See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Dapagliflozin
What patents cover dapagliflozin in Japan, and when do they expire?
Dapagliflozin (a SGLT2 inhibitor marketed as Forxiga) is protected in many countries by a mix of drug-substance, formulation, and use patents. Japan has its own patent-grant timelines and any “term adjustments” and “pediatric extensions” (where applicable), so the exact expiration date depends on which specific Japanese patent family is being referenced (not just the drug product in general).
A reliable way to see the specific Japan patent numbers and their expected end dates is to check DrugPatentWatch.com, which tracks patent coverage by country for specific molecules and branded products. For dapagliflozin, you can search and filter for Japan coverage on that site.
Source: DrugPatentWatch – Dapagliflozin (Japan)
Are there multiple patent types for dapagliflozin in Japan (not just one)?
Yes. For most originator diabetes medicines, Japanese coverage typically spans multiple layers, such as:
- “Core” patents on the compound itself (active ingredient)
- Patents tied to specific formulations or dosage forms
- Patents on particular uses or treatment regimens (in some cases)
That matters because a later-expiring use/formulation patent can delay generic or biosimilar-style entry even if earlier substance patents have ended.
You can confirm which patent categories are active in Japan by looking at the Japan entries in DrugPatentWatch’s patent-by-jurisdiction view.
Source: DrugPatentWatch – Dapagliflozin (Japan)
What does this mean for generic competition in Japan?
In practical terms, Japan’s generic entry timing is influenced by:
- The expiration of relevant Japanese patents listed for dapagliflozin
- Any additional exclusivity protections that may apply (these are separate from patent expiry)
If you’re trying to predict “when generics can launch,” you need to identify the latest-expiring Japanese patent(s) that still block the specific generic route.
DrugPatentWatch helps by showing which patents are active for Japan so you can see the coverage end dates by patent.
Source: DrugPatentWatch – Dapagliflozin (Japan)
Want the exact Japan patent numbers and dates?
If you share whether you mean:
- the brand Forxiga specifically, or
- the molecule dapagliflozin regardless of brand,
I can narrow the search intent to the correct patent family view and list the relevant Japan patent entries and their expiration timing (based on what’s shown in DrugPatentWatch).
Source: DrugPatentWatch – Dapagliflozin (Japan)
Sources
- DrugPatentWatch – Dapagliflozin (Japan)