Last Updated: May 3, 2026

YONDELIS Drug Patent Profile


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

Yondelis is a drug marketed by Janssen Prods and is included in one NDA. There is one patent protecting this drug and one Paragraph IV challenge.

This drug has forty-four patent family members in thirty-six countries.

The generic ingredient in YONDELIS is trabectedin. There are four drug master file entries for this compound. One supplier is listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the trabectedin profile page.

DrugPatentWatch® Generic Entry Outlook for Yondelis

Yondelis was eligible for patent challenges on October 23, 2019.

By analyzing the patents and regulatory protections it appears that the earliest date for generic entry will be July 7, 2028. This may change due to patent challenges or generic licensing.

There have been five 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 (trabectedin), which indicates the potential for near-term generic launch.

Indicators of Generic Entry

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Summary for YONDELIS
International Patents:44
US Patents:1
Applicants:1
NDAs:1
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases: See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for YONDELIS
Paragraph IV (Patent) Challenges for YONDELIS
Tradename Dosage Ingredient Strength NDA ANDAs Submitted Submissiondate
YONDELIS Powder for Injection trabectedin 1 mg/vial 207953 2 2020-04-23

US Patents and Regulatory Information for YONDELIS

YONDELIS is protected by one US patents.

Based on analysis by DrugPatentWatch, the earliest date for a generic version of YONDELIS is ⤷  Start Trial.

This potential generic entry date is based on patent 8,895,557.

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

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Exclusivity Expiration
Janssen Prods YONDELIS trabectedin POWDER;INTRAVENOUS 207953-001 Oct 23, 2015 RX Yes Yes 8,895,557*PED ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
>Applicant >Tradename >Generic Name >Dosage >NDA >Approval Date >TE >Type >RLD >RS >Patent No. >Patent Expiration >Product >Substance >Delist Req. >Exclusivity Expiration

International Patents for YONDELIS

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

Country Patent Number Title Estimated Expiration
New Zealand 554761 Formulations comprising ecteinascidin and a disaccharide ⤷  Start Trial
Austria E368461 ⤷  Start Trial
Portugal 1658848 ⤷  Start Trial
Hong Kong 1091724 Formulations comprising ecteinascidin and a disaccharide ⤷  Start Trial
Taiwan 200621256 Formulations ⤷  Start Trial
Jordan 2464 صيغ تحتوي على اكتيناسيدين وسكريات ثنائية (Formulations comprising ecteinascidin and a disaccharide.) ⤷  Start Trial
Norway 20072713 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Title >Estimated Expiration

YONDELIS (Trabectedin): Investment Scenario, Market Dynamics, and Financial Trajectory

Last updated: February 3, 2026

Executive Summary

YONDELIS (trabectedin) is an oncology drug primarily used for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and ovarian cancer. Approved initially in Europe in 2007 and later in the US in 2015, it offers a targeted mechanism of action against specific cancer subtypes. This report analyzes its current market position, key market dynamics, competition, investment risks, and revenue prognosis.

Overview of YONDELIS (Trabectedin)

Property Details
Generic Name Trabectedin
Brand Name YONDELIS
Approval Dates Europe (2007), US (2015)
Indications - Liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma (STS) - Ovarian cancer (recurrent)
Administration Intravenous infusion
Mechanism of Action DNA minor groove binding, inhibits transcription, induces apoptosis

Market Size & Revenue Overview

Metric 2022 Data Source/Notes
Global Oncology Drug Market $150 billion (IQVIA, 2022)
Trabectedin Market (Estimated) ~$200 million (MarketResearch.com, 2022)
YONDELIS Revenue (2022) $150-170 million (Company filings, 2022)

Note: Trabectedin's revenue reflects sales of YONDELIS in approved indications across Europe, US, and select markets.


Market Dynamics

Therapeutic Indication Expansion

  • Initial approval focused on relapsed soft tissue sarcoma, especially liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma.
  • Recent approvals/extensions include broader ovarian cancer indications.
  • Key evidence from pivotal trials: ET743-OS-93 (2007) and OVA-301 (2013).
  • Ongoing clinical trials aim to assess combination therapies and new indications, impacting future market potential.

Competition Landscape

Competitors Indications Market Share (Estimated 2022) Strengths Limitations
Doxorubicin, Ifosfamide Soft tissue sarcoma ~50% Established, known efficacy Limited for refractory cases
Pazopanib (Votrient) Advanced soft tissue sarcoma ~10-15% Oral administration Less effective in certain subtypes
Trabectedin (YONDELIS) Refractory STS, ovarian cancer ~10-20% Targeted mechanism High cost, adverse events
Liposomal Doxorubicin, Eribulin Refractory tumors Remaining market share Evolving therapies Competitive pressures

Market Penetration & Pricing

  • Pricing: US average wholesale price (AWP) for YONDELIS ~$13,000-15,000 per infusion cycle.
  • Treatment Course: Typically 1-2 cycles monthly, depending on patient response.
  • Reimbursement Landscape: Insurance coverage by CMS, private insurers; challenges include high cost and adverse event management.

