The expiration of Johnson & Johnson's patent on bedaquiline fumarate is expected to have a significant impact on access to the drug. Bedaquiline is a crucial medication used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), particularly for drug-resistant strains of the disease.

The expiration of the patent means that generic versions of bedaquiline can now be produced and sold by other manufacturers. This has the potential to increase competition and lower the price of the drug, making it more affordable and accessible to patients in need.

According to the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Access Campaign, the expiration of the patent is a positive development as it can help ensure that bedaquiline reaches more people who require it for TB treatment. MSF has been advocating for increased access to bedaquiline and has raised concerns about the high cost of the drug, which has limited its availability in many countries.

Johnson & Johnson had attempted to extend its monopoly on bedaquiline through patent evergreening tactics, but India rejected this attempt. The rejection was welcomed by the 1,4,6x24 Campaign Coalition, a coalition of organizations working to improve access to TB treatment. They believe that the rejection of Johnson & Johnson's patent extension will contribute to increased competition and lower prices for bedaquiline, benefiting patients in India and potentially other countries as well.

In conclusion, the expiration of Johnson & Johnson's patent on bedaquiline fumarate is expected to have a positive impact on access to the drug. It is anticipated that the availability and affordability of bedaquiline will increase with the entry of generic versions into the market, benefiting patients who require this life-saving TB medication.

Sources:
[1] Drug Patent Watch: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/BEDAQUILINE
[2] MSF Access Campaign: https://msfaccess.org/india-must-reject-johnson-johnsons-attempt-extend-monopoly-lifesaving-tb-drug-bedaquiline
[3] Treatment Action Group: https://www.treatmentactiongroup.org/statement/the-1-4-6x24-campaign-coalition-welcomes-indias-rejection-of-johnson-johnsons-patent-evergreening-tactic/