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Who Currently Holds Keytruda's Patents?

Introduction

Keytruda, a groundbreaking immunotherapy drug, has revolutionized the treatment of various types of cancer. Developed by Merck & Co., Inc., Keytruda has become a leading treatment option for patients with advanced melanoma, lung cancer, and other types of cancer. As a result, the patents associated with Keytruda have become highly valuable. In this article, we will explore who currently holds the patents for Keytruda.

Keytruda's Patent History

Keytruda's patent history dates back to 2006, when Merck & Co., Inc. first filed a patent application for the drug. The patent was granted in 2011, with the patent number being US 7,923,444. This patent covered the use of Keytruda as a treatment for various types of cancer, including melanoma and lung cancer.

Patent Expiration

The patent for Keytruda is set to expire in 2028, which means that other pharmaceutical companies will be able to develop and market their own versions of the drug. However, Merck & Co., Inc. has already taken steps to extend the patent life of Keytruda through various means, including patent extensions and new patent applications.

Patent Extensions

In 2018, Merck & Co., Inc. received a patent extension for Keytruda, which extended the patent life of the drug by an additional 6 months. This extension was granted due to the company's efforts to develop new uses for Keytruda, including its use as a treatment for breast cancer.

New Patent Applications

Merck & Co., Inc. has also filed new patent applications for Keytruda, which will help to extend the patent life of the drug. For example, in 2020, the company filed a patent application for a new formulation of Keytruda that is designed to be more effective in treating certain types of cancer.

Who Currently Holds Keytruda's Patents?

As of 2023, Merck & Co., Inc. still holds the patents for Keytruda. However, the company is expected to lose its patent exclusivity in 2028, which will allow other pharmaceutical companies to develop and market their own versions of the drug.

Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry

The expiration of Keytruda's patents will have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry. Other companies will be able to develop and market their own versions of the drug, which will increase competition in the market and potentially drive down prices. Additionally, the expiration of Keytruda's patents will also lead to the development of new treatments and therapies, which will improve patient outcomes and increase access to care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Merck & Co., Inc. currently holds the patents for Keytruda, but the company's patent exclusivity is set to expire in 2028. The expiration of Keytruda's patents will have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry, increasing competition and driving innovation. As the patent landscape continues to evolve, it will be important for pharmaceutical companies to continue to develop new treatments and therapies to meet the needs of patients.

FAQs

1. What is Keytruda?
Keytruda is a groundbreaking immunotherapy drug that has revolutionized the treatment of various types of cancer.

2. Who developed Keytruda?
Keytruda was developed by Merck & Co., Inc.

3. When was Keytruda's patent granted?
Keytruda's patent was granted in 2011.

4. When does Keytruda's patent expire?
Keytruda's patent is set to expire in 2028.

5. What will happen when Keytruda's patent expires?
When Keytruda's patent expires, other pharmaceutical companies will be able to develop and market their own versions of the drug, increasing competition and driving innovation.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US7923444>
2. Merck & Co., Inc. (n.d.). Keytruda. Retrieved from <https://www.merck.com/product/usa/picirculars/k/keytruda/keytrudapi.pdf>
3. United States Patent and Trademark Office. (n.d.). Patent Full-Text and Image Database. Retrieved from <https://patft.uspto.gov/>