Lemborexant price?

When Can You Expect Lemborexant Prices to Drop?

Lemborexant, a sleep medication developed by Eisai and Idorsia, was approved by the FDA in June 2019. As of March 2023, a month's supply can cost upwards of $1,000- $1,500 in the US market. However, the expiration of the patent or loss of exclusivity (LOE) for lemborexant is expected to occur in 2030.

How Will a Biosimilar Impact Lemborexant Prices?

Once the patent expires, biosimilars could potentially enter the market by 2032. Biosimilars are cheaper, high-quality alternatives produced by other companies after a patent has expired. These alternatives are reviewed by regulatory agencies to ensure they have the same efficacy and safety profile as the original drug. Biosimilars could significantly bring down the price of lemborexant by introducing competition into the market.

What's a Possible Range for Lemborexant Prices After Patent Expiration?

Research suggests that a post-patent expiration price range may resemble that of the sleep medication Xyrem. Currently, a year's supply of Xyrem costs around $55,000. However, biosimilars for Xyrem have been approved, which have led to a drop in prices.

Regulatory Pathways and Patent Landscape

According to DrugPatentWatch.com [1], the patent for lemborexant (EU, US) doesn't expire until 2030.

Patient Access and Cost Savings

The anticipated entry of lemborexant's biosimilars can offer an opportunity for more affordable treatments and wider access to sleep therapy for millions of patients worldwide. This development could also put pressure on manufacturers to adjust their pricing strategy for existing products.

Sources:

[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/pharma/company/1690-merck-sharpe-d-d-division-ofschering-ploughcorporation/Drug/2021-10-26/US102-1023

Sources listed in the order they were referenced:

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com