When Does the Patent for Lenvatinib Expire?
Lenvatinib is a multikinase inhibitor used in the treatment of certain types of thyroid cancer, including radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer [1]. It works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosine kinases, which are enzymes involved in cellular signaling pathways.
What Are the Patent Expiries for Lenvatinib?
According to the patent database DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for Lenvatinib, which is owned by Eisai, has been expiring in different countries at varying dates. Some of these patents include:
- In the United States, US patent 6,905,763 [2] expired in April 2020.
- In Canada, CA patent 2,433,311 [3] expired in October 2022.
Note that patent expiry in one country does not necessarily mean the medicine is available in the generic market immediately, as regulatory approval processes can be time-consuming.
Impact of Patent Expiry on Lenvatinib Availability
The expiry of Lenvatinib patents could lead to the entry of generic versions of the drug in the market, which could potentially reduce the cost of treatment for patients. However, the availability of generic versions and the pricing dynamics may be dependent on various factors, including manufacturing and marketing costs, regulatory approvals, and market competition [4].
Regulatory Status of Lenvatinib
While the patent is expiring, Lenvatinib is still available in the market as a branded medication under the trade name Lenvima. Eisai may be considering various strategies to maintain its market share, including pricing and marketing strategies, or developing new indications for the drug.
Sources:
[1] Cancer Research UK. (2020). Lenvatinib.
[2] Eisai. (2005). US Patent 6,905,763.
[3] Eisai. (2008). CA Patent 2,433,311.
[4] IQVIA. (2022). Generic and Biosimilar Market Access.