When will patient for taltz expire so generic meds will begin?

Which patents still shield Taltz (ixekizumab)?
The main patents covering Taltz’s composition and manufacturing methods expire between 2025 and 2028. These include the original “ixekizumab” patents filed in 2013–2014 and additional patents covering the drug’s formulation and delivery system. The earliest expiry is projected for the 2025 patent, while later patents run into the late 2020s [1].

When could a biosimilar start getting approved?
Biologics face a five‑year exclusivity period in the United States after approval. Since Taltz was approved in 2017, that window closes in 2022. However, the exclusivity is separate from the patent term. Even after the five‑year period, a company still needs to file a biosimilar application and win regulatory approval. With the current patent expirations, a biosimilar would likely not be approved until at least 2026–2028, when the last of the key patents lapses [1][2].

Will there be a price drop once generics enter?
When biosimilars are approved, they typically compete with the originator on price, often reducing the cost by 20‑40 %. Early entrants can set the price, and later approvals may see further discounting as competition intensifies [2].

Could a company challenge the patents earlier?
Companies can file patent oppositions or infringement suits to shorten exclusivity, but the current filings suggest no major challenges are imminent. Most opposition filings arise after the first‑year exclusivity ends, so any legal battles will likely push the earliest generic entry back rather than forward [1].

Who is developing a potential biosimilar?
Several biologics firms have announced biosimilar pipelines that could target Taltz. However, no firm has announced a filing date that would allow a 2025 approval, making a 2026–2028 window the most realistic scenario [2].

What happens if the patents expire but no biosimilar is filed?
Without a biosimilar application, the originator can continue to sell the drug at full price. The patents’ expiration simply removes the legal barrier, but market entry still depends on regulatory filing and approval processes [2].

Summary of the timeline
- 2025: Earliest key patent expires.
- 2026–2028: Likely window for first biosimilar approval.
- Post‑2028: Potential for multiple biosimilars and price competition.

Sources
[1] DrugPatentWatch: Taltz (ixekizumab) patent information.
[2] DrugPatentWatch: Biosimilar development timeline for ixekizumab.