Last Updated: May 11, 2026

IVACAFTOR - Generic Drug Details


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What are the generic drug sources for ivacaftor and what is the scope of freedom to operate?

Ivacaftor is the generic ingredient in three branded drugs marketed by Vertex Pharms Inc and Vertex Pharms, and is included in five NDAs. There are fifty-five patents protecting this compound. Additional information is available in the individual branded drug profile pages.

Ivacaftor has two hundred and fifty-seven patent family members in thirty-six countries.

There are three drug master file entries for ivacaftor. One supplier is listed for this compound. There are two tentative approvals for this compound.

Drug Prices for IVACAFTOR

See drug prices for IVACAFTOR

DrugPatentWatch® Estimated Loss of Exclusivity (LOE) Date for IVACAFTOR
Generic Entry Dates for IVACAFTOR*:
Constraining patent/regulatory exclusivity:
Dosage:
GRANULE;ORAL
Generic Entry Dates for IVACAFTOR*:
Constraining patent/regulatory exclusivity:
Dosage:
TABLET;ORAL

*The generic entry opportunity date is the latter of the last compound-claiming patent and the last regulatory exclusivity protection. Many factors can influence early or later generic entry. This date is provided as a rough estimate of generic entry potential and should not be used as an independent source.

Recent Clinical Trials for IVACAFTOR

Identify potential brand extensions & 505(b)(2) entrants

SponsorPhase
Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata VeronaPHASE2
Vertex Pharmaceuticals IncorporatedPHASE3
University of Kansas Medical CenterPHASE2

See all IVACAFTOR clinical trials

Generic filers with tentative approvals for IVACAFTOR
Applicant Application No. Strength Dosage Form
⤷  Start Trial⤷  Start Trial150MGTABLET; ORAL
⤷  Start Trial⤷  Start Trial75MGGRANULE;ORAL
⤷  Start Trial⤷  Start Trial50MGGRANULE;ORAL

The 'tentative' approval signifies that the product meets all FDA standards for marketing, and, but for the patents / regulatory protections, it would approved.

Paragraph IV (Patent) Challenges for IVACAFTOR
Tradename Dosage Ingredient Strength NDA ANDAs Submitted Submissiondate
KALYDECO Oral Granules ivacaftor 25 mg, 50 mg and 75 mg 207925 1 2022-04-13
KALYDECO Tablets ivacaftor 150 mg 203188 1 2020-06-10

US Patents and Regulatory Information for IVACAFTOR

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Exclusivity Expiration
Vertex Pharms KALYDECO ivacaftor TABLET;ORAL 203188-001 Jan 31, 2012 RX Yes Yes ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc SYMDEKO (COPACKAGED) ivacaftor; ivacaftor, tezacaftor TABLET;ORAL 210491-001 Feb 12, 2018 RX Yes Yes 11,564,916 ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc KALYDECO ivacaftor GRANULE;ORAL 207925-003 Apr 29, 2019 RX Yes No 8,883,206*PED ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc KALYDECO ivacaftor GRANULE;ORAL 207925-005 May 3, 2023 RX Yes No 8,410,274*PED ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc SYMDEKO (COPACKAGED) ivacaftor; ivacaftor, tezacaftor TABLET;ORAL 210491-002 Jun 21, 2019 RX Yes No 8,415,387 ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc ORKAMBI ivacaftor; lumacaftor TABLET;ORAL 206038-001 Jul 2, 2015 RX Yes Yes 9,150,552*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

Expired US Patents for IVACAFTOR

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date Patent No. Patent Expiration
Vertex Pharms Inc KALYDECO ivacaftor GRANULE;ORAL 207925-001 Mar 17, 2015 8,629,162 ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc KALYDECO ivacaftor GRANULE;ORAL 207925-002 Mar 17, 2015 8,629,162 ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc KALYDECO ivacaftor GRANULE;ORAL 207925-004 May 3, 2023 8,629,162 ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc KALYDECO ivacaftor GRANULE;ORAL 207925-005 May 3, 2023 8,629,162 ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms KALYDECO ivacaftor TABLET;ORAL 203188-001 Jan 31, 2012 8,629,162 ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc KALYDECO ivacaftor GRANULE;ORAL 207925-003 Apr 29, 2019 8,629,162 ⤷  Start Trial
>Applicant >Tradename >Generic Name >Dosage >NDA >Approval Date >Patent No. >Patent Expiration

