Top 10 Blockbuster Drugs: The pharmaceutical landscape is on the brink of significant changes as major companies gear up for the expiration of patents on some of the world’s most influential drugs. The impact of these expirations reaches far beyond the corporate boardrooms, influencing healthcare systems and patient access. Let’s delve into the realm of pharmaceuticals and explore the impending off-patent status of ten blockbuster drugs in 2024.
The Importance of Drug Patents
The journey from drug discovery to market availability is a daunting one, costing approximately $5 billion and taking nearly 15 years. Pharmaceutical companies protect their innovations through patents, contributing significantly to their revenue. Studies suggest that patents account for about 80% of overall pharmaceutical company revenue.
Market Overview: pharmaceutical industries
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global patented drugs market was valued at $814.4 billion in 2022, with projections to reach $1,456.5 billion by 2032. This substantial market size reflects the economic significance of patented drugs globally.
The Impact of Expiring Patents
A 2018 report by EvaluatePharma projected that the expiration of patents between 2018 and 2024 could potentially wipe off $251 billion in branded drug sales for global pharmaceutical companies. This trend is already evident, as in 2023, the major blockbuster drug Humira lost its patent.
Exploring the Top 10 Blockbuster Drugs Going Off-Patent in 2024
Explore the imminent changes in the pharmaceutical domain as we unveil the top 10 blockbuster drugs set to go off-patent in 2024. This brief journey anticipates transformative shifts, emphasizing the evolving landscape of drug accessibility, innovation, and the crucial balance between affordability and patient well-being.
Abilify Maintaina Kit

Abilify Maintaina from Otsuka Pharmaceutical, with a revenue of $15.5 billion in 2022, is a revolutionary long-acting injectable antipsychotic that has gained immense popularity for treating schizophrenia. Set to lose its patent protection in October 2024, Abilify Maintaina contains aripiprazole in an extended-release injectable suspension, administered monthly for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Since its introduction in 2013, Abilify Maintaina has emerged as a cornerstone in the management of schizophrenia, and experts predict its continued dominance in this growing antipsychotic market.
– Revenue: $15.5 Billion (2022)
– Expected Off-Patent: October 2024
– A long-acting injectable antipsychotic gaining popularity for treating schizophrenia.
XARELTO
In the highly competitive anticoagulant drug market, Janssen Pharms’ Xarelto stands out as a top-selling drug. With its patent set to expire in August 2024, Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor used to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Additionally, it is prescribed for preventing deep vein thrombosis following knee or hip replacement surgery. As we bid farewell to its patent, the medical community anticipates shifts in prescribing practices within this critical therapeutic area.
– A leading drug in the anticoagulant market.
– Expected Off-Patent: August 2024
– Used to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism.
FARXIGA
AstraZeneca’s Farxiga has established itself as a major player in the anti-diabetic drug market. With an approximate annual revenue of $4.3 billion, this oral SGLT2 inhibitor has become a cornerstone in improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Although the exact date of its patent expiry is not specified, the pharmaceutical industry closely monitors the evolution of this blockbuster drug. Despite its efficacy, Farxiga’s usage is not without side effects, notably an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
– Revenue: Approximately $4.3 Billion
– Expected Off-Patent: Date not specified
– A significant player in the anti-diabetic drug market.
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Ozempic
Developed by Novo Nordisk, Ozempic (semaglutide) has rapidly ascended to blockbuster status, generating around $3.6 billion in annual sales. An injectable GLP-1 analogue approved for improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is poised to lose its patent protection in May 2024. Since its approval in 2017, Ozempic has not only contributed significantly to Novo Nordisk’s revenue but has also emerged as a preferred choice in the diabetes treatment landscape.
