Cozaar generics — when can they launch?
Cozaar (LOSARTAN POTASSIUM) · Merck & Co. · 2 active US patents · 0 expired
Where Cozaar sits in the generic timeline
Long-dated protection: earliest active US patent for Cozaar extends to 2041 (~15 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 — 1 patent
- Formulation — 1 patent
FDA U-codes carved out by Cozaar 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-code | Description |
|---|---|
U-4158 | (no description) |
Sample patent estate
Showing 2 of 2 active US patents. View full estate on the Cozaar drug page →
-
This patent protects stable, liquid pharmaceutical compositions of losartan, including methods for preparing and using them to treat a subject.USPTO title: Losartan liquid formulations and methods of use
-
This patent protects stable, liquid pharmaceutical compositions of losartan, including methods of preparation and use for treating a subject in need of losartan.USPTO title: Losartan liquid formulations and methods of use
Sources
- FDA Orange Book — patents listed against Cozaar (NDA filed 1995)
- Cozaar drug profile — full patent estate, indications, clinical trials, pricing
- Merck & Co. patent portfolio
- Patent cliff 2041 — every drug losing US exclusivity that year
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.
Get generic entry alerts
Free Pharma CI alerts on Cozaar — get notified the moment an ANDA Paragraph IV certification is filed, a 30-month stay is triggered, or a generic launches. First 2 drugs free.
Subscribe free →