Omalizumab now off-Patent?

[Matman]

Belief the patient for omalizumab ran out last year and that other makers of drugs may be looking to introduce bio-similars at (presumably) a lower price point.

If any anyone knows if new Omalizumab Bio-similars are yet licensed for use in the UK, it would be good to here from you, with the drug’s brand name.

Even though I’d be applying through the NHS, if the price of the Bio-similar was much cheaper then the original drug, if might mean the waiting time will reduce, as - at my clinic - someone, it seems, has to drop off the list before another gets on it.

Thanks in advance for any reply.

[PMRPete]

April 3, 2018

"In its annual report, Novartis notes that the drug's compound patent expires this year (2018), while other syringe formulation patents expire in 2021 and 2024."

"But while a key patent expires in 2018, it's unclear when any biosimilars could challenge the drug which treats allergic asthma in patients 6 and older and chronic idiopathic urticaria in patients 12 and older. According to the Generics and Biosimilars Initiative, Glenmark and Sorrento have biosimilars in development, but neither has submitted their programs for FDA approval. "

fiercepharma.com/special-re...

[Matman in reply to PMRPete]

Thanks very much Pete, that makes it a lot clearer.

So still a fair old wait before the price (and thus maybe the NHS availability ) might improve. Still, least I know now. Happy New Year.