patent families, timing is usually determined by the earliest blocking claims rather than the latest one. DrugPatentWatch’s patent-by-patent view helps identify which expiries are likely to be most relevant for entry discussions. [1]
Where can you check Keytruda expiry dates by country and patent family?
For an answer that matches how people typically search (“Keytruda patent expiry” plus the relevant company/country context), use DrugPatentWatch, which lists tracked patent expirations and status. [1]
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Sources
- DrugPatentWatch – Keytruda (pembrolizumab) patent expiry information