See the DrugPatentWatch profile for yervoy

How Long Does Yervoy's Discount Period Last?

Understanding the Patent Expiration Timeline

Yervoy, also known as ipilimumab, is a medication used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma and lung cancer. As a biologic therapy, it has a complex patent landscape that affects its availability and pricing. In this article, we'll delve into the world of patent expiration and explore how long Yervoy's discount period is expected to last.

What is Yervoy?

Yervoy is a monoclonal antibody that works by boosting the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. It was approved by the FDA in 2011 for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma, and later expanded to include the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patent Expiration Timeline

Yervoy's patent is owned by Bristol-Myers Squibb, a multinational pharmaceutical company. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Yervoy's original patent (US Patent 7,572,721) expired on March 24, 2020. However, the company has filed for multiple patents related to the medication, which have varying expiration dates.

Patent Extensions and Exclusivity Periods

In the United States, the Hatch-Waxman Act allows drug manufacturers to file for patent extensions and exclusivity periods, which can extend the patent protection beyond the original expiration date. These extensions can be granted for up to five years, providing additional time for the company to recoup its investment in research and development.

Yervoy's Discount Period

The discount period for Yervoy refers to the time frame during which the medication is no longer protected by patent exclusivity, allowing generic or biosimilar versions to enter the market. According to a report by EvaluatePharma, Yervoy's discount period is expected to begin in 2025, when the last of the company's patent extensions expire.

Impact on Pricing and Availability

The discount period will likely lead to increased competition in the market, which can drive down prices and increase availability of the medication. This is because generic or biosimilar versions of Yervoy will be able to enter the market, offering patients more treatment options and potentially lower costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Yervoy's discount period is expected to begin in 2025, when the last of the company's patent extensions expire. This will mark the end of patent exclusivity for the medication, allowing generic or biosimilar versions to enter the market. As the patent expiration timeline unfolds, patients and healthcare providers can expect increased competition and potentially lower prices for this life-saving medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What is Yervoy used to treat?
A: Yervoy is used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma and lung cancer.

2. Q: How long does Yervoy's discount period last?
A: Yervoy's discount period is expected to begin in 2025, when the last of the company's patent extensions expire.

3. Q: What is the impact of the discount period on pricing and availability?
A: The discount period is likely to lead to increased competition in the market, driving down prices and increasing availability of the medication.

4. Q: Who owns the patent for Yervoy?
A: Bristol-Myers Squibb owns the patent for Yervoy.

5. Q: What is the original patent expiration date for Yervoy?
A: The original patent expiration date for Yervoy is March 24, 2020.

Cited Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Yervoy (ipilimumab) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-7572721>
2. EvaluatePharma. (n.d.). Yervoy (ipilimumab) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.evaluatepharma.com/therapeutic-area/cancer/yervoy-ipilimumab-patent-expiration>