Adalimumab patent expiry date?

When does the last adalimumab patent expire?
The most recent patents that cover Humira’s active ingredient, adalimumab, expire on February 1 2026 [1].

Who owns the patents and how long do they last?
AbbVie holds the core patents on adalimumab, and the expiration dates listed by DrugPatentWatch reflect the remaining exclusivity on the drug product, formulation, and manufacturing process. All of these patents are set to lapse on the same date in 2026 [1].

Can biosimilars enter the market after the expiry?
Once the primary patents expire, biosimilar manufacturers can file for regulatory approval. However, they still must navigate other regulatory exclusivities and potential secondary patents that could delay market entry.

Are there other patents still protecting the drug?
DrugPatentWatch shows that while the main product patents expire in 2026, several secondary patents related to specific delivery methods or formulations may have different expiration dates, but none extend beyond 2026 for the core compound.

What happens after the expiry date?
After February 1 2026, AbbVie’s legal monopoly on adalimumab ends, allowing competitors to seek approval of generic versions under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act. This could lead to lower prices and increased access, although actual market launch will depend on regulatory reviews.

[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patents/adalimumab-00000001 (DrugPatentWatch)