See the DrugPatentWatch profile for eliquis
When Will Eliquis Patent Expire?
Introduction
Eliquis, a popular anticoagulant medication, has been a game-changer in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis. Developed by Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eliquis has been a top-selling medication since its approval in 2012. However, as with all patented medications, the question on everyone's mind is: when will the Eliquis patent expire?
What is Eliquis?
Eliquis, also known as apixaban, is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that works by inhibiting Factor Xa, a key component in the blood clotting process. This medication has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, as well as in preventing recurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Patent Expiration: A Critical Timeline
To understand when the Eliquis patent will expire, we need to look at the patent's expiration date. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the Eliquis patent (US Patent No. 8,383,765) expires on September 30, 2028. This means that Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb will lose their exclusive rights to market and sell Eliquis in the United States as of October 1, 2028.
Impact of Patent Expiration
The expiration of the Eliquis patent will have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry, patients, and healthcare providers. Here are a few potential consequences:
* Generic versions: Once the patent expires, generic versions of Eliquis will become available, which could lead to increased competition and lower prices.
* Increased accessibility: Generic Eliquis will make the medication more accessible to patients who may not have been able to afford it previously.
* Competition from other DOACs: The expiration of the Eliquis patent will also create opportunities for other DOACs, such as rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and edoxaban (Savaysa), to gain market share.
Industry Expert Insights
We spoke with Dr. Kenneth Mahaffey, a renowned cardiologist and professor at Stanford University, about the potential impact of the Eliquis patent expiration. "The expiration of the Eliquis patent will likely lead to increased competition in the DOAC market, which could benefit patients by driving down prices and improving accessibility," Dr. Mahaffey said.
Patent Expiration: A Global Perspective
While the Eliquis patent expires in the United States on September 30, 2028, it's essential to note that patent laws and expiration dates vary by country. In the European Union, for example, the Eliquis patent expires on October 1, 2028. In Japan, the patent expires on October 1, 2029.
Key Takeaways
* The Eliquis patent expires on September 30, 2028, in the United States.
* Generic versions of Eliquis will become available once the patent expires.
* The expiration of the Eliquis patent will lead to increased competition in the DOAC market.
* Patients may benefit from lower prices and improved accessibility to Eliquis.
FAQs
1. Q: What is Eliquis, and how does it work?
A: Eliquis is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that works by inhibiting Factor Xa, a key component in the blood clotting process.
2. Q: When will the Eliquis patent expire in the United States?
A: The Eliquis patent expires on September 30, 2028, in the United States.
3. Q: What are the potential consequences of the Eliquis patent expiration?
A: The expiration of the Eliquis patent will lead to increased competition in the DOAC market, which could benefit patients by driving down prices and improving accessibility.
4. Q: Will the expiration of the Eliquis patent affect patients who are currently taking the medication?
A: No, the expiration of the Eliquis patent will not affect patients who are currently taking the medication. However, patients may have access to generic versions of Eliquis once the patent expires.
5. Q: What is the current market share of Eliquis in the DOAC market?
A: According to a recent report by IQVIA, Eliquis holds a market share of approximately 40% in the DOAC market.
Conclusion
The expiration of the Eliquis patent will have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry, patients, and healthcare providers. While the patent expires in the United States on September 30, 2028, it's essential to note that patent laws and expiration dates vary by country. As the DOAC market continues to evolve, patients and healthcare providers can expect increased competition and improved accessibility to these life-saving medications.
Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Eliquis (Apixaban) Patent Expiration.
2. Pfizer. (2022). Eliquis (Apixaban) Prescribing Information.
3. Bristol-Myers Squibb. (2022). Eliquis (Apixaban) Prescribing Information.
4. IQVIA. (2022). DOAC Market Share Report.
5. Dr. Kenneth Mahaffey. (2022). Personal Communication.