ULTRAVIST 240 Drug Patent Profile

When do Ultravist 240 patents expire, and when can generic versions of Ultravist 240 launch?

Ultravist 240 is a drug marketed by Bayer Hlthcare and is included in one NDA.

The generic ingredient in ULTRAVIST 240 is iopromide. There are two drug master file entries for this compound. One supplier is listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the iopromide profile page.

Summary for ULTRAVIST 240

US Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1

US Patents and Regulatory Information for ULTRAVIST 240

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Bayer Hlthcare	ULTRAVIST 240	iopromide	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020220-003	May 10, 1995		DISCN	Yes	No

International Patents for ULTRAVIST 240

See the table below for patents covering ULTRAVIST 240 around the world.

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Israel	59542	ISOPHTHALIC ACID DIAMIDE DERIVATIVES,NON-IONIC X-RAY CONTRAST PREPARATIONS CONTAINING THE SAME AND PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF
Czechoslovakia	226408	METHOD OF PREPARING TRIIODINATED DIAMIDES OF ISOPHTALIC ACID
Austria	1061
Germany	3060434
Mexico	9203691	NUEVOS MEDIOS DE CONTRASTE DE RAYOS X NO IONICOS.
South Africa	8001350
Spain	8107165

ULTRAVIST 240 Investment Scenario and Fundamentals Analysis

Last updated: February 9, 2026

Overview

ULTRAVIST 240 is a contrast agent primarily used in X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging. It contains the iodine compound iohexol, which enhances imaging clarity. The global demand for imaging contrast agents is driven by an increasing prevalence of diagnostic imaging procedures, aging populations, and technological advances.

Market Fundamentals

• Market Size: The global contrast media market was valued at approximately USD 3.8 billion in 2022, with an expected CAGR of around 4.3% through 2030 (Grand View Research). Iohexol-based agents like ULTRAVIST dominate the iodinated contrast segment.

• Key Players: GE Healthcare, Bayer, Bracco Imaging, Nihon Medi-Physics, and Guerbet. Bayer’s Ultravist (similar to ULTRAVIST 240) is a leading product.

• Regulatory Status: Approved in multiple markets, including US FDA and EMA. Regulatory approvals facilitate market access and protection against generic competition in the short term.

• Pipeline and Competition: Innovation remains muted; current alternatives include other iodinated agents, gadolinium-based agents (for MRI), and newer contrast mechanisms. Patent expiration and generic entry are expected to increase competition over the next 3-5 years.

Investment Considerations

1. Market Demand and Growth Drivers

   • Increasing diagnostic imaging utilization boosts contrast agent sales.
   • Aging demographics heighten demand for non-invasive diagnosis, supporting market growth.

2. Regulatory Environment

   • Strict safety regulations for iodinated contrast agents due to adverse event potential.
   • Recent safety concerns around gadolinium-based agents do not significantly impact iodinated alternatives but influence overall imaging choices.

3. Patent and Competition Landscape

   • Current formulations like ULTRAVIST 240 are approaching patent expiry (expected in 2-3 years).
   • Patent expiry exposes ULTRAVIST 240 to generic competition, pressuring pricing and margins.

4. Manufacturing and Supply Chain

   • Production costs mostly stable due to existing manufacturing infrastructure.
   • Supply chain disruptions could impact availability, especially amid global shipping constraints.

5. Pricing and Reimbursement

   • Reimbursement policies vary; in some markets, contrast agents are bundled with imaging procedures.
   • Pricing power may diminish with generic entrants, but brand loyalty and clinical preference remain relevant.

6. Safety Profile

   • ULTRAVIST 240 has a well-documented safety profile.
   • Recent concerns about contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) influence usage patterns but overall impact remains moderate.

Financial Outlook

• Revenue Trends: As the dominant iodinated contrast agent, ULTRAVIST 240's revenues are steady but expected to decline with patent expiration and generic entry.
• Margins: High margins are likely until patent loss; subsequent competition could reduce profitability.
• R&D and Diversification: Limited pipeline innovation; firms focusing on new contrast agents or digital imaging technologies.

Investment Risks

• Patent expiry and generic competition.
• Regulatory adverse events affecting usage.
• Technological shifts favoring MRI or other imaging modalities.
• Supply chain disruptions affecting production and delivery.

Summary

ULTRAVIST 240 operates in a mature, high-demand segment of the contrast media market. Its current revenue stability is supported by clinical preference and regulatory approvals, but impending patent expiration posits significant future revenue risks. The success of an investment hinges on container patent protections, competitive landscape shifts, and potential growth in vector-type imaging research.

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Key Takeaways

• The contrast media market, driven by rising imaging procedures, remains stable but approaching commoditization, especially for iodinated agents like ULTRAVIST 240.
• Patent expirations within 2-3 years pose major revenue risks, encouraging companies to explore pipeline diversification.
• Competition will intensify with generic entries, exerting downward pressure on prices and margins.
• Safety concerns are managed effectively but can influence market dynamics.
• Investing in ULTRAVIST 240 requires monitoring patent status, reimbursement landscape, and innovations in imaging technology.

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FAQs

1. When is the patent for ULTRAVIST 240 expected to expire?
Patent expiry is projected within 2-3 years, which could open opportunities for generics and copycat formulations.

2. How does safety profile impact ULTRAVIST 240's market?
The established safety profile supports continued clinical use, but recent concerns about contrast-induced nephropathy influence physician preferences, possibly favoring alternative imaging modalities in some cases.

3. What alternative imaging agents threaten ULTRAVIST 240?
Gadolinium-based contrast agents and newer contrast agents (e.g., perfluorocarbon-based) or advancements in digital imaging reduce dependence on iodinated contrast agents.

4. How significant is the impact of COVID-19 on contrast media demand?
COVID-19 caused initial delays in elective imaging, but demand rebounded as healthcare services resumed, maintaining steady market utility.

5. Are there opportunities for differentiation or innovation?
Limited early-stage innovation exists; future growth might depend on developing safer, more effective, or cheaper contrast agents or integrating digital imaging techniques.

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Sources

[1] Grand View Research, "Contrast Media Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis," 2023.
[2] Bayer, Ultravist product data sheet, 2022.
[3] FDA and EMA regulatory filings, 2022.