What is Teflaro and Who Owns Its Patents?
Teflaro (ceftaroline fosamil) is an antibiotic developed by Forest Laboratories, now owned by AbbVie following its 2014 acquisition. AbbVie holds key patents protecting the drug.[1]
When Does Teflaro's Main Patent Expire?
The primary U.S. composition-of-matter patent for Teflaro, US Patent 6,977,274, expires on December 18, 2023.[1] Pediatric exclusivity extended this by six months to June 18, 2024.[2]
Are There Other Patents Still Active?
Yes, AbbVie lists secondary patents, including formulation and method-of-use patents:
- US Patent 8,410,072 (formulation) expires April 22, 2029.
- US Patent 8,399,510 (methods) expires March 31, 2031.[1]
These could delay generic entry even after the main patent lapses.
When Might Generics Enter the Market?
No generics launched as of 2024 due to ongoing patent protections and potential litigation. The first abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) challenge was filed in 2019 by Aurobindo Pharma, but Paragraph IV disputes remain unresolved.[1][3] Earliest generic risk appears post-2024, pending court rulings.
How Does This Compare to AbbVie's Other Drugs?
Unlike Humira (adalimumab), whose main patents expired in 2023 amid biosimilar influx, Teflaro's smaller market (~$100M annual U.S. sales) faces less aggressive challenges, prolonging exclusivity.[4]
[1]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Teflaro Patents
[2]: FDA Orange Book - Ceftaroline Fosamil
[3]: FDA Paragraph IV Patent Challenge Database
[4]: EvaluatePharma - Teflaro Sales Data