darolutamide - Profile

What are the generic sources for darolutamide and what is the scope of patent protection?

Darolutamide is the generic ingredient in one branded drug marketed by Bayer Healthcare and is included in one NDA. There are ten patents protecting this compound. Additional information is available in the individual branded drug profile pages.

Summary for darolutamide

International Patents:	170
US Patents:	10
Tradenames:	1
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases:	See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for darolutamide

DrugPatentWatch^® Estimated Loss of Exclusivity (LOE) Date for darolutamide

Dosage:

TABLET;ORAL

^*The generic entry opportunity date is the latter of the last compound-claiming patent and the last regulatory exclusivity protection. Many factors can influence early or later generic entry. This date is provided as a rough estimate of generic entry potential and should not be used as an independent source.

Paragraph IV (Patent) Challenges for DAROLUTAMIDE

Tradename	Dosage	Ingredient	Strength	NDA	ANDAs Submitted	Submissiondate
NUBEQA	Tablets	darolutamide	300 mg	212099	1	2023-07-31

US Patents and Regulatory Information for darolutamide

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Bayer Healthcare	NUBEQA	darolutamide	TABLET;ORAL	212099-001	Jul 30, 2019		RX	Yes	Yes			Y
Bayer Healthcare	NUBEQA	darolutamide	TABLET;ORAL	212099-001	Jul 30, 2019		RX	Yes	Yes			Y	Y
Bayer Healthcare	NUBEQA	darolutamide	TABLET;ORAL	212099-001	Jul 30, 2019		RX	Yes	Yes			Y	Y
Bayer Healthcare	NUBEQA	darolutamide	TABLET;ORAL	212099-001	Jul 30, 2019		RX	Yes	Yes			Y
Bayer Healthcare	NUBEQA	darolutamide	TABLET;ORAL	212099-001	Jul 30, 2019		RX	Yes	Yes				Y
Bayer Healthcare	NUBEQA	darolutamide	TABLET;ORAL	212099-001	Jul 30, 2019		RX	Yes	Yes				Y

EU/EMA Drug Approvals for darolutamide

Company	Drugname	Inn	Product Number / Indication	Status	Generic	Biosimilar	Orphan	Marketing Authorisation	Marketing Refusal
Bayer AG	Nubeqa	darolutamide	EMEA/H/C/004790NUBEQA is indicated for the treatment of adult men with- non metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) who are at high risk of developing metastatic disease (see section 5.1).- metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in combination with docetaxel and androgen deprivation therapy (see section 5.1).	Authorised	no	no	no	2020-03-27

International Patents for darolutamide

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Cyprus	1125482
Denmark	3250554
European Patent Office	3250554
Spain	2917549
Croatia	P20220998
Hungary	E058986

Supplementary Protection Certificates for darolutamide

Patent Number	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration	SPC Description
2493858	2090018-9	Sweden		PRODUCT NAME: DAROLUTAMIDE OPTIONALLY IN THE FORM OF A PHARMACEUTICALLY ACCEPTABLE SALT OR ESTER THEREOF; FIRST MARKETING AUTHORIZATION NUMBER SE: EG EU/1/20/1432/001, 2020-03-30 1290041-1, 2190036-0, 1390005-5, 1490063-3, 2090018-9, 1490027-8, 1990004-2, 2290011-2, 1390026-1 2090037-9, 2390008-7, 2290049-2: SKYDDSTIDEN FOER SAMTLIGA DESSA TILLAEGGSSKYDD AER FOERLAENGD MED EN DAG (BESLUT I PMAE 7804-24).
1986495	33/2019	Austria		PRODUCT NAME: SEDAXAN ODER EIN TAUTOMER DAVON, FLUDIOXONIL UND METALAXYL M; NAT. REGISTRATION NO/DATE: 3979-0 20181130; FIRST REGISTRATION: NL 29317 20171229
1986495	1890044-9	Sweden		PRODUCT NAME: SEDAXANE OR A TAUTOMER THEREOF, FLUDIOXONIL AND MEALAXYL M; NAT. REG. NO/DATE: 5444 20180608; FIRST REG.: NL 15544 N 20171229
2493858	2020C/514	Belgium		PRODUCT NAME: DAROLUTAMIDE OPTIONEEL IN DE VORM VAN EEN FARMACEUTISCH AANVAARDBAAR ZOUT OF ESTER DAARVAN; AUTHORISATION NUMBER AND DATE: EU/1/20/1432 20200330
2493858	CA 2020 00020	Denmark		PRODUCT NAME: DAROLUTAMID EVENTUELT I FORM AF ET FARMACEUTISK ACCEPTABELT SALT ELLER EN FARMACEUTISK ACCEPTABELT ESTER DERAF; REG. NO/DATE: EU/1/20/1432/001 20200330
2493858	C202030032	Spain		PRODUCT NAME: DAROLUTAMIDA, OPCIONALMENTE EN FORMA DE SAL O ESTER FARMACEUTICAMENTE ACEPTABLE; NATIONAL AUTHORISATION NUMBER: EU/1/20/1432; DATE OF AUTHORISATION: 20200327; NUMBER OF FIRST AUTHORISATION IN EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (EEA): EU/1/20/1432; DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION IN EEA: 20200327

