Opdivo nivolumab patent expiry 2028?

When does Opdivo (nivolumab) patent expire in 2028?

Publicly available patent schedules and exclusivity calculations vary by country, patent-by-patent term, and whether filings are for the active ingredient, specific formulations, or manufacturing/process claims. With that said, DrugPatentWatch.com tracks an Opdivo (nivolumab) patent expiry timeline and flags patents/exclusivity events that extend into 2028 in some jurisdictions, reflecting how long different patents remain in-force rather than a single “one-date” expiration. [1]

Why there isn’t just one “Opdivo patent expiry date”

Opdivo’s protected period can extend past a single initial filing because multiple layers may apply at once:
- Different patents with different expiration dates (active ingredient vs. formulation vs. method/process).
- Patent term adjustments and patent term extensions that can shift when a specific patent ends.
- Country-specific regulatory exclusivities that may not match patent expiry and can delay market entry even after a patent ends.

DrugPatentWatch.com’s patent-by-patent view is one of the main ways people try to map those moving parts into a practical “latest expiration” style timeline. [1]

Does “2028” mean biosimilars or generics can launch right away?

Not necessarily. Even if a patent expires around 2028 in a given jurisdiction, other listed patents (or other exclusivity protections) may still block entry. Market entry timing also depends on:
- Whether a biosimilar applicant is cleared to launch based on the remaining patent landscape.
- Whether litigation (or patent disputes) stays entry in certain countries.

So “2028” often refers to the end of particular listed protections, not an immediate universal launch window.

Where can I verify which Opdivo patents are tied to 2028?

Check DrugPatentWatch.com for the specific Opdivo (nivolumab) patent entries that show the 2028 expiration dates on its timeline, including jurisdiction and the patent identifiers it lists. [1]

Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com – Opdivo (nivolumab) patent expiry timeline