Top 10 Blockbuster Drug Patents Expiring in 2026
1. 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). | |||
| US8329648 | ASTRAZENECA | Methods for treating diabetes and reducing body weight |
Aug, 2026
(6 months from now) |
| US8906851 | ASTRAZENECA | Method for treating diabetes |
Aug, 2026
(6 months from now) |
|
US6515117 (Pediatric) | ASTRAZENECA | C-aryl glucoside SGLT2 inhibitors and method |
Apr, 2026
(a month from now) |
2. 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 protects the active chemical substance. Only drug patent owner can launch products that use this active substance. | |||
| US8536122 | NOVO NORDISK | Acylated GLP-1 compounds |
Mar, 2026
(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). | |||
| US9108002 | NOVO NORDISK | Automatic injection device with a top release mechanism |
Jan, 2026
(18 days ago) |
| US11097063 | NOVO NORDISK | Syringe device with a dose limiting mechanism and an additional safety mechanism |
Jul, 2026
(5 months from now) |
| US9775953 | NOVO NORDISK | Dose mechanism for an injection device for limiting a dose setting corresponding to the amount of medicament left |
Jul, 2026
(5 months from now) |
| US10376652 | NOVO NORDISK | Automatic injection device with a top release mechanism |
Jan, 2026
(18 days ago) |
| US8920383 | NOVO NORDISK | Dose mechanism for an injection device for limiting a dose setting corresponding to the amount of medicament left |
Jul, 2026
(5 months from now) |
| US10357616 | NOVO NORDISK | Injection device with an end of dose feedback mechanism |
Jan, 2026
(18 days ago) |
| US9861757 | NOVO NORDISK | Injection device with an end of dose feedback mechanism |
Jan, 2026
(18 days ago) |
| US9616180 | NOVO NORDISK | Automatic injection device with a top release mechanism |
Jan, 2026
(18 days ago) |
| USRE46363 | NOVO NORDISK | Dial-down mechanism for wind-up pen |
Aug, 2026
(5 months from now) |
| US11311679 | NOVO NORDISK | Automatic injection device with a top release mechanism |
Jan, 2026
(18 days ago) |
| US10220155 | NOVO NORDISK | Syringe device with a dose limiting mechanism and an additional safety mechanism |
Jul, 2026
(5 months from now) |
3. 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). | |||
| US7587988 | ASTRAZENECA | Inhaler device counter |
Apr, 2026
(2 months from now) |
|
US7587988 (Pediatric) | ASTRAZENECA | Inhaler device counter |
Oct, 2026
(8 months from now) |
4. 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). | |||
| US9388134 | NOVARTIS | Compounds containing S-N-valeryl-N-{[2′-(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl)-valine and (2R,4S)-5-biphenyl-4-yl-4-(3-carboxy-propionylamino)-2-methyl-pentanoic acid ethyl ester moieties and cations |
Nov, 2026
(8 months from now) |
5. GENVOYA
Revenue: $2.3 Billion
Genvoya is a blockbuster HIV combination drug marketed by Gilead Sciences. In 2022, this fixed-dose tablet generated revenue of around $2.3 billion. Approved in 2015, Genvoya contains elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, providing a complete HIV treatment regimen in one pill taken once daily. Compared to older HIV regimens, Genvoya offers improved efficacy, tolerability, and higher barriers to resistance. Its convenience and favorable safety profile has made Genvoya a recommended first-line treatment option for HIV. Despite availability of generic component drugs, Genvoya's popularity as a branded, single-tablet regimen continues to drive its commercial success as a leading blockbuster HIV therapy for Gilead. However, the company faces market share competition from other potent and well-tolerated HIV combination products.
| 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. | |||
| US7635704 | GILEAD | Stable crystal of 4-oxoquinoline compound |
Oct, 2026
(8 months from now) |
| US7176220 | GILEAD | 4-oxoquinoline compound and use thereof as pharmaceutical agent |
Aug, 2026
(6 months from now) |
| US8981103 | GILEAD | Stable crystal of 4-oxoquinoline compound |
Oct, 2026
(8 months from now) |
6. PRADAXA
Revenue: $1.8 Billion
The oral anticoagulant market has seen substantial growth in recent years, driven by new options like Pradaxa from Boehringer Ingelheim. Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) is a direct thrombin inhibitor approved for reducing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation and treating venous thromboembolism. As an alternative to warfarin, Pradaxa provides more convenient anticoagulation without regular blood monitoring. Despite some bleeding risks, Pradaxa has been widely adopted since its approval in 2010, generating impressive sales of around $1.8 billion for Boehringer Ingelheim in 2022. However, lower-cost generics have started eroding Pradaxa's market share. Still, its efficacy and brand recognition makes Pradaxa an important player in the competitive anticoagulant space, although future revenue growth is uncertain due to generic competition.
