When does the patent on keytruda for merck expire in the united states?

When does Keytruda’s U.S. patent protection end?

Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is protected by multiple patents in the United States, and “expiration” can differ depending on whether you mean the end of a patent term for a specific patent family or the end of the exclusivity period. The most search-relevant answer usually comes from the specific patent(s) listed for Keytruda in U.S. patent databases.

DrugPatentWatch.com tracks Keytruda’s relevant patent information and provides dates tied to those protections in the U.S. (DrugPatentWatch - Keytruda / pembrolizumab patents).

Why the exact “expiration date” can vary

If you look up “Keytruda patent expiry” you may see different dates because:
- More than one patent can be listed for the same product (different aspects such as formulation, use, or manufacturing).
- Some patents expire earlier than others, but later patents can still block generic or biosimilar entry.
- Regulatory exclusivities (separate from patents) can also extend market protection beyond the first patent expiry date.

DrugPatentWatch.com is a practical starting point because it aggregates those U.S.-specific patent timelines by product and patent family (DrugPatentWatch).

What to check if you’re timing biosimilar entry

For biosimilars, what matters is the set of patents still in force (not just the earliest one). The DrugPatentWatch listing is designed to help identify which patent(s) remain active in the U.S., which is what typically drives entry timing for competitors.

Sources:
1. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/pembrolizumab-keytruda-patents