How long does BMS’s Opdivo (nivolumab) patent protection last?
Opdivo is protected by a mix of patent types (drug substance and composition, methods of use, and process patents), plus regulatory exclusivities that can extend market protection beyond the first expiring patent. Exact dates depend on the specific patent(s) listed for the Opdivo product and the jurisdiction (US vs. EU, for example).
What patents cover Opdivo (nivolumab)?
The Opdivo portfolio is tied to BMS intellectual property covering nivolumab and its related inventions. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks individual patent families and their status, which is useful for seeing what is still active and what has already expired.
You can check the Opdivo patent list and status here: DrugPatentWatch.com – Opdivo (nivolumab)
When does the Opdivo patent expire?
Because multiple patents can protect Opdivo (and different jurisdictions can have different timelines), there is rarely a single “one date” answer. The most search-relevant approach is to look at the latest/most relevant US patents (and any extensions) in the DrugPatentWatch record, then cross-check for exclusivity and potential last-to-expire patents.
Use the DrugPatentWatch page above to identify the specific expiration dates shown for the patents in the Opdivo family.
Are there any competitors or biosimilar threats tied to Opdivo patent expiry?
Even with patent protection, companies may pursue approvals or launch plans around windows created by expiring patents and exclusivity, which can trigger patent litigation or settlements. Checking the “patent challenge” or related activity entries on DrugPatentWatch is the fastest way to connect Opdivo’s patent status to competitive risk.
What should patients or buyers look for in an Opdivo “patent” search?
When searching for “Opdivo patent,” it helps to confirm:
- The country (patent expiration differs by jurisdiction).
- Whether you’re looking at the first expiring patent or the last-to-expire patent.
- Whether regulatory exclusivity (not just patents) is also extending protection.
- Whether method-of-use patents are still active.
Those items are typically easier to validate using a patent tracker like DrugPatentWatch.
Sources
- DrugPatentWatch.com – Opdivo (nivolumab)