| 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). | |||
|
US7932273 (Pediatric) | BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM | 3-[(2-{[4-(hexyloxycarbonylaminoiminomethyl) phenylamino]methyl}-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-5-carbonyl)pyridin-2-ylamino]propionic acid ethylester methansulfonate and its use as a medicament |
Mar, 2026
(27 days from now) |
7. 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). | |||
| US9555027 | SUNOVION | Pharmaceutical composition |
May, 2026
(3 months from now) |
| US8729085 | SUNOVION | Pharmaceutical composition |
May, 2026
(3 months from now) |
| US9907794 | SUNOVION | Pharmaceutical composition |
May, 2026
(3 months from now) |
| US8883794 | SUNOVION | Pharmaceutical composition |
May, 2026
(3 months from now) |
|
US8729085 (Pediatric) | SUNOVION | Pharmaceutical composition |
Nov, 2026
(9 months from now) |
|
US8883794 (Pediatric) | SUNOVION | Pharmaceutical composition |
Nov, 2026
(9 months from now) |
|
US9907794 (Pediatric) | SUNOVION | Pharmaceutical composition |
Nov, 2026
(9 months from now) |
8. JENTADUETO
Revenue: $1.7 Billion
The Type 2 diabetes market continues to grow globally, with combination therapies gaining significant use. One such combination is Jentadueto from Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly, which generated sales of around $1.7 billion in 2022. Jentadueto contains linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride, combining a DPP-4 inhibitor with metformin in a single pill. By tackling Type 2 diabetes through complementary mechanisms, Jentadueto provides improved glycemic control compared to the individual components alone. Since its approval in 2012, Jentadueto has become an important option for doctors and patients looking to intensify diabetes management beyond metformin. However, the recent introduction of a generic version of Jentadueto is expected to substantially impact revenue going forward. Still, the convenience and efficacy of the combination gives Jentadueto an edge in the competitive diabetes 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). | |||
|
US8883805 (Pediatric) | BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM | Process for the preparation of chiral 8-(3-aminopiperidin-1-yl)-xanthines |
May, 2026
(3 months from now) |
9. XELJANZ
Revenue: $1.6 Billion
Xeljanz, developed by Pfizer, is a blockbuster drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that generated revenue of around $1.6 billion in 2022. Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is an oral small-molecule Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that was approved in 2012 for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults. As a targeted immunosuppressant, Xeljanz can reduce joint inflammation and damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Since its launch, Xeljanz has become an important treatment option for rheumatologists and patients looking for an alternative to biologic DMARDs. However, Xeljanz does carry risks like serious infections, malignancies, and thrombosis. Despite these safety concerns, Xeljanz continues to be a successful blockbuster franchise for Pfizer thanks to its oral administration and efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. But it faces biosimilar competition on the horizon.
| 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). | |||
|
USRE41783 (Pediatric) | PF PRISM CV | Pyrrolo[2,3-D]pyrimidine compounds |
Jun, 2026
(3 months from now) |
10. XELJANZ XR
Revenue: $1.6 Billion
In addition to the original immediate-release Xeljanz, Pfizer also markets Xeljanz XR, an extended-release formulation of tofacitinib. Approved in 2015, Xeljanz XR generates comparable annual sales to Xeljanz IR, around $1.6 billion. As an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, Xeljanz XR provides sustained exposure over 24 hours with once daily dosing. This makes it more convenient than twice daily Xeljanz IR for patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Like the original, Xeljanz XR can reduce inflammation and halt progression of joint damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it carries similar safety risks of serious infections and other side effects. While facing impending biosimilar threats, the Xeljanz franchise remains an important blockbuster for Pfizer thanks to the efficacy and oral administration of Xeljanz XR and Xeljanz.
| 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). | |||
|
USRE41783 (Pediatric) | PFIZER | Pyrrolo[2,3-D]pyrimidine compounds |
Jun, 2026
(3 months from now) |