Generic entry timeline

Lyrica generics — when can they launch?

Lyrica (Pregabalin) · Pfizer Inc. · 18 active US patents · 0 expired

Earliest patent expiry
2026-11-02
expired
Full patent estate to
2027-05-02
complete protection through 2027
FDA approval
Pfizer Inc.

Where Lyrica sits in the generic timeline

All listed Orange Book patents for Lyrica have expired. Generic entry is permitted, and ANDA filers can launch without patent infringement risk. Hatch-Waxman exclusivity (NCE/ODE/PED) may still apply if recently approved.

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.

  • Other — 9 patents
  • Method of Use — 6 patents
  • Formulation — 3 patents

FDA U-codes carved out by Lyrica 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-2137(no description)
U-2136(no description)

Sample patent estate

Showing 6 of 18 active US patents. View full estate on the Lyrica drug page →

  • US9144559 Formulation · expires 2026-11-02
    This patent protects a solid pharmaceutical composition containing pregabalin, suitable for once daily oral administration.
    USPTO title: Solid pharmaceutical compositions containing pregabalin
  • US10022447 Method of Use · expires 2026-11-02
    This patent protects a solid pharmaceutical composition containing pregabalin, suitable for once daily oral administration.
    USPTO title: Solid pharmaceutical compositions containing pregabalin
  • US9144559 Formulation · expires 2026-11-02
    This patent protects a solid pharmaceutical composition containing pregabalin, suitable for once daily oral administration.
    USPTO title: Solid pharmaceutical compositions containing pregabalin
  • US9144559 Formulation · expires 2026-11-02
    This patent protects a solid pharmaceutical composition containing pregabalin, suitable for once daily oral administration.
    USPTO title: Solid pharmaceutical compositions containing pregabalin
  • US8945620 Method of Use · expires 2026-11-02
    This patent protects a solid pharmaceutical composition containing pregabalin, suitable for once daily oral administration.
    USPTO title: Solid pharmaceutical compositions containing pregabalin
  • US10022447 Method of Use · expires 2026-11-02
    This patent protects a solid pharmaceutical composition containing pregabalin, suitable for once daily oral administration.
    USPTO title: Solid pharmaceutical compositions containing pregabalin

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.

Get generic entry alerts

Free Pharma CI alerts on Lyrica — 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 →