– Revenue: Approximately $3.6 Billion
– Expected Off-Patent: May 2024
– An injectable GLP-1 analogue for improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
LYNPARZA
AstraZeneca’s Lynparza, generating impressive sales of around $2.7 billion in 2022, is an oral PARP inhibitor renowned for treating certain types of advanced ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers caused by BRCA gene mutations. With its patent scheduled to expire in 2024, Lynparza has played a pivotal role in providing effective therapy for patients with BRCA mutations. As the pharmaceutical industry navigates the evolving landscape of cancer treatments, Lynparza’s patent expiry prompts reflections on the accessibility of innovative therapies.
– Revenue: Approximately $2.7 Billion (2022)
– Expected Off-Patent: 2024
– An oral PARP inhibitor for treating advanced ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers.
SYMBICORT
AstraZeneca’s Symbicort, a crucial player in the respiratory diseases segment, has been a stalwart in treating conditions like asthma and COPD since its approval in 2006. Anticipated to lose its patent protection in November 2024, Symbicort’s impact extends beyond revenue figures, influencing the lives of millions affected by respiratory conditions. As we approach the off-patent era, the respiratory drugs market anticipates adaptations in treatment plans and potential shifts toward more affordable alternatives.
– Expected Off-Patent: November 2024
– A crucial player in the respiratory diseases segment, particularly asthma and COPD.
ENTRESTO
Developed by Novartis, Entresto has proven to be a major player in the heart failure segment since its approval in 2015, generating sales of approximately $2.5 billion in 2022. This oral combination drug, consisting of sacubitril/valsartan, is designed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in patients with chronic heart failure. As Entresto’s patent faces expiration in May 2024, discussions within the medical community revolve around the potential impact on patient care, especially in the context of managing chronic heart conditions.
– Revenue: Approximately $2.5 Billion (2022)
– Expected Off-Patent: May 2024
– An oral combination drug for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in chronic heart failure patients.
LATUDA
Sunovion Pharmaceuticals’ Latuda, generating sales of approximately $1.8 billion in 2022, has emerged as a crucial player in the antipsychotic segment. Prescribed to treat schizophrenia, Latuda’s patent is slated to expire in February 2024. Since its approval in 2010, Latuda has not only become a go-to therapy option but also a significant revenue driver for Sunovion. As the pharmaceutical industry prepares for Latuda’s transition to generic status, stakeholders anticipate shifts in prescribing patterns and considerations for patients with schizophrenia.
– Revenue: Approximately $1.8 Billion (2022)
– Expected Off-Patent: February 2024
– A key player in the antipsychotic segment, prescribed to treat schizophrenia.
XIFAXAN
Salix Pharmaceuticals’ Xifaxan, generating impressive sales of around $1.6 billion in
2022, has played a pivotal role in the gastrointestinal diseases therapeutic area. Approved for treating IBS-D (diarrhea predominant) and hepatic encephalopathy, Xifaxan’s patent is set to expire in June 2024. As the pharmaceutical landscape adapts to the changing dynamics of gastrointestinal disease management, discussions revolve around the potential impact on patient access to effective treatments.
– Revenue: Approximately $1.6 Billion (2022)
– Expected Off-Patent: June 2024
– An oral antibiotic approved for treating IBS-D (diarrhea predominant) and hepatic encephalopathy.
CABOMETYX
Exelixis’ Cabometyx, a blockbuster drug with sales of approximately $1.4 billion in 2022, is approved for treating advanced renal cell carcinoma. With its patent set to expire in September 2024, Cabometyx has been a critical therapeutic option for patients both as a first-line treatment and after prior antiangiogenic therapy. The pharmaceutical community anticipates shifts in the landscape of renal cell carcinoma treatment as Cabometyx navigates the transition to generic status.
– Revenue: Approximately $1.4 Billion (2022)
– Expected Off-Patent: September 2024
– Approved for treating advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Navigating Shifts in the Pharmaceutical Landscape Post Patent Expirations
As we bid farewell to these pharmaceutical giants’ patent protections, the industry braces for significant shifts. Patients and healthcare providers will witness changes in drug accessibility, paving the way for generic alternatives. The expiration of these patents marks a transformative period in the pharmaceutical landscape, emphasizing the delicate balance between innovation, affordability, and patient well-being.