See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Alectinib
When does the Alectinib patent expire?
The primary patent protecting alectinib is set to expire in 2034 [1].
What is Alectinib used for?
Alectinib is a targeted therapy used to treat a specific type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) [2]. It is prescribed for patients with ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC who have previously been treated with crizotinib [3].
How does Alectinib work?
Alectinib is an ALK inhibitor. It works by blocking the activity of the ALK gene, which can fuse with other genes to create an abnormal protein that drives cancer cell growth [4]. By inhibiting this abnormal protein, alectinib helps to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells [5].
What are the potential side effects of Alectinib?
Common side effects of alectinib can include fatigue, constipation, swelling in the hands, legs, or feet, muscle pain, and a general feeling of being unwell [3]. More serious side effects may involve lung problems, liver problems, and vision changes [3].
What is the difference between Alectinib and other ALK inhibitors?
Alectinib is considered a second-generation ALK inhibitor. It was developed to be more potent and selective for ALK than earlier drugs like crizotinib [4]. This increased selectivity can potentially lead to fewer side effects and greater efficacy in some patients [4].
Can Alectinib be used for other types of cancer?
Currently, alectinib is approved for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Research into its potential use in other cancers is ongoing, but it is not yet approved for those indications [4].
When does Alectinib exclusivity expire?
Patent expiration dates are crucial for understanding when generic versions of a drug might become available. For alectinib, the primary patent is set to expire in 2034 [1]. This date determines the end of the period during which the innovator company has exclusive marketing rights.
Who manufactures Alectinib?
Alectinib is manufactured by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group [2].
What are the challenges to Alectinib patents?
Pharmaceutical patents can be subject to legal challenges from generic drug manufacturers seeking to bring their versions to market sooner. These challenges often focus on the validity or scope of existing patents [6]. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent litigation and expiration dates, providing insights into these processes [1].
How does the Alectinib patent expiration impact pricing?
When a patent expires and generic alternatives become available, drug prices typically decrease significantly. This is because generic manufacturers can produce the drug at a lower cost [7]. The expiration of the alectinib patent in 2034 will likely lead to the introduction of generic versions and a subsequent reduction in its price.
Are there any approved generic versions of Alectinib?
As of now, there are no approved generic versions of alectinib. Generic versions can only be manufactured and sold after the relevant patents and exclusivity periods have expired [1][7].
Sources:
[1] https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[2] https://www.gene.com/media/press-releases/display?PRID=14897
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/alectinib-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20400971
[4] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/alectinib
[5] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1509567
[6] https://www.natlawreview.com/article/understanding-drug-patent-litigation-and-strategies-protecting-and-challenging-patents
[7] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs