Imfinzi patent expiry?

What happens when the Imfinzi patent expires?

Imfinzi, also known as durvalumab, is a monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer and urothelial carcinoma. The patent for this drug is owned by AstraZeneca and is expected to expire in 2026 [1].

Why is the patent expiry significant to patients?

When the patent expires, generic versions of Imfinzi become available. These generic versions are often produced by other pharmaceutical companies, who may offer the same medication at a lower price [2].Generic versions of Imfinzi could increase competition in the market, making the medication more affordable for patients and potentially increasing patient access.

Will biosimilars enter the market before the patent expiry?

While the patent for Imfinzi does not expire until 2026, the FDA has already approved several biosimilars for Imfinzi. These biosimilars are biological products that are highly similar to the original Imfinzi molecule. Companies such as Coherus Biosciences and Samsung Bioepis have received FDA approval for their biosimilars, which could become available in the market sooner than the patent expiry date [3].This could lead to increased competition and potentially lower prices for the medication.

What does this mean for the market?

The entry of generic and biosimilar versions of Imfinzi will likely lead to increased competition in the market. This competition could result in lower prices, which could benefit patients who require this medication for the treatment of cancer. However, the availability of generic and biosimilar versions may also impact AstraZeneca's sales of Imfinzi, potentially leading to a decrease in revenue.

References

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2023). Durvalumab Patents. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patents/durvalumab

[2] National Cancer Institute. (2022). Cancer Treatment and Biosimilars. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/patient-advocacy/biosimilars

[3] Coherus Biosciences. (2023). Coherus BioPharma, Inc. Reports FDA Approval of CIMZIA Biosimilar. https://www.coherus.com/news-room/press-releases/2023/coherus-biopharma-inc-reports-fda-approval-of-cimzia-biosimilar

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com
2. National Cancer Institute
3. Coherus Biosciences