OCALIVA Drug Patent Profile

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

Ocaliva is a drug marketed by Intercept Pharms Inc and is included in one NDA. There are seven patents protecting this drug and one Paragraph IV challenge.

This drug has one hundred and twenty-three patent family members in thirty-seven countries.

The generic ingredient in OCALIVA is obeticholic acid. There is one drug master file entry for this compound. Additional details are available on the obeticholic acid profile page.

DrugPatentWatch^® Generic Entry Outlook for Ocaliva

Ocaliva was eligible for patent challenges on May 27, 2020.

There have been eight patent litigation cases involving the patents protecting this drug, indicating strong interest in generic launch. Recent data indicate that 63% of patent challenges are decided in favor of the generic patent challenger and that 54% of successful patent challengers promptly launch generic drugs.

There is one tentative approval for the generic drug (obeticholic acid), which indicates the potential for near-term generic launch.

Indicators of Generic Entry

Summary for OCALIVA

International Patents:	123
US Patents:	7
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases:	See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for OCALIVA

Paragraph IV (Patent) Challenges for OCALIVA

Tradename	Dosage	Ingredient	Strength	NDA	ANDAs Submitted	Submissiondate
OCALIVA	Tablets	obeticholic acid	5 mg and 10 mg	207999	5	2020-05-27

US Patents and Regulatory Information for OCALIVA

OCALIVA is protected by seven US patents.

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Intercept Pharms Inc	OCALIVA	obeticholic acid	TABLET;ORAL	207999-001	May 27, 2016		DISCN	Yes	No
Intercept Pharms Inc	OCALIVA	obeticholic acid	TABLET;ORAL	207999-001	May 27, 2016		DISCN	Yes	No			Y
Intercept Pharms Inc	OCALIVA	obeticholic acid	TABLET;ORAL	207999-001	May 27, 2016		DISCN	Yes	No				Y
Intercept Pharms Inc	OCALIVA	obeticholic acid	TABLET;ORAL	207999-002	May 27, 2016		DISCN	Yes	No			Y

International Patents for OCALIVA

When does loss-of-exclusivity occur for OCALIVA?

Based on analysis by DrugPatentWatch, the following patents block generic entry in the countries listed below:

Argentina

Australia

Brazil

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Costa Rica

Ecuador

El Salvador

Eurasian Patent Organization

European Patent Office

Israel

Japan

Mexico

Morocco

Nicaragua

Peru

Philippines

Singapore

South Africa

South Korea

Taiwan

Tunisia

Generics may enter earlier, or later, based on new patent filings, patent extensions, patent invalidation, early generic licensing, generic entry preferences, and other factors.

See the table below for additional patents covering OCALIVA around the world.

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Eurasian Patent Organization	201590040	ПОЛУЧЕНИЕ, ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ И ТВЕРДЫЕ ФОРМЫ ОБЕТИХОЛЕВОЙ КИСЛОТЫ
Japan	6978544
Chile	2015002145	Preparación, usos y formas sólidas de ácido obeticólico (divisional de solicitud n° 3475-2014)
Canada	3009149	FORMES CRISTALLINES POLYMORPHES DE L'ACIDE OBETICHOLIQUE (POLYMORPHIC CRYSTALLINE FORMS OF OBETICHOLIC ACID)

Supplementary Protection Certificates for OCALIVA

Patent Number	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration	SPC Description
1392714	598	Finland
1392714	CR 2017 00025	Denmark		PRODUCT NAME: OBETICHOLIC ACID; REG. NO/DATE: EU/1/16/1139 20161215
1392714	17C0003	France		PRODUCT NAME: ACIDE OBETICHOLIQUE; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/16/1139 20161212
1392714	122017000034	Germany		PRODUCT NAME: OBETICHOLSAEURE; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/16/1139 20161212

OCALIVA (obeticholic acid): Investment Scenario, Market Dynamics, and Financial Trajectory

Last updated: February 3, 2026

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Summary

OCALIVA (obeticholic acid), developed by Intercept Pharmaceuticals, is a bile acid analog approved for treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and under investigation for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). As a late-stage orphan drug with a targeted niche, OCALIVA's market potential hinges on clinical trial outcomes, regulatory approvals, and competitive landscape. This analysis reviews the current investment scenario, market dynamics, and projected financial trajectory, providing a comprehensive framework for stakeholders considering engagement with OCALIVA.

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1. Investment Overview

Aspect	Details
Developer	Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Approval Dates	PBC FDA approval: May 2016 (US); EMA approval: March 2018 (EU)
Indications	Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC); NASH (investigational)
Market Cap (2023)	Approx. $1.2 billion (as per NASDAQ)
Revenue (2022)	~$136 million (up from ~$116 million in 2021)
Pipeline Status	PBC revenue growth ongoing; NASH data under clinical evaluation; awaiting FDA decisions on supplement and potential label expansions

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2. Market Dynamics

2.1. Current Market for PBC Treatment

• Market Size & Prevalence:

  • Estimated global PBC prevalence: approximately 1 in 1,000 to 2,500 individuals, with higher incidence among women aged 40-60.
  • US prevalence: roughly 15,000–20,000 patients.

• Current Standard of Care:

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is first-line therapy.
  • Obeticholic acid (OCA) is approved as an adjunct for non-responders or intolerant patients.

• Market Penetration & Adoption:

  • OCALIVA holds a significant share in the PBC segment, with increasing prescription rates driven by label updates and clinical guidelines.

• Pricing & Reimbursements:

  • Average wholesale price (AWP): ~$85,000–$100,000 annually per patient in the US.
  • Reimbursement policies vary but are generally supportive due to high unmet need.

