The imminent expiry of a large wave of pharmaceutical patents by 2035 will create major growth opportunities for generic and biosimilar manufacturers while pressuring branded drugmakers to innovate or face revenue loss
Executive summary: A large number of pharmaceutical patents are scheduled to expire in the coming years, creating a patent cliff expected to unfold by 2035. The expirations will enable generic and biosimilar manufacturers to increase sales and reduce drug costs for health systems, while incumbent pharma firms face pressure to replenish pipelines or diversify.
Who is involved: Branded pharmaceutical companies, generic and biosimilar manufacturers, healthcare payers and regulators.
Likely next: Accelerated launch of generic and biosimilar products, potential pricing pressure on originator drugs, and strategic responses such as increased R&D or M&A by originators.
Le Monde reports that a unprecedented wave of drug patents is set to expire in the coming years, leading to a so‑called “patent cliff” that will allow generic and biosimilar firms to capture market share and enable health‑care systems to cut costs. The article notes that this development represents both an opportunity for lower‑cost medicines and a challenge for originator pharmaceutical companies that rely on patent‑protected sales. No specific figures or timelines beyond the 2035 horizon are provided in the source.
Timeline
- — La « falaise des brevets », ce grand chambardement à venir dans l’industrie pharmaceutique d’ici à 2035 (Le Monde — Économie)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- Branded pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Generic drug manufacturers
- Biosimilar manufacturers
Sources
- La « falaise des brevets », ce grand chambardement à venir dans l’industrie pharmaceutique d’ici à 2035 — Le Monde — Économie
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