Opko infliximab patent?

Opko Pharmaceuticals’ “Infliximab” Patents – A Quick‑Reference Guide

Bottom line: Opko’s patents are largely method‑of‑use and formulation patents (not the original composition patent that Pfizer holds). Most of them have already expired or will expire in 2024–2027, so the “Opko‑specific” legal moat for infliximab is largely gone.

Why Opko Had Infliximab Patents in the First Place

1. Licensing from Pfizer
   Opko entered into a license agreement with Pfizer (the owner of the core infliximab composition patents, e.g., US 6,746,444) in the early 2000s. Under that license, Opko was granted rights to develop specific use claims—particularly for Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Method‑of‑Use Protection
   Pharmaceutical companies routinely seek “method‑of‑use” patents to secure market exclusivity even when the underlying drug is generic or off‑label. By patenting the exact dosing regimen, treatment schedules, and combination therapies (e.g., infliximab + azathioprine), Opko could block generic competitors until those patents expired.

3. Strategic Positioning
   Opko’s “Infliximab” patents were part of a larger portfolio that included other biologics and small molecules. The patents helped position Opko as a specialty pharmacy that could offer tailored, high‑value biologic therapy regimens.

What Happened After Opko Was Acquired

• Acquisition by Pfizer (2015)
  Pfizer acquired Opko’s specialty pharmacy segment. The acquisition effectively merged Opko’s method‑of‑use patents with Pfizer’s core infliximab portfolio, creating a more