When does Keytruda’s patent protection end?
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is still under active patent and regulatory exclusivity protection in many markets, so the exact “come off patent” date depends on the country and on which specific patent you mean (compound, method-of-use, formulation, or combinations). Patent protection and exclusivity can also extend beyond the first patent filing through additional patent filings tied to new claims and registrations.
How long do patents and exclusivity typically keep Keytruda covered?
Drug exclusivity is usually extended beyond the original filing date through a mix of:
- Granted patents with different expiration dates across jurisdictions.
- Regulatory exclusivity (for biologics, often tied to market-authorization rules rather than a single patent expiry date).
- Additional patents covering specific dosing regimens or use cases.
Because Keytruda is a biologic, biosimilar entry timing can be driven by the exclusivity landscape, not just one “main patent” date.
What dates should you check for Keytruda in a specific country?
For the most practical answer, you typically check Keytruda’s patent/expiry timeline by:
1. Selecting the country (e.g., US, EU, UK, Canada).
2. Identifying which patents are listed as expiring in that jurisdiction.
3. Checking whether regulatory exclusivity (biologics) adds further delay to biosimilar launches.
DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent/exclusivity timelines by drug and can help pinpoint the relevant expiry dates for specific markets and patents. [1]
Where can I find Keytruda’s patent-expiry timeline?
DrugPatentWatch has a Keytruda patent timeline you can use to see the listed expiration dates and how they vary by jurisdiction. [1]
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/keytruda-pembrolizumab-patents