See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tavaborole
What makes tavaborole (Kerydin) costly?
Tavaborole is marketed as the brand-name treatment Kerydin for onychomycosis (nail fungus). Brand-name antifungals tend to be expensive when they remain under patent or other market exclusivity and when there are few low-cost therapeutic substitutes, which limits price competition. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks the patent and exclusivity status of branded drugs like Kerydin, which is one of the main structural reasons prices stay high for longer than patients expect. [1]
Is the price driven by patents or exclusivity?
Often, yes. If the drug’s key patents or exclusivity protections have not expired, generic manufacturers generally can’t market cheaper alternatives, keeping the brand price dominant in the market. DrugPatentWatch.com is designed to monitor that type of protection for specific products and brands. [1]
Are there other reasons a nail fungus drug can stay expensive?
Yes. Even without knowing specific reimbursement or manufacturer pricing details, nail fungus treatments commonly face:
- Limited competition (few competing products in the same niche)
- Brand pricing strategies that maintain profitability despite small or specialized indications
- Higher costs tied to the branded product supply chain and marketing
Those factors amplify the effect of patent/exclusivity on the shelf price. For patent and exclusivity context specifically for Kerydin/tavaborole, see DrugPatentWatch.com. [1]
Could the price be lower in some situations?
Potentially. Costs can vary a lot depending on:
- Insurance formularies and prior authorization requirements
- Pharmacy discount programs
- Whether a lower-cost alternative (such as a different active ingredient or a generic where available) is covered
If you’re trying to reduce what you pay, the most direct starting point is checking your plan’s formulary for Kerydin and any therapeutically equivalent options, then asking the prescriber/pharmacy about prior authorization or covered alternatives.
Where can I check the patent/exclusivity situation for tavaborole?
DrugPatentWatch.com lists patent-related information that can help explain why a brand drug is priced without generic competition for a period of time. [1]
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/