EU/EMA Drug Approvals for IVACAFTOR

Company Drugname Inn Product Number / Indication Status Generic Biosimilar Orphan Marketing Authorisation Marketing Refusal
Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) Limited Kalydeco ivacaftor EMEA/H/C/002494Kalydeco tablets are indicated:As monotherapy for the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and older and weighing 25 kg or more with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have an R117H CFTR mutation or one of the following gating (class III) mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene: G551D, G1244E, G1349D, G178R, G551S, S1251N, S1255P, S549N or S549R (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).In a combination regimen with tezacaftor/ivacaftor tablets for the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and older with cystic fibrosis (CF) who are homozygous for the F508del mutation or who are heterozygous for the F508del mutation and have one of the following mutations in the CFTR gene: P67L, R117C, L206W, R352Q, A455E, D579G, 711+3A→G, S945L, S977F, R1070W, D1152H, 2789+5G→A, 3272 26A→G, and 3849+10kbC→T.In a combination regimen with ivacaftor/tezacaftor/elexacaftor tablets for the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and older with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene (see section 5.1).Kalydeco granules are indicated for the treatment of infants aged at least 4 months, toddlers and children weighing 5 kg to less than 25 kg with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have an R117H CFTR mutation or one of the following gating (class III) mutations in the CFTR gene: G551D, G1244E, G1349D, G178R, G551S, S1251N, S1255P, S549N or S549R (see sections 4.4 and 5.1). Authorised no no no 2012-07-23
>Company >Drugname >Inn >Product Number / Indication >Status >Generic >Biosimilar >Orphan >Marketing Authorisation >Marketing Refusal

International Patents for IVACAFTOR

Country Patent Number Title Estimated Expiration
Serbia 61408 FARMACEUTSKA KOMPOZICIJA I NJENO ORDINIRANJE (PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION AND ADMINISTRATIONS THEREOF) ⤷  Start Trial
Cyprus 1121572 ⤷  Start Trial
Denmark 3219705 ⤷  Start Trial
Spain 2534606 ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 1773816 ⤷  Start Trial
Slovenia 2464337 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Title >Estimated Expiration

Supplementary Protection Certificates for IVACAFTOR

Patent Number Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration SPC Description
1773816 2015C/040 Belgium ⤷  Start Trial PRODUCT NAME: N-(5-HYDROXY-2,4-DITERT-BUTYL-PHENYL)-4-OXO-1H-QUINOLINE-3-CARBOXAMIDE OF EEN FARMACEUTISCH AANVAARDBAAR ZOUT DAARVAN; AUTHORISATION NUMBER AND DATE: EU/1/12/782/001-002 20120725
1773816 PA2015028 Lithuania ⤷  Start Trial PRODUCT NAME: IVACAFTORUM; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/12/782/001 - EU/1/12/782/002 20120723
1773816 SPC/GB15/041 United Kingdom ⤷  Start Trial PRODUCT NAME: N-(5-HYDROXY-2,4-DITERT-BUTYL-PHENYL)-4-OXO-1H-QUINOLINE-3-CARBOXAMIDE OR A PHARMACEUTICALLY ACCEPTABLE SALT THEREOF.; REGISTERED: UK EU/1/12/782/001 20120725; UK EU/1/12/782/002 20120725
1773816 92761 Luxembourg ⤷  Start Trial PRODUCT NAME: N-(5-HYDROXY-2,4-DIERT-BUTYL-PHENYL)-4OXO-1H-QUINOLINE-3-CARBOXAMIDE OR A PHARMACEUTICALLY ACCEPTABLE SALT THEREOF; AUTHORISATION NUMBER: EU/1/12/782/001-002
3170818 2020/035 Ireland ⤷  Start Trial PRODUCT NAME: A COMBINATION OF (A) 3-(6-(1-(2,2-DIFLUOROBENZO(D)(1,3)DIOXOL-5- YL)CYCLOPROPANECARBOXAMIDO)-3-METHYLPYRIDIN-2-YL)BENZOIC ACID (LUMACAFTOR) AND (B) N-(5-HYDROXY-2,4-DITERT-BUTYL-PHENYL)-4-OXO-1H-QUINOLINE-3- CARBOXAMIDE (IVACAFTOR) OR A PHARMACEUTICALLY ACCEPTABLE SALT THEREOF; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/15/1059 20151124
1773816 CA 2015 00038 Denmark ⤷  Start Trial PRODUCT NAME: IVACAFTOR, N-(5-HYDROXY-2,4-DITERT-BUTYL-PHENYL)-4-OXO-1H-QUINOLIN-3-CARBOXAMID ELLER ET FARMACEUTISK ACCEPTABLET SALT DERAF; REG. NO/DATE: EU/1/12/782/001-002 20120723
>Patent Number >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration >SPC Description

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for Ivacaftor

Last updated: February 20, 2026

What is the current market landscape for Ivacaftor?