Regulatory and Patent Status

Aspect Details
Patent Expiry Expected around 2028-2030 (patented formulations)
Regulatory Pathways Orphan drug designations granted in US and EU, providing market exclusivity benefits until 2028-2030.
Biosimilar Entry Not applicable; no biosimilars yet

Financial Trajectory Projections

Revenue Forecast (2023-2028)

Year Estimated Revenue Assumptions Key Drivers
2023 $170 million Steady market penetration; minor growth Current sales base + gradual expansion
2024 $195 million Increased adoption in ovarian cancer Expanded indications, new approvals
2025 $220 million Clinical trial successes Potential label expansions
2026 $250 million Increased use in combination regimens Competitive edge strengthening
2027 $280 million Market saturation limit + new markets Market penetration maxing out
2028 $300 million Patent expiry approaching Possible off-patent entries, generic discussions

Note: These projections consider current competition, market penetration rates, pricing adjustments, and potential regulatory developments.

Investment Risks & Opportunities

Risk Factors Impact Mitigation
Patent Expiry Patent cliff may lead to generic competition Diversify indication portfolio, pursue new formulations
Market Competition Erosion of market share Seek combination approvals, expand into new indications
Cost of Sales & R&D Profit margins affected Optimize manufacturing, invest in clinical research for new uses
Regulatory Changes Impact on approvals, pricing Monitor policy shifts, adapt strategies accordingly
Opportunities Description
Combination Therapies Partnerships with biotech firms for combination regimens
New Indications Expanding into other tumor types such as melanoma or breast cancer
Market Expansion Develop emerging markets through local approvals
Lifecycle Management Developing oral formulations or sustained-release versions

Comparison with Key Competitors

Aspect YONDELIS (Trabectedin) Pazopanib Eribulin Doxorubicin Liposomal Doxorubicin
Indications Refractory STS, ovarian Soft tissue sarcoma Refractory breast & liposarcoma Broad chemotherapeutic Refractory tumors
Mechanism DNA minor groove binder RTK inhibitor Microtubule inhibitor DNA intercalator Liposomal microtubule inhibitor
Approval Year 2007 (EU), 2015 (US) 2012 (US) 2010 (US) 1974 1996
Market Share (2022) ~10-20% ~15-20% ~5-10% Dominant Niche

Regulatory & Market Access Policies

  • Orphan Drug Designation: Grants 7-year US market exclusivity.
  • EU Orphan Status: Market exclusivity for 10 years.
  • Pricing & Reimbursement: Varies; in the US, managed through CMS and private plans, with pressure to demonstrate cost-effectiveness.
  • Health Authorities: FDA (US), EMA (EU), and national agencies.

Future Market Outlook

Factors Impact on Market Trajectory
Emerging Therapies Competition may increase, impacting sales
Biomarker Development Potential to improve patient selection and outcomes
Pricing Pressures Especially as generics more likely post-2030
Global Expansion Potential growth in emerging markets with tailored reimbursement models

Key Takeaways

  • Market Position: YONDELIS holds a niche but valuable share in the relapsed soft tissue sarcoma and ovarian cancer markets, driven by its targeted mechanism.
  • Revenue Outlook: Steady growth predicted until patent expiry, with potential acceleration through label expansion and combination therapies.
  • Competitive Landscape: Faces competition from both established chemotherapies and targeted agents, emphasizing the importance of clinical innovation.
  • Investment Risks: Patent expiry, pricing pressures, and emerging therapies could erode market share; diversification strategies essential.
  • Growth Opportunities: Clinical trials exploring new indications, combination therapies, and global markets can enhance future revenue streams.

FAQs

Q1: What are the main therapeutic indications for YONDELIS?
A1: Primarily, relapsed liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma (soft tissue sarcoma), and recurrent ovarian cancer.

Q2: How does YONDELIS compare to its competitors?
A2: It offers a selective mechanism effective in refractory cases but faces competition from other chemotherapies and targeted agents. Its niche role is supported by orphan drug status and unique mechanism.

Q3: What factors could influence YONDELIS’s market share in the coming years?
A3: Patent expiration, development of new indications, combination therapy approvals, pricing pressures, and emergence of biosimilars or generics.

Q4: What are the key growth drivers for YONDELIS?
A4: Expanded label indications, combination regimens with other therapies, entry into emerging markets, and ongoing clinical trials.

Q5: When is patent expiry expected, and what are its implications?
A5: Expected around 2028-2030, potentially opening the market to biosimilars or generics, which could significantly impact revenue unless life cycle management strategies are implemented.


References

  1. IQVIA. (2022). Global Oncology Market Data.
  2. MarketResearch.com. (2022). Trabectedin Market Analysis.
  3. European Medicines Agency. (2007, 2013). YONDELIS (Trabectedin) Approvals.
  4. FDA. (2015). YONDELIS (Trabectedin) New Drug Application.
  5. Company Reports. (2022). YONDELIS Annual Financials & Sales Data.

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