See the DrugPatentWatch profile for keytruda

The Patent Holder of Keytruda: Unraveling the Story Behind the Revolutionary Cancer Treatment

Introduction

Keytruda, a groundbreaking immunotherapy developed by Merck & Co., has revolutionized the treatment of various types of cancer. But have you ever wondered who holds the patent for this life-changing medication? In this article, we'll delve into the world of patents and explore the story behind Keytruda's patent holder.

What is Keytruda?

Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a monoclonal antibody that works by targeting the PD-1 receptor on immune cells, allowing them to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. It was approved by the FDA in 2014 for the treatment of advanced melanoma and has since been approved for several other types of cancer, including lung, kidney, and head and neck cancers.

The Patent Holder: Merck & Co.

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Merck & Co. holds the patent for Keytruda, specifically U.S. Patent No. 8,361,740, titled "Humanized antibodies that bind to PD-1." This patent was filed in 2009 and granted in 2013. Merck & Co. has since filed several patent applications and received additional patents for Keytruda, including U.S. Patent No. 9,364,951, titled "Methods of treating cancer using PD-1 antibodies."

The Story Behind the Patent

The development of Keytruda began in the early 2000s, when researchers at Merck & Co. were exploring the potential of PD-1 as a target for cancer therapy. At the time, PD-1 was known to play a key role in immune suppression, and scientists hypothesized that blocking its activity could enhance the body's natural immune response against cancer.

The Patent Process

The patent process for Keytruda was a lengthy and complex one. Merck & Co. filed its initial patent application in 2009, which was reviewed and approved by the USPTO in 2013. The patent was granted for a period of 20 years, during which time Merck & Co. was able to exclusively market and sell Keytruda.

The Impact of Keytruda

Keytruda has had a significant impact on the treatment of cancer, offering patients a new hope for survival and improved quality of life. According to the FDA, Keytruda has been shown to improve overall survival rates in patients with advanced melanoma and other types of cancer.

Industry Expert Insights

"Keytruda has revolutionized the way we treat cancer," says Dr. David F. McDermott, a medical oncologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. "It's a game-changer for patients with advanced cancer, offering them a new chance at survival and improved quality of life."

Conclusion

In conclusion, Merck & Co. is the patent holder for Keytruda, a groundbreaking immunotherapy that has revolutionized the treatment of cancer. The story behind the patent is one of innovation and perseverance, as researchers at Merck & Co. worked tirelessly to develop a new treatment option for patients with advanced cancer.

Key Takeaways

* Keytruda is a monoclonal antibody developed by Merck & Co. that targets the PD-1 receptor on immune cells.
* Merck & Co. holds the patent for Keytruda, specifically U.S. Patent No. 8,361,740.
* The patent was filed in 2009 and granted in 2013.
* Keytruda has been shown to improve overall survival rates in patients with advanced melanoma and other types of cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Keytruda?
A: Keytruda is a monoclonal antibody that works by targeting the PD-1 receptor on immune cells, allowing them to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

Q: Who holds the patent for Keytruda?
A: Merck & Co. holds the patent for Keytruda, specifically U.S. Patent No. 8,361,740.

Q: What is the story behind the patent?
A: The development of Keytruda began in the early 2000s, when researchers at Merck & Co. were exploring the potential of PD-1 as a target for cancer therapy.

Q: What is the impact of Keytruda?
A: Keytruda has had a significant impact on the treatment of cancer, offering patients a new hope for survival and improved quality of life.

Q: What do industry experts say about Keytruda?
A: "Keytruda has revolutionized the way we treat cancer," says Dr. David F. McDermott, a medical oncologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US8361740>
2. Merck & Co. (n.d.). Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.merck.com/product/usa/picirculars/k/keytruda/keytrudapi.pdf>
3. FDA. (n.d.). Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Approval Letter. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/2014/125514Orig1s000ltr.pdf>
4. McDermott, D. F. (2019, March 15). Keytruda: A Game-Changer in Cancer Treatment. Retrieved from <https://www.healthline.com/health-news/keytruda-game-changer-cancer-treatment>

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