How will vascepa's generic version impact sales?

What impact will vascepa's generic version have on sales?

Vascepa (Icosapent ethyl), a prescription medication for high triglycerides, recently faced a ruling that opened up the possibility of a less expensive generic version. However, the release of a generic version of vascepa is still pending patent expiration, but a biosimilar is in development.

The ruling may affect the future demand for vascepa as more patients opt for the potentially lower-cost generic option as soon as it becomes available. [1]

How will the generic version affect prices?

The FDA has not approved the generic version yet, but companies making biosimilars might challenge the drug's exclusivity and push down prices on the generic counterpart.

If approved, a less expensive generic version of vascepa could result in lower prices on the market. Patients with high triglycerides would have an additional choice, offering more affordability and options in the market. [2]

What will be the potential market shift?

Vascepa's patent expires in 2028, giving the manufacturers of the biosimilar a competitive window to capture the market share. The entry of more affordable options may shift market demand from the original branded product to the generic counterpart, potentially disrupting the sales of vascepa during that period. [3]


Source

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com

[2] Clinicaltrials.gov, a database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies conducted around the world, contains information about clinical trials from multiple organizations, both public and private.

[3] FDA: Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations