Generic entry timeline

Vimpat generics — when can they launch?

Vimpat (lacosamide) · UCB · 9 active US patents · 0 expired

Earliest patent expiry
2040-06-05
14 years remaining
Full patent estate to
2040-06-05
complete protection through 2040
FDA approval
UCB

Where Vimpat sits in the generic timeline

Long-dated protection: earliest active US patent for Vimpat extends to 2040 (~14 years out). Generic competition is at least 4 years away. Lifecycle moves (new formulations, label extensions, combination filings) typically execute 18-36 months ahead of cliff.

Under US Hatch-Waxman, a generic enters via an ANDA (Abbreviated New Drug Application) and may file with one of four Paragraph IV certifications attacking the brand's listed patents. If the brand sues within 45 days, a 30-month FDA approval stay is triggered. First Para IV filer typically gets 180-day market exclusivity.

Patent estate by type — active patents

Method-of-use patents only carve out specific indications; generics can launch with a "skinny label" omitting those uses. Composition-of-matter patents block the molecule itself.

  • Method of Use — 9 patents

FDA U-codes carved out by Vimpat patents

Method-of-use patents are listed against specific FDA Patent Use Codes ("U-codes") representing carved-out indications. Generics can launch with a label that omits these uses.

U-codeDescription
U-3660(no description)
U-3954(no description)

Sample patent estate

Showing 6 of 9 active US patents. View full estate on the Vimpat drug page →

  • US11337943 Method of Use · expires 2040-06-05
    This patent protects a pharmaceutical composition and dosage form of lacosamide, specifically an extended release form, for treating neurological or psychiatric diseases or conditions.
    USPTO title: Lacosamide pharmaceutical composition and dosage form thereof
  • US11337943 Method of Use · expires 2040-06-05
    This patent protects a pharmaceutical composition and dosage form of lacosamide, specifically an extended release form, for treating neurological or psychiatric diseases or conditions.
    USPTO title: Lacosamide pharmaceutical composition and dosage form thereof
  • US11337943 Method of Use · expires 2040-06-05
    This patent protects a pharmaceutical composition and dosage form of lacosamide, specifically an extended release form, for treating neurological or psychiatric diseases or conditions.
    USPTO title: Lacosamide pharmaceutical composition and dosage form thereof
  • US12042474 Method of Use · expires 2040-06-05
    This patent protects a pharmaceutical composition and dosage form of lacosamide, specifically an extended release form, for treating neurological or psychiatric diseases or conditions.
    USPTO title: Lacosamide pharmaceutical composition and dosage form thereof
  • US11883374 Method of Use · expires 2040-06-05
    This patent protects a pharmaceutical composition and dosage form of lacosamide, specifically an extended release form, for treating neurological or psychiatric diseases or conditions.
    USPTO title: Lacosamide pharmaceutical composition and dosage form thereof
  • US11883374 Method of Use · expires 2040-06-05
    This patent protects a pharmaceutical composition and dosage form of lacosamide, specifically an extended release form, for treating neurological or psychiatric diseases or conditions.
    USPTO title: Lacosamide pharmaceutical composition and dosage form thereof

Sources

Patent term extensions (PTR, pediatric exclusivity), Hatch-Waxman 30-month stays, and FDA regulatory exclusivity (NCE/ODE/PED) may shift the effective generic entry date. Not legal advice.

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