Top 10 Blockbuster Drug Patents Expiring in 2024
1. ABILIFY MAINTENA KIT
Revenue: $15.5 Billion
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics are gaining popularity for treating schizophrenia, offering more consistent medication delivery. A leading drug in this category is Abilify Maintena from Otsuka Pharmaceutical, which generated impressive sales of around $15.5 billion in 2022. Abilify Maintena consists of aripiprazole in an extended release injectable suspension, dosed monthly for maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults. By providing steady levels of the drug, Abilify Maintena avoids daily pills and improves adherence. Since its approval in 2013, Abilify Maintena has become a prime choice for patients and doctors managing schizophrenia. Despite requiring in-office injections, the efficacy and convenience has driven strong revenue growth for Otsuka. With long-acting injectables gaining traction, Abilify Maintena is poised to continue dominating this growing antipsychotic market.
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | |||
| US8030313 | OTSUKA PHARM CO LTD | Controlled release sterile injectable aripiprazole formulation and method |
Oct, 2024
(a month from now) |
| US7807680 | OTSUKA PHARM CO LTD | Controlled release sterile injectable aripiprazole formulation and method |
Oct, 2024
(a month from now) |
| US8722679 | OTSUKA PHARM CO LTD | Controlled release sterile injectable aripiprazole formulation and method |
Oct, 2024
(a month from now) |
2. XARELTO
Revenue: $4.5 Billion
Blood thinners are big business, with the anticoagulant drug market expected to reach $10 billion by 2024. One of the top-selling drugs in this category is Xarelto, developed by Janssen Pharms. Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor that is used to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It is also used for preventing deep vein thrombosis which may lead to pulmonary embolism following knee or hip replacement surgery. While hugely successful, Xarelto has faced lawsuits over allegations of severe and sometimes fatal bleeding events. However, it remains a blockbuster drug for Janssen. With its patent expiring in the next few years, it will be interesting to see if lower-cost generics can compete with this blood thinner giant.
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | |||
| US7157456 | JANSSEN PHARMS | Substituted oxazolidinones and their use in the field of blood coagulation |
Aug, 2024
(11 days ago) |
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | |||
| US9415053 | JANSSEN PHARMS | Solid, orally administrable pharmaceutical composition |
Nov, 2024
(2 months from now) |
3. FARXIGA
Revenue: $4.3 Billion
Diabetes medications are a major market, with new drug classes like SGLT2 inhibitors generating billions in sales. One of the top drugs in this class is Farxiga, developed by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is an oral SGLT2 inhibitor used for improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, both as monotherapy and as an add-on treatment. By preventing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, Farxiga causes excess glucose to be eliminated through urination. This provides substantial and sustained reductions in blood glucose levels. Since its launch, Farxiga has become a blockbuster diabetes drug for AstraZeneca, generating annual sales of around $4.3 billion, though it does come with side effects like urinary tract infections. As the diabetes epidemic grows worldwide, Farxiga is well-positioned to continue generating significant revenue.
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | |||
| US9238076 | ASTRAZENECA AB | Polymer-based sustained release device |
Apr, 2024
(4 months ago) |
4. OZEMPIC
Revenue: $3.6 Billion
The incretin mimetic class of diabetes medications continues to see substantial growth, driven by new GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic from Novo Nordisk. Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable GLP-1 analogue used for improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients. By mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, Ozempic stimulates insulin release and suppresses glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Since its approval in 2017, Ozempic has rapidly become a blockbuster diabetes drug for Novo Nordisk, generating annual sales of around $3.6 billion. However, it does require daily or weekly injection and has side effects like nausea. Still, with the growing diabetes population and strong efficacy, Ozempic is poised for continued commercial success for Novo Nordisk.
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | |||
| US7762994 | NOVO | Needle mounting system and a method for mounting a needle assembly |
May, 2024
(3 months ago) |
5. OXYCONTIN
Revenue: $3 Billion
OxyContin (oxycodone controlled-release) is a powerful prescription opioid painkiller manufactured and marketed by Purdue Pharma. First approved in 1995, OxyContin generated over $3 billion in annual sales at its peak, making it the top-selling opioid painkiller in the U.S. However, OxyContin has also been at the center of the prescription opioid addiction epidemic, with Purdue Pharma paying out billions in legal settlements over allegations of deceptive marketing practices. While still available today for severe pain when alternative treatments are inadequate, OxyContin prescriptions have declined sharply in recent years as restrictions have tightened and public awareness of opioid addiction risks has grown. The story of OxyContin provides a cautionary tale about the pharmaceutical industry's pursuit of blockbuster profits and the tragic human consequences that can result.
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | |||
| US8114383 | PURDUE PHARMA LP | Abuse-proofed dosage form |
Oct, 2024
(a month from now) |
6. LYNPARZA
Revenue: $2.7 Billion
Cancer medications remain a major pharmaceutical growth area, with innovative new drugs like PARP inhibitors gaining traction. One such drug is Lynparza from AstraZeneca, which generated impressive sales of around $2.7 billion last year. Lynparza (olaparib) is an oral PARP inhibitor used for treating certain types of advanced ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers caused by BRCA gene mutations. By blocking the PARP enzyme, Lynparza prevents cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA, causing cancer cell death. Since its initial approval in 2014, Lynparza has become an important therapy for patients with BRCA mutations. Despite some side effects like nausea and fatigue, Lynparza's strong efficacy and lack of competition has made it a commercial success for AstraZeneca, establishing it as a leader in the promising PARP inhibitor class.
