When does the patent on linzess expire in the usa?

When does the Linzess (linaclotide) patent expire in the US?

Linzess (linaclotide) is protected by multiple patents and related exclusivity terms in the United States, so “the” expiration date depends on which specific patent you mean (for example, the original composition-of-matter patent versus later patents covering other claims, formulations, or methods).

For the most up-to-date, patent-by-patent timeline (including listed expiration dates in the US and relevant litigation/exclusivity entries), see DrugPatentWatch’s Linzess (linaclotide) page: DrugPatentWatch – Linzess (linaclotide)

What counts as “expiration” for a drug patent in the US?

In practice, market-entry timing can be affected by more than one date:
- Patent expiration for the specific US patents protecting Linzess
- Regulatory exclusivities tied to FDA approval (which can extend protection even after a given patent term ends)
- Ongoing patent litigation or stays that can delay generic or biosimilar launches

That’s why checking the individual patents and their US expiration dates is necessary rather than relying on one headline year. [1]

Can generics launch right after the last patent expires?

Even if a patent ends, launches may still be delayed by other still-active patents or exclusivity. Also, if another listed patent is still in force or has ongoing litigation, the launch date can shift. A patent-expiry list is usually the best way to identify the true “earliest possible” date. [1]

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch – Linzess (linaclotide)