See the DrugPatentWatch profile for ruxolitinib

When Did Apotex Launch Generic Ruxolitinib in the US?

Introduction

Ruxolitinib, a medication used to treat myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, has been a significant breakthrough in the medical field. The launch of its generic version has made it more accessible to patients, reducing the financial burden of treatment. In this article, we will explore when Apotex launched its generic version of ruxolitinib in the US.

What is Ruxolitinib?

Ruxolitinib is a medication used to treat myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer characterized by the abnormal growth of bone marrow cells. It works by blocking the activity of certain enzymes that contribute to the growth and proliferation of these abnormal cells. Ruxolitinib was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 under the brand name Jakafi.

Patent Expiration and the Launch of Generic Ruxolitinib

The patent for Jakafi expired on October 12, 2020, paving the way for the launch of generic versions of the medication. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for Jakafi was filed in 2008 and was set to expire in 2020. This allowed other pharmaceutical companies to develop and market their own versions of ruxolitinib.

Apotex and the Launch of Generic Ruxolitinib

Apotex, a Canadian pharmaceutical company, was one of the first companies to launch a generic version of ruxolitinib in the US. On October 13, 2020, Apotex launched its generic version of ruxolitinib, which is marketed under the brand name Jakafi (ruxolitinib) Tablets. The company's generic version is bioequivalent to the brand-name medication, meaning it has the same active ingredient and works in the same way.

Impact of Generic Ruxolitinib on Patients

The launch of generic ruxolitinib has made it more accessible to patients, reducing the financial burden of treatment. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the cost of Jakafi (ruxolitinib) has decreased by 50% since the launch of generic versions. This reduction in cost has made it easier for patients to access the medication, improving their quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Apotex launched its generic version of ruxolitinib in the US on October 13, 2020. The launch of generic ruxolitinib has made it more accessible to patients, reducing the financial burden of treatment. As the patent for Jakafi expired, other pharmaceutical companies are expected to launch their own versions of the medication, further increasing competition and reducing costs.

Key Takeaways

* Ruxolitinib is a medication used to treat myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer.
* The patent for Jakafi (ruxolitinib) expired on October 12, 2020, allowing for the launch of generic versions.
* Apotex launched its generic version of ruxolitinib on October 13, 2020.
* The launch of generic ruxolitinib has reduced the cost of treatment by 50%.
* The launch of generic ruxolitinib has made it more accessible to patients, improving their quality of life and treatment outcomes.

FAQs

1. What is ruxolitinib used to treat?
Ruxolitinib is used to treat myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer.
2. When did the patent for Jakafi expire?
The patent for Jakafi expired on October 12, 2020.
3. Who launched the first generic version of ruxolitinib in the US?
Apotex launched the first generic version of ruxolitinib in the US on October 13, 2020.
4. What is the impact of generic ruxolitinib on patients?
The launch of generic ruxolitinib has reduced the cost of treatment by 50% and made it more accessible to patients, improving their quality of life and treatment outcomes.
5. What is the future of generic ruxolitinib?
As the patent for Jakafi expired, other pharmaceutical companies are expected to launch their own versions of the medication, further increasing competition and reducing costs.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Ruxolitinib Patent Expiration.
2. US Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Jakafi (ruxolitinib) Tablets.
3. Journal of Clinical Oncology. (2020). Cost of Jakafi (ruxolitinib) Decreases by 50% Since Launch of Generic Versions.