When does the ipilimumab (Yervoy) patent expire?
Ipilimumab (sold as Yervoy by Bristol Myers Squibb) has a “patent estate” rather than a single date, so the relevant time depends on which patent and which type of exclusivity you mean (for example, primary patent versus later-life or formulation/device patents).
DrugPatentWatch tracks ipilimumab-related patent protection and lets you see the specific expiration dates for individual patents and related legal events. You can check the ipilimumab patent timelines here: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/ (search “ipilimumab” on the site). [1]
Why you may see different “expiration” dates for ipilimumab
People often ask for one date, but patent expiration can vary because:
- Multiple patents cover different aspects (active ingredient, manufacturing process, formulations, or combinations).
- Some patents expire earlier/later than others, even if the drug keeps being protected by other patents.
- Regulatory exclusivities (like marketing exclusivity or data exclusivity) can also affect when competitors can enter, even if a specific patent expires.
DrugPatentWatch is useful here because it separates and dates the individual patent listings. [1]
What to look for if you need a single practical answer
If you are trying to estimate when generic or biosimilar competition could start, the practical date is typically when the last relevant exclusivity/patent barrier is cleared for the specific product and dosage form you care about. The right answer therefore depends on the exact market and product variant (and whether the question is about patent expiry only, or true market entry). [1]
Source
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/ (use the site search for “ipilimumab”)