KOSELUGO Drug Patent Profile

Which patents cover Koselugo, and what generic alternatives are available?

Koselugo is a drug marketed by Astrazeneca and is included in two NDAs. There are eight patents protecting this drug.

This drug has two hundred and one patent family members in forty-five countries.

The generic ingredient in KOSELUGO is selumetinib sulfate. One supplier is listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the selumetinib sulfate profile page.

DrugPatentWatch^® Generic Entry Outlook for Koselugo

Koselugo was eligible for patent challenges on April 10, 2024.

By analyzing the patents and regulatory protections it appears that the earliest date for generic entry will be September 10, 2028. This may change due to patent challenges or generic licensing.

There has been one patent litigation case 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.

Indicators of Generic Entry

Summary for KOSELUGO

International Patents:	201
US Patents:	8
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	2
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	1
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	129
Clinical Trials:	12
Patent Applications:	4,158
Drug Prices:	Drug price information for KOSELUGO
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases:	See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for KOSELUGO
What excipients (inactive ingredients) are in KOSELUGO?	KOSELUGO excipients list
DailyMed Link:	KOSELUGO at DailyMed

See drug prices for KOSELUGO

DrugPatentWatch^® Estimated Loss of Exclusivity (LOE) Date for KOSELUGO

Constraining patent/regulatory exclusivity:

NEW PATIENT POPULATION

NDA:

213756

Dosage:

CAPSULE;ORAL

Constraining patent/regulatory exclusivity:

NEW PRODUCT

NDA:

219943

Dosage:

GRANULE;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 KOSELUGO

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

Sponsor	Phase
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia	Phase 2
University of Alabama at Birmingham	Phase 2
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs	Phase 2

See all KOSELUGO clinical trials

Pharmacology for KOSELUGO

Drug Class	Kinase Inhibitor
Mechanism of Action	Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 1 Inhibitors Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 2 Inhibitors

US Patents and Regulatory Information for KOSELUGO

KOSELUGO is protected by eight US patents and five FDA Regulatory Exclusivities.

This potential generic entry date is based on NEW PATIENT POPULATION.

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
Astrazeneca	KOSELUGO	selumetinib sulfate	GRANULE;ORAL	219943-002	Sep 10, 2025		RX	Yes	Yes			Y	Y
Astrazeneca	KOSELUGO	selumetinib sulfate	GRANULE;ORAL	219943-001	Sep 10, 2025		RX	Yes	No
Astrazeneca	KOSELUGO	selumetinib sulfate	GRANULE;ORAL	219943-002	Sep 10, 2025		RX	Yes	Yes
Astrazeneca	KOSELUGO	selumetinib sulfate	GRANULE;ORAL	219943-002	Sep 10, 2025		RX	Yes	Yes				Y
Astrazeneca	KOSELUGO	selumetinib sulfate	CAPSULE;ORAL	213756-001	Apr 10, 2020		RX	Yes	No

International Patents for KOSELUGO

When does loss-of-exclusivity occur for KOSELUGO?

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

China

Denmark

Finland

Hungary

Luxembourg

Mexico

Poland

South Africa

South Korea

Taiwan

Ukraine

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 KOSELUGO around the world.

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Peru	20091755	COMPOSICION FARMACEUTICA QUE COMPRENDE UNA SAL DE SULFATO DE HIDROGENO DE 6-(4-BROMO-2-CLORO-FENILAMINO)-7-FLUORO-3-METIL-3H-BENZOIMIDAZOL-5-ACIDO CARBOXILICO (2-HIDROXI-ETOXI)-AMIDA
South Korea	20110005246
Portugal	1968948
European Patent Office	3000810	DÉRIVÉ DE BENZIMIDAZOLE D'ALKYLAT N3 EN TANT QU'INHIBITEUR DE MEK (N3 ALKYLATED BENZIMIDAZOLE DERIVATIVE AS MEK INHIBITOR)
Israel	192224

