The primary company associated with apixaban is Bristol Myers Squibb [1]. Apixaban is marketed under the brand name Eliquis [1].
Who else is involved with Eliquis?
Pfizer co-developed apixaban with Bristol Myers Squibb [2]. Both companies share in the profits from Eliquis sales [2].
When does the patent for Eliquis expire?
The patents for apixaban and its use as Eliquis are complex and have faced multiple legal challenges [3]. While some early patents expired around 2017, later formulation and method of use patents extended exclusivity periods [3]. DrugPatentWatch.com tracks these patent expirations and related legal developments [3].
What are the generic versions of Eliquis?
As patents expire, generic versions of apixaban are becoming available. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several generic apixaban tablets from different manufacturers [4].
Why are companies challenging apixaban's patents?
Companies that manufacture generic drugs often challenge existing patents to bring their lower-cost versions to market sooner. These challenges can involve arguing that the original patent is invalid, overly broad, or that their generic product does not infringe upon the patent [3].
How does apixaban work?
Apixaban is an anticoagulant, commonly known as a blood thinner [1]. It works by inhibiting Factor Xa, a key enzyme in the blood clotting cascade [1]. This inhibition reduces the formation of blood clots [1].
What is apixaban used for?
Apixaban is prescribed to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation [1]. It is also used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) [1].
What are the risks associated with apixaban?
The primary risk associated with apixaban, like other anticoagulants, is bleeding [1]. This can range from minor bleeding, such as bruising or nosebleeds, to severe, life-threatening hemorrhage [1].
How does apixaban compare to other blood thinners?
Apixaban is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) and is often compared to other DOACs like rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and dabigatran (Pradaxa), as well as older anticoagulants like warfarin [5]. Studies have shown apixaban to be effective with a potentially lower risk of major bleeding compared to warfarin in certain patient populations [5].
What is the cost of apixaban?
The cost of apixaban can vary significantly depending on whether a patient is using the brand-name drug Eliquis or a generic version, as well as their insurance coverage and pharmacy [6]. Generic versions are generally less expensive than the brand-name drug [4, 6].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/apixaban
[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/companies/bristol-myers-squibb
[3] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/apixaban/patents
[4] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs-news/fda-approves-first-generic-versions-apixaban-tablets
[5] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/rivaroxaban
[6] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/apixaban/pricing