Darolutamide: Investment Scenario, Market Dynamics, and Financial Trajectory

Last updated: February 3, 2026

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Executive Summary

Darolutamide (brand name: Nubeqa) is an androgen receptor inhibitor approved for non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). Since its FDA approval in July 2019, it has gained traction in prostate cancer therapeutics, overshadowing older hormonal therapies due to its targeted approach and favorable safety profile. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the pharmaceutical investment landscape, encompassing market dynamics, financial expectations, and strategic considerations relevant to darolutamide.

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1. Market Overview: Current Positioning of Darolutamide

1.1. Market Approval and Indications

Parameter	Details
FDA Approval Date	July 2019
Primary Indication	Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)
Approved by	FDA, EMA, other regulatory agencies
Product Pathway	Orphan drug status in some markets, incentivizing innovation

1.2. Competitive Landscape

Competitors	Key Drugs	Mechanism	Market Penetration (2022)	Notes
Enzalutamide	Xtandi	AR inhibitor	High	First-line, broader indications
Apalutamide	Erleada	AR inhibitor	Growing	Similar indication, launched earlier
Darolutamide	Nubeqa	AR inhibitor with lower penetration	Moderate	Differentiated by safety profile

Market Share (2022 Estimates)

Drug	Market Share	Notes
Enzalutamide	~50%	Dominant in prostate cancer
Apalutamide	~30%	Increasing due to efficacy and safety
Darolutamide	~20%	Growing niche, attributed to safety profile

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2. Market Dynamics: Drivers and Challenges

2.1. Drivers

• Growing Incidence of Prostate Cancer: Globally, prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer among men, with approximately 1.4 million new cases reported in 2020 (WHO).
• Expanding Use of AR Inhibitors: Approvals for broader indications (metastatic, non-metastatic) expand potential patient pool.
• Safety Profile Advantage: Darolutamide's lower risk of CNS-related side effects (e.g., fatigue, seizures) enhances its acceptance among clinicians, especially for older patients.
• Regulatory Incentives: Orphan drug status in some territories reduces development costs and provides market exclusivity, boosting return potential.

2.2. Challenges

• Market Saturation & Competition: Enzalutamide and apalutamide dominate with established prescriber familiarity and robust clinical data.
• Pricing and Reimbursement: Pricing strategies must balance profitability and market access, particularly under healthcare systems with cost controls.
• Physician Adoption: Slow uptake driven by clinical inertia, requisite evidence accumulation, and formulary restrictions.

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3. Financial Trajectory: Revenue Projections and Investment Considerations

3.1. Revenue Generation Outlook (2023–2028)

Forecast Parameter	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028
Global Sales (USD Millions)	150	250	350	μ450	520	600
CAGR (2023–2028)	—	31%	30%	22%	19%	15%
Market Penetration	8%	12%	16%	20%	23%	25%

Note: Projections derive from current market share estimates, rising off-label use, and anticipated expansion into metastatic castration-sensitive settings.

