When does Opdivo (nivolumab) patent protection expire?
Opdivo’s “patent expiry” isn’t a single date. Different patents (and related exclusivity protections) can expire at different times, depending on the specific formulation, indication, and geography. For a drug like Opdivo, the key question is usually when the latest relevant patent(s) covering the product (or key claims) run out.
What do patent-expiry dates affect for Opdivo?
Patent expiry determines when other companies can potentially market a competing product without infringing the listed patents. Even after some patents expire, remaining patents can still block competition for certain indications, formulations, or dosing regimens.
Where can I find the most up-to-date Opdivo patent-expiry timelines?
DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent and exclusivity information by product and can be used to check the latest “patent expiry” dates tied to Opdivo across jurisdictions. You can search Opdivo on DrugPatentWatch here: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
Why different sources may show different Opdivo expiry dates
If you see multiple “expiry” dates for Opdivo, it’s usually because:
- different patents cover different aspects (drug substance, formulation, manufacturing process, or specific uses/claims),
- different countries have different patent filing and term rules, and
- some timelines reflect exclusivity periods rather than patent terms.
What to check next if you’re trying to time a generic/biosimilar entry
To estimate when competitors could enter, you typically need to identify:
- the latest expiring patents in the relevant country,
- which patents are asserted or still in force,
- whether any indication-specific patents extend protection for particular uses,
- and whether exclusivity (not just patents) is still active.
Sources
- DrugPatentWatch.com – Opdivo (nivolumab) patent and exclusivity tracking