MIVACRON Drug Patent Profile

When do Mivacron patents expire, and when can generic versions of Mivacron launch?

Mivacron is a drug marketed by Abbvie and is included in one NDA.

The generic ingredient in MIVACRON is mivacurium chloride. There are two drug master file entries for this compound. Additional details are available on the mivacurium chloride profile page.

Summary for MIVACRON

US Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1

US Patents and Regulatory Information for MIVACRON

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Abbvie	MIVACRON	mivacurium chloride	SOLUTION;INTRAVENOUS	020098-001	Jan 22, 1992		DISCN	Yes	No
Abbvie	MIVACRON IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER	mivacurium chloride	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020098-002	Jan 22, 1992		DISCN	No	No
Abbvie	MIVACRON	mivacurium chloride	SOLUTION;INTRAVENOUS	020098-004	Jan 22, 1992		DISCN	Yes	No
Abbvie	MIVACRON	mivacurium chloride	SOLUTION;INTRAVENOUS	020098-005	Jan 22, 1992		DISCN	Yes	No
Abbvie	MIVACRON IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER	mivacurium chloride	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020098-003	Jan 22, 1992		DISCN	No	No

International Patents for MIVACRON

See the table below for patents covering MIVACRON around the world.

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Austria	60759
Australia	4510885
Australia	574481
Bulgaria	60411
Canada	1273341	COMPOSES DE TYPE 1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDRO-6,7- DIMETHOXY-2-METHYL-2-(SUBSTITUANT)-TRIMETHYLENE-1- (3,4,5-TRIMETHOXYBENZYL)-ISOQUINOLINE (1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDRO-6,7-DIMETHOXY-2-METHYL-2- SUBSTITUTED TRIMETHYLENE-1-(3,4,5-TRIMETHOXYBENZYL)- ISOQUINOLINE COMPOUNDS)

Supplementary Protection Certificates for MIVACRON

Patent Number	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration	SPC Description
0181055	96C0001	Belgium		PRODUCT NAME: MIVACURIUM CHLORID.= MIVACURIUM (+5% OVERDOSERING); NAT REG.: 251 IS 152 F 12 19951114; FIRST REG.: GB 0003/0325 19921208
0181055	SPC/GB93/031	United Kingdom		SPC/GB93/031:, EXPIRES: 20071207

Last updated: February 16, 2026

What Is MIVACRON and Why Does It Matter?

MIVACRON is a brand name for vecuronium bromide, a muscle relaxant used during general anesthesia procedures. It is marketed globally by Merck (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada). As a neuromuscular blocking agent, it facilitates intubation and surgical procedures by inducing muscle paralysis.

What Are the Market Fundamentals for MIVACRON?

Market Size and Growth

• Global demand for neuromuscular blockers: Valued at approximately $1.1 billion in 2022, with a CAGR of 4.3% projected through 2030 (source: Mordor Intelligence).
• Key regional markets: North America (market share 40%), Europe (25%), Asia-Pacific (20%), Latin America and Africa (15%).
• Drivers: Increasing surgical procedures, rising prevalence of chronic diseases requiring hospitalizations, expanding aging populations.

Competitive Landscape

• Major players include:
  • Merck (MIVACRON)
  • GlaxoSmithKline (Intubating agent drugs)
  • Pfizer, in specific markets (e.g., atracurium)
• Patent status: Vecuronium's patent expired decades ago, leading to multiple generic entries.

Pricing and Reimbursement Trends

• Pricing: MIVACRON’s price has declined due to generic competition; estimate: ~$10 per vial (10 mg).
• Reimbursement: Varies by country; in the US, hospital-based procedures covered by standard anesthesia reimbursements.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain

• Merck owns manufacturing facilities ensuring supply stability.
• Production costs have likely decreased post-patent expiry, increasing margin pressure and intensifying price competition.

What Are the Investment Considerations?

Revenue Trends

• Revenue peaked in the early 2010s—post-patent expiry, gradual decline observed.
• Growth is primarily in emerging markets and through hospital procurement programs.

R&D and Patent Landscape

• No new patents filed for vecuronium; focus shifts to formulations and combination therapies.
• Limited pipeline development indicating minimal potential for high-growth innovations specific to MIVACRON.

Regulatory Environment

• Approval worldwide has remained stable.
• EMA and FDA approvals for generic versions are well established, with no major hurdles.
• Pressure for transparency and cost reduction influences pricing policies.

Strategic Risks

• Entry of advanced neuromuscular blocking agents with faster onset and shorter duration (e.g., rocuronium, atracurium) could reduce MIVACRON demand.
• Increased adoption of non-pharmacological management techniques or sedation options could also limit market growth.

Potential for Portfolio Diversification

• Merck’s broader portfolio includes anesthetics, antibiotics, vaccines, which could cushion declines from MIVACRON.
• Opportunities exist in developing controlled-release formulations or combination therapies, but barriers include R&D costs and regulatory hurdles.

Financial Metrics and Valuation Considerations

Aspect	Details
Revenue (2022)	Estimated $150–200 million globally, declining trend
Gross Margin	Estimated 50%, influenced by generic competition
Operating Margin	Approx. 20%, subdued by R&D and marketing expenses
Market share	Approximately 15% of neuromuscular blocker market in hospital settings

Investment Outlook

• Short-term: Marginal growth prospects due to volume declines.
• Long-term: Limited upside unless new formulations or indications emerge.
• Stock Impact: Merck's anesthesia segment contributes a small portion; broader company health should be monitored.

Key Takeaways

• MIVACRON faces steady revenue erosion driven by generic competition and superior alternatives.
• Market size is modest and growth slow, with regional variations favoring emerging markets.
• Patent expiry and limited pipeline investments suggest limited long-term growth prospects.
• Regulatory stability reduces barriers but doesn't offset pricing pressures.
• Diversification in Merck's portfolio may mitigate risks associated with MIVACRON’s revenue declines.

FAQs

1. How does MIVACRON compare with other neuromuscular blockers?

MIVACRON (vecuronium) has a moderate onset and duration. Rocuronium offers faster onset, and atracurium has fewer side effects, making them more preferable in certain settings.

2. What are the main drivers for demand in this drug category?

An increase in surgical procedures, aging populations, and hospitalizations for chronic diseases drive demand for neuromuscular agents.

3. How will generic competition impact MIVACRON’s market share?

It will likely continue to erode revenue, especially in regions with strict price controls and large generic penetration.

4. Are there any regulatory challenges for future MIVACRON formulations?

No significant recent regulatory hurdles are anticipated, but novel formulations would require extensive approval processes.

5. What alternatives could replace MIVACRON in clinical practice?

Faster-acting agents like rocuronium and alternative sedation protocols could reduce reliance on MIVACRON over time.

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References

[1] Mordor Intelligence. "Global Neuromuscular Blockers Market," 2022.
[2] IMS Health (IQVIA). "Hospital and Surgical Procedure Market Data," 2022.
[3] Merck Annual Report 2022.
[4] FDA and EMA approval databases.