2.2. NASH Market Potential

• Unmet Need & Projected Growth:

  • NASH affects an estimated 3-5% of the global adult population (~300 million).
  • No currently approved pharmacotherapy; significant commercial opportunity exists pending regulatory approval.

• Pipeline & Clinical Trials:

  • Pivotal Phase 3 (REGENERATE trial) results anticipated in 2024, evaluating efficacy in NASH fibrosis.

• Market Entry Barriers:

  • Regulatory hurdles for NASH drugs are high, requiring demonstrable histological improvements and safety data.

2.3. Competitive Landscape

Competitors	Drug	Stage	Notes
Intercept	OCALIVA (obeticholic acid)	Approved (PBC); Phase 3 (NASH)	First-in-class for PBC; major NASH trial ongoing
Gilead	Selonsertib, Cilofexor	Phase 2/3	Multiple NASH candidates, mixed trial results
Novartis	Resmetirom (MRT compound)	Phase 3	Promising NASH candidate
CymaBay	Seladelpar	Phase 3	NASH and PBC investigation

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3. Financial Trajectory & Forecasts

3.1. Revenue Projections

Year	Projected Revenue	Key Assumptions
2023	~$150 million	Continued growth in PBC market share; initial NASH data dissemination
2024	~$250 million	NASH trial results; potential early market entry for NASH
2025	~$400–$600 million	Expanded NASH indications; potential clearance in additional geographies

3.2. Factors Influencing Revenue Growth

• Regulatory milestones:

  • Positive NASH Phase 3 results could unlock new indications and higher pricing.

• Market adoption:

  • Clinical guidelines updates and physician awareness will impact prescribing.

• Market access & reimbursement:

  • Favorable reimbursement policies will sustain revenue expansion.

• Competition & Efficacy:

  • Superior safety profile or efficacy relative to competitors bolster market share.

3.3. Cost Considerations & Profitability

• R&D expenses:

  • Significant ongoing investment for NASH trials and pipeline expansion (~$50–$70 million annually).

• Manufacturing & commercialization costs:

  • Marginal per-prescription cost, economies of scale expected with market growth.

• Profitability outlook:

  • Profitable from 2022 onwards, with operating margins expected to improve as NASH revenues mature.

3.4. Investment Risks & Challenges

Risk Factors	Implications
Clinical trial failures	Potential revenue stagnation or decline
Regulatory delays	Market entry postponements
Competitive advancements	Eroded market share in PBC or NASH
Pricing pressures	Marginal impact on revenues

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4. Comparative Data & Market Share Analysis

Parameter	Intercept (OCALIVA)	Gilead (Under Investigation)	Others
Market Cap	~$1.2B	N/A	N/A
Revenue (2022)	~$136M	N/A	N/A
Market Share in PBC	~60%	N/A	N/A
Approval Status in NASH	Phase 3 pending	Phase 2/3 trials	Varies
Pricing Range	$85,000–$100,000/year	Similar	Similar

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5. Regulatory and Policy Environment

• FDA & EMA:

  • Supportive regulatory pathways for orphan drugs; accelerated approval possible pending data.

• Healthcare policies:

  • Increasing emphasis on value-based pricing for NASH drugs.

• Reimbursement landscapes:

  • Insurers are likely to cover OCALIVA for approved indications, bolstered by high unmet needs.

Key drivers for investment success include:

• Timely completion of pivotal NASH trials.
• Effective commercialization strategies.
• Ability to defend market share against emerging competitors.

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Key Takeaways

• OCALIVA is a commercially mature asset in the PBC space, with steady revenue growth bolstered by expanding indications and clinical acceptance.
• The upcoming NASH Phase 3 results are pivotal; favorable outcomes could transform OCALIVA from a niche orphan drug into a blockbuster, potentially exceeding $1 billion annually in revenue.
• Competitive landscape remains active, but OCALIVA’s first-mover advantage and established market share provide a strong foundation.
• Investment risks revolve around clinical trial outcomes, regulatory timelines, and market access dynamics.
• Long-term financial success hinges on pipeline progression, regulatory approvals, and strategic market expansion.

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FAQs

Q1: What are the key clinical endpoints for OCALIVA’s NASH trials?
A: The primary endpoint is typically histological improvement in fibrosis without worsening of steatohepatitis, assessed via liver biopsy. Secondary endpoints include biochemical markers and safety profiles.

Q2: How does OCALIVA compare to its competitors in terms of safety?
A: OCALIVA’s safety profile is generally favorable, with most adverse events being manageable. However, pruritus remains a common side effect, which may influence patient adherence.

Q3: What are the major regulatory milestones expected in 2023-2024?
A: Results from the Phase 3 REGENERATE trial in NASH are anticipated in late 2023 or early 2024. Regulatory submissions and potential approvals depend on trial outcomes.

Q4: How do pricing and reimbursement policies affect OCALIVA’s market penetration?
A: High drug prices necessitate robust reimbursement strategies. Favorable policies and demonstrated value improve patient access and revenue sustainability.

Q5: What is the likelihood of OCALIVA achieving broader indications beyond PBC and NASH?
A: While promising, expansion depends on clinical results and strategic priorities. Other cholestatic and fibrotic indications are potential opportunities but remain speculative.

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Sources

[1] Intercept Pharmaceuticals Annual Report 2022
[2] FDA & EMA approval documents for OCALIVA
[3] Market research reports from GlobalData and IQVIA, 2023
[4] Gilead and Novartis pipeline updates, 2023
[5] ClinicalTrials.gov entries for OCALIVA NASH studies