10 High Cost Drugs Losing Patent Protection in 2016
Generic drugs are generally lower cost for insurers than brand name drugs. Here are 10 drugs coming off patent in 2016. Although the FDA has not yet approved generics for these drugs they are in the pipeline. The drugs are listed below:
1. Humira - used for: Rheumatoid arthritis
Manufactured by: Abbvie
Estimated annual sales: $12.54 billion
Generic approved: Biosimilars in the pipeline, no generic approved
2. Crestor - used for: Lower bad cholesterol (LDL), raise good cholesterol
Manufactured by: AstraZeneca
Estimated annual sales: $6.4 billion
Generic approved: N/A
3. Benicar - used for: High blood pressure
Manufactured by: Daiichi Sankyo
Estimated annual sales: $2.6 billion
Generic approved: N/A
4. Zetia - used for: High cholesterol
Manufactured by: Merck
Estimated annual sales: $2.6 billion
Generic approved: N/A
5. Seroquel XR - used for: Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Manufactured by: AstraZeneca
Estimated annual sales: $1.3 billion
Generic approved: N/A
6. AcipHex Sprinkle - used for: Acid reflux, ulcers
Manufactured by: Eisai
Estimated annual sales: $1.2 billion
Generic approved: November 2013
7. Epzicon - used for: HIV
Manufactured by: Viiv Healthcare
Estimated annual sales: $1.1 billion
Generic approved: N/A
8. Kaletra - used for: HIV
Manufactured by: Abbott
Estimated annual sales: $1 billion
Generic approved: N/A
9. Norvir - used for: HIV
Manufactured by: Abbott
Estimated annual sales: $962 million
Generic approved: Jan 15, 2015
10. Ambisome - used for: anti-fungal medicine
Manufactured by: Gilead
Estimated annual sales: $493 million
Generic approved: N/A
