RESCRIPTOR Drug Patent Profile

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

Rescriptor is a drug marketed by Viiv Hlthcare and is included in one NDA.

The generic ingredient in RESCRIPTOR is delavirdine mesylate. Additional details are available on the delavirdine mesylate profile page.

Summary for RESCRIPTOR

US Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1

US Patents and Regulatory Information for RESCRIPTOR

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Viiv Hlthcare	RESCRIPTOR	delavirdine mesylate	TABLET;ORAL	020705-001	Apr 4, 1997		DISCN	Yes	No
Viiv Hlthcare	RESCRIPTOR	delavirdine mesylate	TABLET;ORAL	020705-002	Jul 14, 1999		DISCN	Yes	No

International Patents for RESCRIPTOR

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

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
China	1301149
Portugal	1083885
Russian Federation	2099335	DIAROMATIC COMPOUNDS

Investment and Fundamentals Analysis of RESCRIPTOR (Atazanavir)

Last updated: February 24, 2026

What is RESCRIPTOR, and what is its market position?

RESCRIPTOR is a brand of atazanavir, an antiretroviral medication used primarily for HIV treatment. Marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb, atazanavir is a protease inhibitor with fewer lipid side effects compared to earlier drugs in its class. It has received approvals for use in combination therapies involving other antiretroviral agents. Its global sales have fluctuated due to competition, patent expirations, and the evolving HIV treatment landscape.

How does RESCRIPTOR generate revenue, and what are its market fundamentals?

RESCRIPTOR's revenue depends on drug pricing, market penetration, patent protections, and the competitive landscape. The drug’s patent expires in various jurisdictions between 2022 and 2024, opening opportunities for generic entrants. The patent cliffs threaten Bristol-Myers Squibb’s exclusivity and revenue streams. Pricing strategies adapt in response to increased generic competition, affecting margins.

What are the key drivers impacting RESCRIPTOR’s investment outlook?

Patent Expiry and Generic Competition

RESCRIPTOR's patent in the U.S. expired on October 9, 2020. Generic versions entered the market shortly afterward, leading to significant revenue decline. Similar patent expirations in Europe and other major markets are scheduled for 2022-2024, diminishing the drug's market exclusivity.

Market Penetration and Adoption

Despite generic competition, atazanavir maintains a presence in the HIV treatment market due to its favorable side effect profile and patient adherence rates. Some formulations are preferred in combination therapies. Market penetration is sustained in regions with limited access to generics, such as certain developing countries.

Pipeline and New Formulations

Bristol-Myers Squibb has explored longer-acting formulations and fixed-dose combinations to retain market relevance. Any successful product launches could offset declines in RESCRIPTOR's sales.

Regulatory and Pricing Dynamics

Pricing pressures, especially in cost-sensitive markets, impact revenue. Reimbursement policies favor generics, further shrinking RESCRIPTOR’s market share. Regulatory approvals for biosimilars and generics increase access for competitors and reduce Bristol-Myers Squibb’s pricing power.

What financial indicators reflect RESCRIPTOR’s performance?

Indicator	2020	2021	2022	Notes
US Sales (USD millions)	$250	$90	<$10	Sharp decline after patent expiry in 2020
European Sales (USD millions)	$150	$60	~$5	Patents expiring in 2022
Global Market Share (%)	15	8	2-3	Market share diminishes with generic entries
R&D Investment (USD millions)	$50	$45	Steady	Focus shifts to pipeline; reduced sales impact

What strategic options are available for investors?

1. Diversify within Portfolio: Shift focus toward newer HIV drugs or pipeline candidates from Bristol-Myers Squibb or competitors.
2. Monitor generics and biosimilars: Understand the timing and impact of biosimilar entries in key markets.
3. Evaluate pipeline products: Assess the potential of long-acting formulations and combination therapies under development.
4. Assess licensing or partnership opportunities: Evaluate collaborations that could extend the lifecycle of atazanavir or similar drugs.

What are the risks associated with RESCRIPTOR investments?

• Patent cliffs leading to revenue erosion.
• Pricing and reimbursement pressures as generics gain market share.
• Market saturation in developed regions.
• Emergence of competing therapies offering similar or superior efficacy, safety, and convenience.

What is the outlook for RESCRIPTOR in the long term?

Without patent protections, RESCRIPTOR’s standalone revenue is expected to decline sharply. However, tailored combination therapies, longer-acting formulations, and strategic collaborations could sustain revenue streams. Investment returns depend heavily on pipeline success, regulatory approvals, and ability to adapt to market dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• RESCRIPTOR experienced a steep revenue decline following patent expiration in key markets.
• Generic competition is the primary risk factor for revenue erosion.
• Pipeline advancements and new formulations may provide revenue stabilization.
• Strategic positioning within broader HIV treatment portfolios is critical for future valuation.
• Continuous market monitoring and R&D investment are necessary for assessing long-term viability.

FAQs

1. When did RESCRIPTOR’s patent expire in the U.S.?
October 9, 2020.

2. How much did RESCRIPTOR generate in sales before patent expiry?
Approximately $400 million globally in 2020.

3. Can RESCRIPTOR still compete after patent expiry?
Limited, as generic versions have entered and hold the majority of the market share.

4. What is Bristol-Myers Squibb doing to sustain revenue?
Developing long-acting formulations, fixed-dose combinations, and pipeline drugs.

5. Are there any regulatory developments that could affect future sales?
Yes, approvals of biosimilars, generics, and new formulations could accelerate revenue decline or provide new market opportunities.

References

[1] Bristol-Myers Squibb. (2022). Annual Report 2022. https://investor.bms.com/financials/annual-reports/default.aspx
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Patent Expirations. https://www.fda.gov
[3] IQVIA Institute. (2021). The Global Use of Medicine in 2021. https://www.iqvia.com/insights/the-iqvia-institute/reports/medicines-in-2021