See the DrugPatentWatch profile for prolia

When Will Generic Prolia Be Available in the US?

What is Prolia?

Prolia, also known as denosumab, is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, a condition characterized by bone loss and increased risk of fractures. It is administered as an injection every six months and has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of vertebral, non-vertebral, and hip fractures.

Current Availability and Pricing

As of now, Prolia is only available as a branded medication, marketed by Amgen. The medication is available in the US, but its high price has made it inaccessible to many patients. According to GoodRx, a popular online pharmacy comparison tool, the average cost of Prolia in the US is around $1,500 per injection, with a typical treatment course consisting of 6 injections per year.

When Will a Generic Version Be Available?

The good news is that a generic version of Prolia is expected to become available in the near future. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, a leading online resource for tracking pharmaceutical patents, the patent for Prolia is set to expire in 2023. This means that generic manufacturers will be able to produce their own versions of the medication, which could lead to significant cost savings for patients.

What Does This Mean for Patients?

The availability of a generic version of Prolia could have a significant impact on patients who rely on the medication to manage their osteoporosis. With a generic version available, patients may be able to access the medication at a lower cost, making it more affordable and increasing access to this important treatment.

How Much Will a Generic Version of Prolia Cost?

It's difficult to predict exactly how much a generic version of Prolia will cost, as it will depend on a variety of factors, including the manufacturer, production costs, and market conditions. However, it's likely that a generic version of the medication will be significantly cheaper than the branded version.

What Can Patients Do in the Meantime?

While patients wait for a generic version of Prolia to become available, there are several steps they can take to reduce the cost of their medication. These include:

* Negotiating with your doctor: Patients can ask their doctor if they can prescribe a smaller dose or a different medication that may be more affordable.
* Using online pharmacy discount cards: Online pharmacy discount cards, such as GoodRx, can help patients save up to 80% on their medication costs.
* Considering alternative treatments: Patients may want to consider alternative treatments for osteoporosis, such as bisphosphonates or teriparatide, which may be more affordable.

Conclusion

The availability of a generic version of Prolia is a significant development for patients who rely on this medication to manage their osteoporosis. With a generic version expected to become available in the near future, patients may be able to access this important treatment at a lower cost. In the meantime, patients can take steps to reduce the cost of their medication, such as negotiating with their doctor, using online pharmacy discount cards, and considering alternative treatments.

FAQs

Q: When will a generic version of Prolia be available in the US?
A: A generic version of Prolia is expected to become available in 2023, when the patent for the medication expires.

Q: How much will a generic version of Prolia cost?
A: The cost of a generic version of Prolia will depend on a variety of factors, including the manufacturer, production costs, and market conditions. However, it's likely that a generic version of the medication will be significantly cheaper than the branded version.

Q: What can patients do in the meantime to reduce the cost of their medication?
A: Patients can negotiate with their doctor, use online pharmacy discount cards, and consider alternative treatments to reduce the cost of their medication.

Q: Is Prolia available in other countries?
A: Yes, Prolia is available in many countries around the world, including Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Q: Can I get a discount on Prolia through a patient assistance program?
A: Yes, Amgen offers a patient assistance program for Prolia, which can help eligible patients receive the medication at a reduced cost.

Sources:

1. Amgen. (n.d.). Prolia (Denosumab) Injection. Retrieved from <https://www.amgen.com/our-science/therapeutic-area/osteoporosis/prolia>
2. GoodRx. (n.d.). Prolia (Denosumab) Prices. Retrieved from <https://www.goodrx.com/prolia>
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Prolia (Denosumab) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-date/Prolia>