Ivacaftor is a CFTR potentiator approved for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with specific mutations. Since its approval in 2012 by the U.S. FDA, it has become a cornerstone in CF treatment. The drug was initially approved for patients with the G551D mutation and later expanded to include additional mutations under label extensions.

The market for CF treatments is driven by increasing prevalence of CF, advanced diagnostics, and a shift toward personalized medicine. The global CF population exceeds 100,000, with approximately 10% carrying mutations responsive to Ivacaftor. The increasing diagnostic rates, especially in developed markets, expand the target pool.

What are the key financials and sales trends?

Revenue Growth

Year Global Ivacaftor Sales (USD millions) Approximate Market Share in CF Drugs (%)
2016 1,200 55
2018 1,950 60
2020 2,750 65
2022 3,600 68

Sales increased annually at an average rate of approximately 24% from 2016-2022, driven by wider mutation approvals and expanded indications.

Pricing

  • Average wholesale price per patient is between $200,000 and $300,000 annually.
  • Price increases are limited by healthcare payers, quality-adjusted life year (QALY) considerations, and biosimilars or generics' potential entry.

Market Penetration

  • In the U.S., about 45% of CF patients with responsive mutations are covered.
  • Other markets, such as Europe and Japan, show growth rates of 20-25%, constrained by healthcare system differences.

How do pipeline developments influence future revenue?

Several pipeline candidates aim to improve or complement Ivacaftor:

  • Orkambi (Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor): Approved for homozygous F508del mutation, targeting a broad population segment.

  • Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor: Approved in 2019, covers up to 90% of CF mutations, significantly expanding market potential.

  • Next-generation modulators: Phase 2/3 candidates aim for higher efficacy and fewer side effects, promising potential for increased market share.

What are the competitive and regulatory considerations?

Competition

  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals dominates CF modulator market with Ivacaftor and its combinations.
  • Bigenetic approaches and gene therapies (e.g., Trikafta) pose long-term alternatives.

Regulatory Pathways

  • Accelerated approvals in emerging markets.
  • Potential for label expansion based on ongoing clinical results.

What impact do these dynamics have on the financial trajectory?

The introduction of highly effective combination therapies like Trikafta (Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor) has readied the market for expansion, with projected global CF drug sales exceeding USD 7 billion by 2025 (IQVIA, 2022). Ivacaftor’s integrating into multi-drug regimens enhances its lifecycle value, with peak sales potentially reaching USD 4 billion annually.

Patent protections extend until 2030 in key markets, after which biosimilar competition could influence prices. Nevertheless, the high treatment cost sustains revenue levels for now.

Key market drivers and risks

Drivers

  • Rising CF diagnosis rates.
  • Expansion of approved indications.
  • Advances in diagnostics enabling personalized treatments.

Risks

  • Patent expiry and biosimilar entry.
  • Pricing pressures due to healthcare reform.
  • Competition from new gene editing and cures that could supersede current therapies.

Key Takeaways

  • Ivacaftor remains a high-growth product, with revenues expanding due to increased mutation coverage and global adoption.
  • The drug's future financial trajectory depends on pipeline success, competition, and regulatory policies.
  • Combination therapies, particularly Trikafta, represent significant growth opportunities, potentially overshadowing standalone Ivacaftor sales.
  • Price sensitivity and patent expiry are critical factors influencing long-term revenues.

FAQs

  1. What mutations does Ivacaftor target?
    Ivacaftor targets gating mutations in CFTR, such as G551D, and has been expanded to (and approved for) other mutations sensitive to CFTR modulation.

  2. When is the patent expiration for Ivacaftor?
    Key patents expire around 2030, after which biosimilar competition is expected.

  3. How do combination treatments affect Ivacaftor sales?
    They increase overall market size and revenue, as they treat broader mutations, but can also reduce demand for standalone Ivacaftor.

  4. What is the forecasted market size for CF drugs by 2025?
    Estimated to exceed USD 7 billion globally, primarily driven by newer combination therapies.

  5. What are the main risks to Ivacaftor’s profitability?
    Biosimilar competition, regulatory changes, pricing pressures, and the advent of gene therapy options.

Sources

[1] IQVIA. (2022). CF treatment market analysis.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2012). Ivacaftor approval notice.
[3] Vertex Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Annual financial report.

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