Supplementary Protection Certificates for KOSELUGO

Patent Number	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration	SPC Description
1968948	44/2021	Austria		PRODUCT NAME: SELUMETINIB (EINSCHLIESSLICH JEGLICHE PHARMAZEUTISCHE AKZEPTABLER SALZE (INSBESONDERE HYDROGENSULFATE), ESTER, SOLVATE ODER ENANTIOMERE DAVON); REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/21/1552 (MITTEILUNG) 20210619
1968948	PA2021530,C1968948	Lithuania		PRODUCT NAME: SELUMETINIBAS; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/21/1552 20210617
1968948	C01968948/01	Switzerland		PRODUCT NAME: SELUMETINIBUM; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: SWISSMEDIC-ZULASSUNG 67410 29.07.2022
1968948	122021000074	Germany		PRODUCT NAME: SELUMETINIB ALS HYDROGENSULFAT SOWIE SOLVATE DAVON; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/21/1552 20210617
1482932	122019000022	Germany		PRODUCT NAME: BINIMETINIB EINSCHLIESSLICH BINIMETINIB IN FORM EINES PHARMAZEUTISCH VERTRAEGLICHEN SALZES ODER SOLVATS; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/18/1315 20180920

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for KOSELUGO

Last updated: December 17, 2025

Executive Summary

KOSELUGO (selumetinib), developed by AstraZeneca, is a targeted therapy approved primarily for pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-associated plexiform neurofibromas. Since its initial U.S. approval in August 2021, KOSELUGO has carved out a niche within the rare pediatric tumor segment, poised for significant market growth driven by expanding indications, regulatory approvals, and strategic partnerships. This report analyzes the current market landscape, key drivers and inhibitors, financial projections, competitive positioning, and strategic considerations that define KOSELUGO's trajectory through the coming decade.

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What Are the Current Market Dynamics for KOSELUGO?

Regulatory Approvals and Indications

Approval Date	Jurisdiction	Indication	Regulatory Status
August 2021	United States (FDA)	Pediatric NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas	Full approval for patients age 2+
2022	European Union (EMA)	Confirmatory approval for similar indication	Conditional approval pending confirmation
2023	Japan	Pediatric NF1 neurofibroma	Regulatory submission under review

Source: AstraZeneca regulatory filings [1]

Market Size and Patient Population

• Rare Disease Segment: NF1 affects approximately 1 in 3,000 individuals globally; roughly 50% develop plexiform neurofibromas.
• Eligible Pediatric Patients: Estimated ~10,000 U.S. children age 2–18 with symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas.
• Market Penetration Goal: AstraZeneca targets reaching 20-30% of eligible patients within five years post-launch.

Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) data [2], AstraZeneca market estimates

Market Drivers

• Unmet Medical Need: No currently approved pharmacotherapy specifically for NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas, creating a substantial gap.
• Regulatory Momentum: Accelerated pathways (e.g., FDA’s Priority Review, EMA’s conditional approval) facilitate faster market access.
• Clinical Data Confidence: Demonstrated tumor volume reduction and manageable safety profile from Phase II/III trials bolster physician confidence.

Market Inhibitors

• Limited Patient Population: The rarity constrains revenue potential despite high unmet need.
• Pricing and Reimbursement: High developmental costs and pricing negotiations could impact affordability and access.
• Competitive Landscape: Emerging pipeline candidates (e.g., MEK inhibitors like mirdametinib by RefleXion) threaten to erode market share.

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How Is KOSELUGO’s Financial Trajectory Shaping Up?

Revenue Forecasts and Growth Drivers

Year	Estimated Global Sales (USD)	Key Factors Influencing Revenue
2023	$50-75 million	Launch phase, initial uptake
2024-2025	$200-300 million	Expanded indication approvals, pipeline expansion
2026-2028	$500-700 million	Growing adoption, potential label extensions
2029+	$1 billion+	Potential broader indications, real-world evidence driving use

Assumptions based on market penetration rates, payer negotiations, and pipeline milestones

Pricing Strategy

• European Price: Approximately €145,000 (~$160,000) annually per patient.
• U.S. Price: Approximately $150,000–$175,000 per year.
• Cost Offsets: Potential for value-based reimbursement linked to efficacy and safety profiles.

Research and Development Investment

• AstraZeneca allocated ~$200 million annually post-approval for clinical trials, label expansion, and pharmacovigilance.
• Planned trials include adult NF1 cohorts and exploring indications in other pediatric tumors.

Market Entry Barriers

Barrier	Mitigation Strategies
Limited Patient Pool	Global regulatory filings, expanding indications
High Cost and Pricing	Engagement with payers, demonstrating value
Competition	Fast-tracking approvals, data competitiveness

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What Are the Key Competition and Pipeline Considerations?