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | |||
| US7981889 | ASTRAZENECA | Phthalazinone derivatives |
Oct, 2024
(a month from now) |
| US7449464 | ASTRAZENECA | Phthalazinone derivatives |
Oct, 2024
(a month from now) |
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | |||
| US8912187 | ASTRAZENECA | Phthalazinone derivatives |
Mar, 2024
(5 months ago) |
| US9566276 | ASTRAZENECA | Phthalazinone derivatives |
Mar, 2024
(5 months ago) |
| US9169235 | ASTRAZENECA | Phthalazinone derivatives |
Mar, 2024
(5 months ago) |
7. SYMBICORT
Revenue: $2.5 Billion
Respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD represent a significant market for pharmaceutical companies. A leading drug in this category is Symbicort from AstraZeneca, which generated sales of around $2.5 billion last year. Symbicort contains two active ingredients - budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta2-agonist bronchodilator. By combining both ingredients, Symbicort provides effective anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects in a single inhaler for patients with asthma or COPD. Since its approval in 2006, Symbicort has become one of AstraZeneca's most successful respiratory drugs. Its ability to improve symptoms and reduce exacerbations has made it a go-to maintenance therapy for many patients. While cheap generic versions are now available, Symbicort remains a billion-dollar blockbuster franchise for AstraZeneca.
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | |||
| US8875699 | ASTRAZENECA | Inhaler cap strap |
Nov, 2024
(2 months from now) |
8. ENTRESTO
Revenue: $2.5 Billion
Heart failure is a major health concern, with few recent blockbuster drugs emerging. One exception is Entresto from Novartis, which generated impressive sales of around $2.5 billion in 2022. Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) is an oral combination drug used for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in patients with chronic heart failure. By enhancing the protective neurohormonal systems while suppressing the harmful effects, Entresto helps improve outcomes. Since its FDA approval in 2015, Entresto has become a blockbuster heart failure drug for Novartis. Its ability to significantly reduce heart failure hospitalizations compared to older drugs like ACE inhibitors has driven its commercial success. With an aging population and rising prevalence of heart failure, Entresto is positioned to continue generating robust revenue growth for Novartis.
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | |||
|
US7468390 (Pediatric) | NOVARTIS PHARMS CORP | Methods of treatment and pharmaceutical composition |
May, 2024
(3 months ago) |
9. LATUDA
Revenue: $1.8 Billion
The market for antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder continues to grow. One of the leading drugs in this class is Latuda from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, which generated sales of around $1.8 billion in 2022. Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic approved for treating schizophrenia and depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. It works by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. Compared to older antipsychotics, Latuda has demonstrated improved efficacy for the treatment of depressive symptoms in addition to psychotic symptoms. Since its approval in 2010, Latuda has become an important therapy option and a major revenue driver for Sunovion, despite requiring titration and taking with food. With mental health awareness rising, the market for branded antipsychotics like Latuda is expected to remain strong.
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | |||
| US9815827 | SUNOVION PHARMS INC | Agent for treatment of schizophrenia |
Feb, 2024
(6 months ago) |
| US9174975 | SUNOVION PHARMS INC | Remedy for integration dysfunction syndrome |
Feb, 2024
(6 months ago) |
|
US9174975 (Pediatric) | SUNOVION PHARMS INC | Remedy for integration dysfunction syndrome |
Aug, 2024
(19 days ago) |
10. XIFAXAN
Revenue: $1.6 Billion
Gastrointestinal diseases represent a major therapeutic area, with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) being a key growth segment. A leading drug for IBS is Xifaxan from Salix Pharmaceuticals, which generated impressive sales of around $1.6 billion in 2022. Xifaxan (rifaximin) is an oral antibiotic approved for treating IBS-D (diarrhea predominant) and hepatic encephalopathy. It works by reducing bacterial overgrowth and production of toxins that can disrupt GI function. Though not absorbable, Xifaxan provides targeted antibiotic effects in the gut. Since its approval for IBS in 2015, Xifaxan has become the top-selling drug for Salix and a go-to therapy for patients with IBS-D looking for symptom relief. With its patent protection and lack of generics, Xifaxan is positioned as a billion-dollar franchise for Salix moving forward.
| Drug Patent Number | Company | Drug Patent Title | Drug Patent Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| These drug patents protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | |||
| US8835452 | SALIX PHARMS | Polymorphic forms α, β and γ of rifaximin |
Jun, 2024
(2 months ago) |
| US8158781 | SALIX PHARMS | Polymorphic forms α, β and γ of rifaximin |
Jun, 2024
(2 months ago) |
| US7612199 | SALIX PHARMS | Polymorphic forms α, β, and γ of rifaximin |
Jun, 2024
(2 months ago) |
| US7902206 | SALIX PHARMS | Polymorphic forms α, β and γ of rifaximin |
Jun, 2024
(2 months ago) |
| US7045620 | SALIX PHARMS | Polymorphous forms of rifaximin, processes for their production and use thereof in medicinal preparations |
Jun, 2024
(2 months ago) |
| These drug patents focus on the other aspects of the active substance like dosage, mode of administration (oral, tablet, capsules, liquids etc). | |||
| US8158781 | SALIX PHARMS | Polymorphic forms α, β and γ of rifaximin |
Jun, 2024
(2 months ago) |
| US8158644 | SALIX PHARMS | Pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymorphic forms α, β, and γ of rifaximin |
Jun, 2024
(2 months ago) |
| US7612199 | SALIX PHARMS | Polymorphic forms α, β, and γ of rifaximin |
Jun, 2024
(2 months ago) |
| US8853231 | SALIX PHARMS | Pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymorphic forms α, β, and γ of rifaximin |
Jun, 2024
(2 months ago) |
| US7045620 | SALIX PHARMS | Polymorphous forms of rifaximin, processes for their production and use thereof in medicinal preparations |
Jun, 2024
(2 months ago) |
| US7902206 | SALIX PHARMS | Polymorphic forms α, β and γ of rifaximin |
Jun, 2024
(2 months ago) |