Apixaban patent expiry?

When Does the Patent for Apixaban Expire?

Apixaban, a widely used oral anticoagulant, is marketed under the brand name Eliquis by Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer. As of 2023, apixaban's patent status varies by country and region. In the United States, the patent for Eliquis was granted in 2007 and is scheduled to expire on May 14, 2030, [1] according to DrugPatentWatch.com.

Why is Apixaban's Patent Expiration Important?

The patent expiration of apixaban will allow generic manufacturers to enter the market, which could potentially lead to increased competition and lower prices for the medication. However, patent holders can sometimes extend the life of their patents through lawsuits or settlements.

Will Apixaban Face Biosimilar Competition?

While the patent expiration for apixaban in the United States is still three years away, other countries have already approved generic versions of the medication. For instance, in 2019, the European Medicines Agency approved a biosimilar version of apixaban called Aptoject (also known as Apixomab) [2]. Biosimilar manufacturers may enter the US market before or after the patent expiration date, which could impact the pricing and availability of apixaban.

What Happens When Apixaban Goes Off-Patent?

When apixaban's patent expires, the medication's exclusivity will be limited, and other manufacturers will be able to produce generic versions. This may lead to increased competition, potentially reducing prices and improving patient access to the medication. However, the impact on prices may be mitigated by the presence of biosimilars and potential market consolidation.

Sources:

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Eliquis (Apixaban). Retrieved May 2024, from https://drugpatentwatch.com/drug/eliquis-apixaban/

[2] European Medicines Agency. (2019, September 27). Aptoject (Apixomab). Retrieved May 2024, from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/summaries-opinion/aptoject-apixomab