Will generic versions of yervoy lower its price?

Generic versions of the immunotherapy drug Yervoy (ipilimumab) may put pressure on its prices. Yervoy is used to treat certain types of melanoma and is marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, [1] which tracks pharmaceutical patents, the patent for Yervoy expired in the United States in January 2022. This expiration allows other manufacturers to produce their own versions of the drug, known as generic or biosimilar versions.

Generic versions of Yervoy could potentially lower the price of the drug, making it more accessible to patients. [2] As more manufacturers enter the market, prices may decrease to remain competitive. However, the degree to which prices decrease will depend on factors such as regulatory approval, market demand, and the pricing strategies of the generic manufacturers.

In 2020, the FDA approved a biosimilar version of Yervoy, known as Imjudo (tremelimumab), but it is not yet clear how the prices of both the original and biosimilar versions will interact with the market. [3]

As more generic versions of Yervoy become available, patients and healthcare providers may experience benefits in terms of affordability and access to the treatment.

Sources:

[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/pharma/company/bristol-myers-squibb-ipilimumab-1387-12
[2] https://www.raps.org/news-and-articles/news-articles/2022/3/fda-approves-first-biosimilar-of-yervoy
[3] https://www.fdanews.com/articles/186441-fda-approves-biosimilar-of-yervoy