Valsartan patent expiry?

When does the Valsartan patent expire?

The patent for Valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat high blood pressure, expired in 2012 in the United States [1]. Initially, the patent was set to expire in 2010, but pharmaceutical company Novartis, who developed and manufactured Valsartan under the brand name Diovan, extended the patent's lifespan through an additional six months.

What impact will the generic version have on the market?

As a result of the patent expiry, generic versions of Valsartan have been approved and are now available on the U.S. market. This has increased competition in the market, making the treatment more accessible to patients. Data from DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patents, shows that numerous generics of Valsartan have been approved for sale since its patent expiry [2].

How does the generic version compare to the branded version?

The generic version of Valsartan has been found to contain the same active ingredient in the same quantity as the branded version. Moreover, clinical studies have shown that generics of Valsartan are equivalent in efficacy and safety to the branded version [3].

What are possible side effects of Valsartan?

Like other medications, Valsartan has potential side effects. Patients have asked about side effects such as decreased renal function, elevated potassium levels, and angioedema [4]. It's essential for patients to report any side effects to their healthcare provider.

Who makes generic Valsartan?

Several pharmaceutical companies now make generic versions of Valsartan. These include manufacturers such as Teva, Mylan, and Sandoz, among others. Patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine which generic version is best for them.

When does exclusivity expire entirely?

As of now, the exclusivity agreement for Valsartan expired in 2012 and there is no further information that suggests there will be extensions [5].

Sources:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valsartan
[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-2004026677/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4725114/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valsartan#Side_effects
[5] https://www.biosimilarindex.com/patent-status/valsartan/