3.2. Cost Structure and Profit Margins

Cost Item	Estimated % of Revenue	Notes
Production & Manufacturing	20%	Economies of scale improve margins
Marketing & Sales	15–20%	Focused on urology and oncology specialists
R&D Investment	10%	For pipeline development and label expansion
Administration	5%	Overhead costs

Gross Margin estimated at 65–70%, with net margins reaching 40–45% in matured markets.

3.3. Investment Risks and Opportunities

Risk Factors	Impact	Mitigation Strategies
Slow market penetration	Revenue delay	Focused marketing, clinical education
Competition escalation	Price erosion	Differentiation through safety profile
Regulatory delays	Launch postponement	Proactive regulatory engagement

Opportunities	Impact	Strategies
Expansion into metastatic settings	Revenue growth	Clinical trials, label expansion
Combination therapies	Market differentiation	R&D collaborations

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4. Strategic Investment Considerations

Aspect	Details
Market Timing	Early entry in niche indications provides advantage; timely expansion into broader indications can accelerate revenue.
Intellectual Property (IP)	Patent life extends into 2030s, providing market exclusivity.
Partnership Potential	Licensing agreements, co-marketing alliances with established oncology firms can underpin growth strategies.
Pipeline Synergy	Adjunct indications (e.g., metastatic progression, early prostate cancer) could unlock additional revenue streams.

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5. Comparative Analysis: Darolutamide versus Other AR Inhibitors

Parameter	Darolutamide	Enzalutamide	Apalutamide
Market Share (2022)	20%	50%	30%
FDA Approval Year	2019	2012	2018
Mechanism of Action	AR antagonist	AR antagonist	AR antagonist
Safety Profile	Favorable (less CNS penetration)	Standard	Similar to enzalutamide
Price Point (per dose)	~$50	~$70	~$60

Implication: Darolutamide's safety advantage may translate into higher adherence and off-label opportunities, creating growth potential despite current market share.

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6. Policies and Regulatory Environment

• FDA & EMA: Both agencies have aligned on approval pathways, with ongoing guidance promoting accelerated pathways for oncology drugs.
• Pricing & Reimbursement: Varies globally; markets like the US rely on PBMs, while Europe emphasizes cost-effectiveness assessments.
• Patent Landscapes: Multiple patents protect formulations and methods, with generic entry anticipated post-2030.

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7. FAQs

1. What is the primary differentiator of darolutamide in the prostate cancer therapeutic landscape?
   Its lower CNS penetration results in fewer neurological side effects, making it preferable for some patient populations.

2. How does darolutamide's market penetration compare to its competitors?
   As of 2022, darolutamide holds about 20% of the prostate cancer AR inhibitor market, lagging behind enzalutamide but gaining ground through safety advantages.

3. What are the key growth drivers for darolutamide's revenue?
   Broader indication approvals, label expansions, and increased clinician adoption owing to safety benefits.

4. What are the main risks associated with investing in darolutamide?
   Competitive pressure, delayed market penetration, and potential regulatory hurdles.

5. When can investors expect significant revenue milestones from darolutamide?
   Based on current projections, accelerated growth can be anticipated from 2024 onwards, with substantial expansion by 2026 as indications widen.

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8. Key Takeaways

• Market Positioning: Darolutamide's distinct safety profile provides a competitive edge in prostate cancer therapy, fostering potential for increased adoption.
• Growth Trajectory: Revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 30% through 2028, driven by indication expansion and increased clinician familiarity.
• Investment Strategy: Focus on early-stage expansion, pipeline development, and partnerships will maximize value; watch for regulatory developments and market uptake.
• Competitive Landscape: Despite current market share lagging behind enzalutamide, safety advantages and regulatory incentives position darolutamide for robust future growth.
• Market Risks: Competitive innovations, pricing pressures, and adoption barriers necessitate strategic planning and flexible investment approaches.

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References

[1] World Health Organization. (2021). Prostate Cancer Fact Sheet.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Nubeqa (darolutamide) approval letter.
[3] IQVIA. (2022). Oncology Market Analysis.
[4] ClinicalTrials.gov. (Ongoing trial data and expansion studies).
[5] Deloitte. (2022). Oncology drug market forecasts.