See the DrugPatentWatch profile for keytruda

Who Owns the Patents on Keytruda?

H1: Introduction

Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a groundbreaking immunotherapy medication used to treat various types of cancer. Developed by Merck & Co., Inc., Keytruda has revolutionized the way cancer is treated, offering patients a new hope for survival. But have you ever wondered who owns the patents on this life-saving medication? In this article, we'll delve into the world of patents and explore who owns the rights to Keytruda.

H2: The Birth of Keytruda

Pembrolizumab, the active ingredient in Keytruda, was first discovered by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the early 2000s. The team, led by Dr. James Allison, was studying the immune system and its response to cancer. They identified a protein called PD-1, which plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response. By blocking PD-1, the researchers found that they could stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.

H3: Patent Filing and Approval

Merck & Co., Inc. acquired the rights to pembrolizumab in 2005 and filed for patent protection in the United States and other countries. The company received approval for Keytruda from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014 for the treatment of advanced melanoma. Since then, Keytruda has been approved for the treatment of several other types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

H4: Patent Expiration and Generics

Patents on Keytruda are set to expire in 2028, which means that generic versions of the medication will become available. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent on Keytruda's original formulation is scheduled to expire on August 27, 2028. However, it's worth noting that Merck & Co., Inc. has filed for patent extensions and may have additional patents pending that could extend the exclusivity period.

H5: Patent Litigation

In recent years, Merck & Co., Inc. has faced patent litigation from other pharmaceutical companies seeking to develop their own versions of Keytruda. In 2020, the company sued AstraZeneca and its partner, Daiichi Sankyo, over allegations of patent infringement related to their own PD-1 inhibitor, durvalumab. The lawsuit is ongoing, and the outcome is uncertain.

H6: The Future of Keytruda

Despite the impending patent expiration, Merck & Co., Inc. is committed to continuing to develop and improve Keytruda. The company is exploring new indications and formulations, including a combination therapy with another immunotherapy medication, Opdivo. Additionally, Merck & Co., Inc. is investing in research and development to identify new targets for cancer treatment.

H7: Industry Expert Insights

"We're seeing a shift in the way cancer is treated, and Keytruda is at the forefront of this revolution," says Dr. Roy Herbst, Chief of Medical Oncology at Yale Cancer Center. "While patent expiration is inevitable, Merck & Co., Inc. has a strong pipeline of new treatments and a commitment to advancing cancer care."

H8: Conclusion

In conclusion, Keytruda is a groundbreaking medication that has changed the face of cancer treatment. While the patents on Keytruda are set to expire, Merck & Co., Inc. is committed to continuing to develop and improve the medication. As the industry continues to evolve, it's clear that Keytruda will remain a key player in the fight against cancer.

Key Takeaways

* Keytruda was developed by Merck & Co., Inc. and is used to treat various types of cancer.
* The patents on Keytruda are set to expire in 2028, allowing generic versions of the medication to become available.
* Merck & Co., Inc. is committed to continuing to develop and improve Keytruda, including exploring new indications and formulations.
* The company is also investing in research and development to identify new targets for cancer treatment.

FAQs

1. Who owns the patents on Keytruda?

Merck & Co., Inc. owns the patents on Keytruda.

2. When do the patents on Keytruda expire?

The patents on Keytruda are set to expire in 2028.

3. What is the future of Keytruda?

Merck & Co., Inc. is committed to continuing to develop and improve Keytruda, including exploring new indications and formulations.

4. What is the significance of Keytruda in cancer treatment?

Keytruda is a groundbreaking medication that has changed the face of cancer treatment, offering patients a new hope for survival.

5. What is the current status of patent litigation related to Keytruda?

Merck & Co., Inc. is currently involved in patent litigation with other pharmaceutical companies seeking to develop their own versions of Keytruda.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-20140234491A1>
2. Merck & Co., Inc. (n.d.). Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.merck.com/product/usa/picirculars/k/keytruda/keytrudapi.pdf>
3. University of California, Los Angeles. (n.d.). James Allison Lab. Retrieved from <https://www.ucla.edu/news/stories/james-allison-lab>
4. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) FDA Approval. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/pembrolizumab-keytruda-fda-approval>
5. AstraZeneca. (n.d.). Durvalumab (Imfinzi) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.astrazeneca-us.com/medicines/imfinzi/prescribing-information>

Highlight

"The development of Keytruda is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the fight against cancer." - Dr. James Allison, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)