See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has had a notable impact on the competitiveness of the antibiotic market due to its patent status. The drug, developed by Wyeth (now Pfizer), received approval from the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections.

The patent for tigecycline, which was set to expire in 2023, was extended by the US Patent and Trademark Office in 2013. This extension granted Pfizer an additional six years of market exclusivity for the drug, pushing the expiration date to 2029 [1]. This decision has had significant implications for the antibiotic market.

The extended patent has allowed Pfizer to maintain its monopoly on tigecycline, preventing generic competitors from entering the market [1]. As a result, Pfizer has been able to maintain higher prices for the drug, reducing the incentive for other companies to invest in research and development of similar antibiotics [2]. This has limited the availability of alternative treatment options for patients and healthcare providers.

Moreover, the lack of competition has also hindered innovation in the field of antibiotics. With no generic alternatives available, there is less pressure on Pfizer to improve tigecycline or develop new antibiotics [3]. This is particularly concerning given the growing issue of antibiotic resistance, which highlights the need for new and diverse treatment options [4].

In summary, the patent for tigecycline has had a substantial impact on the competitiveness of the antibiotic market. The extended patent has allowed Pfizer to maintain its monopoly on the drug, limiting competition, innovation, and access to alternative treatment options.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2023). Tigecycline (Tygacil) Patent Expiration & Generics. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/tigecycline-tygacil-patent-expiration-generics/
[2] The Economist. (2017). Drug patents and the high price of monopolies. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/leaders/2017/03/23/drug-patents-and-the-high-price-of-monopolies
[3] The Lancet Infectious Diseases. (2018). Tigecycline for the treatment of severe infections. Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(18)30155-3/fulltext
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/biggest-threats.html