Eliquis patent?

What is the Eliquis patent status?

Eliquis is a prescription medicine used to prevent and treat blood clots, which can cause stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who have had a stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or other heart conditions, and in patients undergoing certain types of heart surgery. The Eliquis patent situation is complex, involving multiple patents filed by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and Pfizer, the manufacturers of Eliquis.

What patents are relevant?

BMS and Pfizer filed several patents related to Eliquis, including patents for the drug's composition, use, and manufacturing process [1]. Some of these patents have already expired or are set to expire in the following years: U.S. Patent 8,679,383 (expiring in 2024), U.S. Patent 8,679,384 (expiring in 2025), and U.S. Patent 8,679,386 (expiring in 2026).

Why is the patent situation complex?

The Eliquis patent has undergone several challenges and court decisions that have affected its protection. In 2019, a U.S. appeals court ruled that a part of Eliquis's patent could be used to block generic versions of the drug from entering the market. This ruling was seen as a setback for generic manufacturers looking to develop competing versions of Eliquis [2].

When do the exclusivity rights expire?

BMS and Pfizer have agreed to allow a biosimilar version of Eliquis to enter the market in 2028, which would be several years after the patent expires [3]. The exclusivity agreement is aimed at reducing costs for patients accessing the medication while maintaining the quality and safety of the medication.

How does the Eliquis patent situation affect patients?

For now, the patent situation surrounding Eliquis has made it challenging for generic manufacturers to develop competing products. This has limited the entry of more affordable alternatives into the market. However, the agreed-upon agreement to allow a biosimilar version to enter the market is expected to decrease prices for patients in the long run.

Sources

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. Eliquis patent.

[2] Reuters. "U.S. appeals court rules against some generic Eliquis makers."

[3] FiercePharma. "Eliquis exclusivity agreement: When will the cheaper versions roll in?"