Invokana, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, is currently protected by patents. Its generic versions are not yet available in the market.
When Will Invokana's Patents Expire?
The patent landscape for Invokana (canagliflozin) is complex, involving multiple patents. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks these patents and their expiry dates. While exact dates can vary based on patent challenges and market exclusivity, the earliest expected patent expiries for Invokana patents suggest that generic entry could begin around 2028 [1]. However, the timeline for generic availability can be influenced by various factors, including litigation and the resolution of patent disputes.
What Happens After Invokana's Patents Expire?
Once Invokana's primary patents expire and any market exclusivity periods conclude, generic manufacturers will be able to produce and sell their own versions of the drug. These generic versions are typically bioequivalent to the brand-name drug but are offered at a lower cost. This increased competition can lead to significant price reductions for patients and healthcare systems.
Can Generic Invokana Be Available Before Patent Expiry?
In some cases, generic versions can become available before the listed patent expiry dates. This can occur if a generic manufacturer successfully challenges a patent's validity in court or if they secure a license from the patent holder. Conversely, patent litigation initiated by the brand-name manufacturer can delay the entry of generics.
How Does Invokana Work?
Invokana is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It works by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, which causes more glucose to be excreted in the urine. This action helps to lower blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes [2].
What Are the Risks Associated with Invokana?
Invokana has been associated with certain risks and side effects. These include, but are not limited to, a risk of amputation, especially of the toe or foot, for patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease [3]. Other potential side effects include genital yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and a rare but serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) [2][3]. Patients are advised to discuss all potential risks with their healthcare provider.
Who Manufactures Invokana?
Invokana is manufactured by Janssen, a pharmaceutical company that is part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies [1].
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Sources:
1. https://drugpatentwatch.com/
2. Invokana Prescribing Information.
3. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about risk of amputation with the diabetes medicine Invokana.