See the DrugPatentWatch profile for keytruda

Keytruda, a drug manufactured by Merck & Co., was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in cancer treatment on September 4, 2014 [1]. Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a type of medication called an immune checkpoint inhibitor, which helps the body's immune system fight cancer [1].

The FDA approved Keytruda for the treatment of advanced melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in adults and children aged 12 years and older [1]. The approval was based on a clinical trial that showed Keytruda helped some patients live longer than those who received chemotherapy [1].

Since its initial approval, Keytruda has received additional approvals from the FDA for the treatment of several other types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, urothelial carcinoma, and microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) cancer [1].

It is worth noting that, according to DrugPatentWatch.com, Keytruda's patent is set to expire in 2028, which may lead to the introduction of generic versions of the drug [2]. However, it is important to note that the FDA must approve any generic version of Keytruda before it can be sold in the United States [2].

In summary, Keytruda was approved by the FDA for use in cancer treatment in 2014 and has since received additional approvals for the treatment of several other types of cancer. Keytruda's patent is set to expire in 2028, which may lead to the introduction of generic versions of the drug.

Sources:

[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). FDA approves Merck’s KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) as first-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with PD-L1 expression. <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-mercks-keytruda-pembrolizumab-first-line-treatment-patients-advanced-non-small-cell-lung-cancer-nsclc-pd-l1>.

[2] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) patent. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/keytruda>.