See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

The patent extension for tigecycline, an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, can have a significant impact on drug prices. Tigecycline, marketed under the brand name Tygacil, is a crucial antibiotic for treating complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections, as well as community-acquired bacterial pneumonia [1].

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted a patent extension for tigecycline in 2020, extending the drug's exclusivity period by six months [2]. This extension prevents generic versions of tigecycline from entering the market, allowing the drug's manufacturer, Pfizer, to maintain its market share and pricing power [3].

Patent extensions can contribute to higher drug prices for several reasons. First, the exclusivity period prevents competitors from producing and selling generic versions of the drug [4]. As a result, the manufacturer can maintain its monopoly and charge higher prices for the drug. Additionally, the lack of competition can lead to decreased incentives for the manufacturer to reduce costs, further contributing to higher drug prices.

Furthermore, patent extensions can delay the entry of generic drugs, which are typically less expensive than their brand-name counterparts [5]. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, generic drugs can cost up to 80% less than brand-name drugs [6]. Therefore, the tigecycline patent extension can lead to higher drug prices for patients, healthcare providers, and insurers.

In summary, the tigecycline patent extension can contribute to higher drug prices by preventing competitors from producing and selling generic versions of the drug. This exclusivity period allows the manufacturer to maintain its monopoly and charge higher prices for the drug, leading to increased costs for patients, healthcare providers, and insurers.

Sources:
[1] FDA. (2021). Tygacil (tigecycline) injection, for intravenous use. <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/tygacil-tigecycline-injection-intravenous-use>
[2] USPTO. (2020). Pfizer Inc. - Patent Term Extension. <https://ptab.uspto.gov/extension.html#/details?office=US&number=9090233&type=PTE>
[3] Reuters. (2020). Pfizer gets six-month patent extension for antibiotic Tygacil in U.S. <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pfizer-patent-idUSKBN27P2UZ>
[4] FDA. (2021). Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers. <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-prescription-drug-approval-process-new-drugs/generic-drugs-questions-and-answers>
[5] FDA. (2021). Biosimilars: Information for Healthcare Professionals. <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/biosimilars/biosimilars-information-healthcare-professionals>
[6] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2021). Generic Drug Savings. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/resources/generic-drug-savings/>