Generic entry timeline

Lorbrena generics — when can they launch?

Lorbrena (lorlatinib) · Pfizer · 8 active US patents · 0 expired

Earliest patent expiry
2033-03-05
7 years remaining
Full patent estate to
2038-10-04
complete protection through 2038
FDA approval
2018
Pfizer

Where Lorbrena sits in the generic timeline

Long-dated protection: earliest active US patent for Lorbrena extends to 2033 (~7 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.

  • Composition of Matter — 4 patents
  • Method of Use — 2 patents
  • Formulation — 2 patents

FDA U-codes carved out by Lorbrena 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-2633(no description)

Sample patent estate

Showing 6 of 8 active US patents. View full estate on the Lorbrena drug page →

  • US8680111 Composition of Matter · expires 2033-03-05
    This patent protects compounds that inhibit anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and/or EML4-ALK for treating or ameliorating abnormal cell proliferative disorders such as cancer.
    USPTO title: Macrocyclic derivatives for the treatment of diseases
  • US8680111 Composition of Matter · expires 2033-03-05
    This patent protects compounds that inhibit anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and/or EML4-ALK for treating or ameliorating abnormal cell proliferative disorders such as cancer.
    USPTO title: Macrocyclic derivatives for the treatment of diseases
  • US10420749 Method of Use · expires 2036-07-27
    This patent protects a crystalline form of the drug lorlatinib free base, known as Form 7, used in treating abnormal cell growth, such as cancer, in mammals.
    USPTO title: Crystalline form of lorlatinib free base
  • US10420749 Method of Use · expires 2036-07-27
    This patent protects a crystalline form of the drug lorlatinib free base, known as Form 7, used in treating abnormal cell growth, such as cancer, in mammals.
    USPTO title: Crystalline form of lorlatinib free base
  • US11020376 Formulation · expires 2036-07-27
    This patent protects a crystalline form of lorlatinib free base, known as Form 7, used in pharmaceutical compositions for treating abnormal cell growth, such as cancer, in mammals.
    USPTO title: Crystalline form of lorlatinib free base
  • US11020376 Formulation · expires 2036-07-27
    This patent protects a crystalline form of lorlatinib free base, known as Form 7, used in pharmaceutical compositions for treating abnormal cell growth, such as cancer, in mammals.
    USPTO title: Crystalline form of lorlatinib free base

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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