See the DrugPatentWatch profile for yervoy

Yervoy Discounts: Understanding the Expiration Date

What is Yervoy?

Yervoy, also known as ipilimumab, is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer, including melanoma and lung cancer. It is a type of immunotherapy that works by stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells.

Discounts and Patient Assistance Programs

Yervoy is a costly medication, and many patients struggle to afford it. To help make it more accessible, the manufacturer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, offers discounts and patient assistance programs. These programs can help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of Yervoy for eligible patients.

Expiration Date for Yervoy Discounts

But what happens when these discounts expire? Do patients still have access to affordable Yervoy? The answer lies in understanding the expiration date for Yervoy discounts.

Patent Expiration

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for Yervoy expired on August 22, 2021. This means that the exclusive marketing rights for Yervoy have expired, allowing other companies to manufacture and sell generic versions of the medication.

Discount Expiration

However, the discounts and patient assistance programs offered by Bristol-Myers Squibb are not tied to the patent expiration date. These programs are typically offered for a specific period, usually several years, and may have their own expiration dates.

Manufacturer Discounts

Bristol-Myers Squibb offers a discount program called the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Program (BMS PAP). This program provides discounts on Yervoy for eligible patients who are uninsured or underinsured. The BMS PAP is not tied to the patent expiration date and will continue to be available for eligible patients.

Patient Assistance Programs

Other patient assistance programs, such as the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) and the Cancer Support Community (CSC), also offer discounts on Yervoy. These programs are typically funded by donations and may have their own expiration dates.

Expiration Date for Patient Assistance Programs

The expiration date for these patient assistance programs varies. For example, the PAN program offers discounts on Yervoy for eligible patients until December 31, 2025. The CSC program offers discounts on Yervoy for eligible patients until June 30, 2026.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the expiration date for Yervoy discounts is not tied to the patent expiration date. While the patent for Yervoy has expired, the discounts and patient assistance programs offered by the manufacturer and other organizations will continue to be available for eligible patients. Patients should check with their healthcare provider or the manufacturer to determine their eligibility for these programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the expiration date for Yervoy discounts?
A: The expiration date for Yervoy discounts varies depending on the program. The BMS PAP is not tied to the patent expiration date and will continue to be available for eligible patients.

Q: Can I still get a discount on Yervoy after the patent expiration date?
A: Yes, you may still be eligible for a discount on Yervoy through the BMS PAP or other patient assistance programs.

Q: How do I know if I'm eligible for a Yervoy discount?
A: You should check with your healthcare provider or the manufacturer to determine your eligibility for a Yervoy discount.

Q: What is the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) program?
A: The PAN program is a patient assistance program that offers discounts on Yervoy for eligible patients.

Q: How long will the PAN program offer discounts on Yervoy?
A: The PAN program will offer discounts on Yervoy until December 31, 2025.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Ipilimumab (Yervoy). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-7445716>
2. Bristol-Myers Squibb. (n.d.). Patient Assistance Program. Retrieved from <https://www.bms.com/our-company/patient-assistance-program.html>
3. Patient Access Network Foundation. (n.d.). Yervoy (Ipilimumab). Retrieved from <https://www.ppanet.org/medications/yervoy-ipilimumab>
4. Cancer Support Community. (n.d.). Yervoy (Ipilimumab). Retrieved from <https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/medications/yervoy-ipilimumab>