Major Competitors

Drug	Mechanism	Approval Status	Note
Mirdametinib (RefleXion)	MEK inhibitor	Early clinical trials	Pending approval for NF1 neurofibromas
Binimetinib (Array BioPharma)	MEK inhibitor	Investigational	Competitive pipeline
Selumetinib (Novartis)	MEK inhibitor	Approved for pediatric NF1	Similar indication, direct competitor

Source: FDA and EMA review documents [3], clinical trial registries [4]

Pipeline Outlook

• Potential Broadened Indications: Adult NF1, other neurofibromas, and tumors.
• Combination Therapies: Synergistic regimens with immunotherapy or other targeted agents.
• Biomarker-Driven Approaches: Precision medicine strategies to improve response rates.

Market Positioning

• KOSELUGO maintains a first-mover advantage in pediatric plexiform neurofibromas.
• Ongoing trials aim to establish efficacy in additional tumor types, promising future revenue streams.

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How Do Market Regulations Impact the Trajectory?

Regulatory Body	Policy Impacts	Implications for KOSELUGO
FDA (USA)	Priority review, fast track, accelerated approval pathways	Accelerates time-to-market; facilitates early revenue
EMA	Conditional approval, orphan drug designation	Enables earlier market access; demand for confirmatory trials
Health Technology Assessment (HTA)	Cost-effectiveness evaluations	May influence reimbursement levels and pricing strategies

Source: FDA, EMA, and NICE guidelines [1][3][5]

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Comparison with Analogous Rare Disease Treatments

Drug	Indication	Sales Year 2022 (USD)	Market Cap (USD, 2023)	Pricing Model
Vimizim (Recombinagen)	Morquio A syndrome (lysosomal storage)	~$200 million	$2.5 billion	High-cost enzyme replacement therapy; value-based pricing
Zolgensma (Novartis)	Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)	~$1.2 billion	$280 billion	One-time gene therapy; premium pricing
KOSELUGO	Pediatric plexiform neurofibromas	~$50 million (2022 estimate)	Not publicly listed	Moderate pricing for a niche, rare pediatric indication

Source: Company financial reports [6], IQVIA data [7]

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Key Takeaways

• Niche Market Position: KOSELUGO owns a strategic position in the rare pediatric neurofibromatosis space, with significant growth potential dependent on continued regulatory progress and clinical evidence.
• Revenue Growth Catalysts: Expanded indication approvals, global market penetration, and pipeline advancements can propel revenue beyond $1 billion annually.
• Market Challenges: Limited patient numbers, pricing negotiations, and emerging competitors require proactive strategies and ongoing evidence generation.
• Regulatory Environment: Accelerated approval pathways enable swift market entry but demand rigorous post-market data collection.
• Competitive Differentiation: First-mover advantage and ongoing trial programs offer opportunities for establishing long-term leadership.

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FAQs

1. What are the primary drivers influencing KOSELUGO’s market growth?

Regulatory approvals for additional indications, increased awareness among clinicians, favorable reimbursement policies, and pipeline expansion are central drivers. The rarity of NF1-related plexiform neurofibromas creates a compelling unmet need, supporting steady demand once market access hurdles are overcome.

2. How does KOSELUGO compare cost-wise to other rare disease therapies?

KOSELUGO's annual treatment cost (~$150,000–$175,000) aligns with therapies for similar pediatric rare diseases like Zolgensma and Vimizim. The pricing reflects the niche market, high development costs, and value offered through tumor reduction and symptom management.

3. What are potential risks to KOSELUGO’s financial trajectory?

Key risks include slow adoption due to the small patient population, payer resistance to high-cost therapies, emergence of competing drugs, and regulatory delays impacting approval of expanded indications.

4. Are there plans to broaden KOSELUGO’s indications?

Yes, AstraZeneca has initiated trials in adult NF1 populations and exploring other tumor types, aiming for label expansion and increased revenue streams.

5. What strategic actions should investors monitor?

Investors should watch for:

• Regulatory milestones (approvals, label expansions)
• Clinical trial results for pipeline candidates
• Reimbursement policy developments
• Competitive pipeline advances
• Market access strategies in emerging territories

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References

[1] AstraZeneca Regulatory Filings, 2022–2023.
[2] NIH. Neurofibromatosis Fact Sheet. 2021.
[3] FDA. FDA Approval of KOSELUGO for NF1, 2021.
[4] ClinicalTrials.gov. Ongoing trials involving selumetinib, 2023.
[5] NICE Guidance, 2022.
[6] AstraZeneca Annual Report, 2022.
[7] IQVIA Institute. Global Rare Disease Report, 2022.

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This comprehensive analysis aims to equip industry stakeholders, investors, and healthcare strategists with actionable insights into KOSELUGO's market and financial landscape, highlighting the importance of ongoing clinical, regulatory, and commercial developments.