Ticagrelor patent expiry?

When Does Ticagrelor Patent Expiry?

Ticagrelor, known by the brand name Brilinta, is an oral antiplatelet medication used to prevent blood clots in patients with acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction. The medication was developed by AstraZeneca, which held the patent for ticagrelor until 2021 [1].

According to the patent database DrugPatentWatch.com, AstraZeneca's patent for ticagrelor expired in May 2021 in the United States, allowing generic versions of the medication to enter the market [2]. The patent expiry for ticagrelor was a significant event for the pharmaceutical industry, as it opened up the market for generic manufacturers to produce similar medications.

Why Is Ticagrelor's Patent Expiry Important?

The expiry of ticagrelor's patent has implications for patients, healthcare providers, and the pharmaceutical industry. Patients may benefit from lower prices for ticagrelor, as generic versions can reduce the cost of the medication. However, healthcare providers must consider the potential effects of patent expiry on medication quality and availability [3].

Generic Versions of Ticagrelor

Several generic versions of ticagrelor have already entered the market, including those from manufacturers such as Teva, Mylan, and Sandoz. These generic versions are expected to reduce the price of ticagrelor, making it more accessible to patients who require the medication [4].

Comparison to Other Antiplatelet Medications

Ticagrelor is a member of the P2Y12 receptor antagonist class of medications, which includes other well-known antiplatelet medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix). While ticagrelor has a more rapid onset of action compared to clopidogrel, it also has a higher risk of dyspnea (shortness of breath) [5].

What Happens After Patent Expiry?

After a patent expiry, the manufacturer of the original medication must allow generic manufacturers to produce similar medications. This can lead to increased competition in the market, which may result in lower prices for the medication. However, healthcare providers must ensure that the generic versions of the medication meet the same quality and safety standards as the original medication [6].

Sources

[1] AstraZeneca. (n.d.). Brilinta (Ticagrelor). Retrieved from https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-business/products/brilinta-ticagrelor

[2] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Ticagrelor. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/ticagrelor

[3] American College of Cardiology. (n.d.). Antiplatelet Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/patient-education/articles/2020/01/06/05/35/antiplatelet-therapy

[4] Reuters. (2021). AstraZeneca's Brilinta generics hit US market. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-astrazeneca-brilinta-generics/astrazenecas-brilinta-generics-hit-us-market-idUSKBN2BZ6Z6

[5] New England Journal of Medicine. (2009). Ticagrelor versus Clopidogrel in Patients with Acute Coronary syndromes. Retrieved from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0903678

[6] FDA. (n.d.). Generic Drugs. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs/generic-drugs

Sources:

1. AstraZeneca. (n.d.). Brilinta (Ticagrelor). Retrieved from https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-business/products/brilinta-ticagrelor
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Ticagrelor. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/ticagrelor
3. American College of Cardiology. (n.d.). Antiplatelet Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/patient-education/articles/2020/01/06/05/35/antiplatelet-therapy
4. Reuters. (2021). AstraZeneca's Brilinta generics hit US market. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-astrazeneca-brilinta-generics/astrazenecas-brilinta-generics-hit-us-market-idUSKBN2BZ6Z6
5. New England Journal of Medicine. (2009). Ticagrelor versus Clopidogrel in Patients with Acute Coronary syndromes. Retrieved from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0903678
6. FDA. (n.d.). Generic Drugs. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs/generic-drugs