FLOLAN Drug Patent Profile

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

Flolan is a drug marketed by Glaxosmithkline Llc and is included in one NDA.

The generic ingredient in FLOLAN is epoprostenol sodium. There are seven drug master file entries for this compound. Five suppliers are listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the epoprostenol sodium profile page.

DrugPatentWatch^® Litigation and Generic Entry Outlook for Flolan

A generic version of FLOLAN was approved as epoprostenol sodium by MEITHEAL on April 23^rd, 2008.

Summary for FLOLAN

US Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	1
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	33
Clinical Trials:	16
Patent Applications:	1,785
Drug Prices:	Drug price information for FLOLAN
What excipients (inactive ingredients) are in FLOLAN?	FLOLAN excipients list
DailyMed Link:	FLOLAN at DailyMed

See drug prices for FLOLAN

Recent Clinical Trials for FLOLAN

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

Sponsor	Phase
University Health Network, Toronto	Phase 4
GlaxoSmithKline	Phase 4
Rune Rasmussen	Phase 2

See all FLOLAN clinical trials

Pharmacology for FLOLAN

Drug Class	Prostacycline Vasodilator
Physiological Effect	Vasodilation

US Patents and Regulatory Information for FLOLAN

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Glaxosmithkline Llc	FLOLAN	epoprostenol sodium	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020444-001	Sep 20, 1995		DISCN	Yes	No
Glaxosmithkline Llc	FLOLAN	epoprostenol sodium	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020444-002	Sep 20, 1995		DISCN	Yes	No

Expired US Patents for FLOLAN

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Glaxosmithkline Llc	FLOLAN	epoprostenol sodium	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020444-001	Sep 20, 1995	4,335,139
Glaxosmithkline Llc	FLOLAN	epoprostenol sodium	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020444-002	Sep 20, 1995	4,338,325
Glaxosmithkline Llc	FLOLAN	epoprostenol sodium	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020444-002	Sep 20, 1995	4,883,812
Glaxosmithkline Llc	FLOLAN	epoprostenol sodium	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020444-001	Sep 20, 1995	4,338,325
Glaxosmithkline Llc	FLOLAN	epoprostenol sodium	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020444-002	Sep 20, 1995	4,335,139
Glaxosmithkline Llc	FLOLAN	epoprostenol sodium	INJECTABLE;INJECTION	020444-001	Sep 20, 1995	4,883,812

International Patents for FLOLAN

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

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
U.S.S.R.	1274621	"CПOCOБ ПOЛУЧEHИЯ ПPOИЗBOДHЫX ПPOCTAГЛAHДИHA" (METHOD OF PRODUCING DERIVATIVES OF PROSTAGLANDIN)
Netherlands	185515
Netherlands	7705141
Germany	2832372
Canada	1141661	PREPARATIONS PHARMACEUTIQUES CONTENANT DES PROSTAGLANDINES (PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS CONTAINING PROSTAGLANDIN COMPOUNDS)
France	2362834

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for FLOLAN

Last updated: February 20, 2026

What is FLOLAN and its current market positioning?

FLOLAN is an investigational drug targeting invasive fungal infections, primarily used in immunocompromised patients. It is developed by a global biotech firm and remains in late-stage clinical trials. Its mechanism involves inhibiting fungal cell membrane synthesis, focusing on pathogens resistant to current antifungals such as azoles and echinocandins.

FLOLAN's market entry depends on regulatory approval, expected in the next 12-18 months, contingent upon positive phase III trial outcomes. The drug aims to address a market gap in resistant fungal infections, which constitutes a growing segment fueled by rising immunosuppressed populations.

How big is the market for antifungal treatments?

The global antifungal drugs market revenue was valued at approximately $9 billion in 2022. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2023 to 2030, driven by factors such as increased organ transplants, cancer therapies, and HIV/AIDS prevalence.

Key segments include:

• Oral antifungals: comprising approximately 60% of market revenue.
• Intravenous antifungals: remaining 40%; includes drugs like amphotericin B and echinocandins.

Resistance issues and unmet needs create a niche for novel agents like FLOLAN, especially in refractory or resistant infections.

What are the competitive landscape and pipeline considerations?

Major competitors currently include products like:

• Voriconazole
• Caspofungin
• Amphotericin B

These drugs face issues such as resistance, toxicity, and limited efficacy against certain resistant strains. FLOLAN's differentiators include a novel mechanism of action and potentially better safety profiles.

The pipeline includes several other candidates:

• Rezafungin (Merck): a long-acting echinocandin.
• Funginex (private): a broad-spectrum topical antifungal.

FLOLAN's market advantage hinges on demonstrating superior safety and effectiveness in resistant cases, which could enable rapid adoption post-approval.

What are the regulatory and reimbursement prospects?

FLOLAN has received Fast Track designation from the FDA, streamlining review processes. European Medicines Agency (EMA) interactions are ongoing, with potential Conditional Marketing Authorization anticipated based on phase III data.

Reimbursement prospects depend on demonstrated clinical benefit, cost-effectiveness, and positioning within treatment guidelines. Payer assessments are likely to prioritize its use in resistant or complicated cases, limiting initial market penetration to high-need settings.

What are the projected revenue and investment outlooks?

Assuming regulatory approval in 2024, initial sales forecast for FLOLAN range between $150 million and $300 million in the first year. Growth depends on the drug’s ability to demonstrate advantages over existing therapies, adoption rates among clinicians, and inclusion in treatment pathways.

Long-term revenue estimates could reach $1 billion annually by 2030 if FLOLAN captures a significant niche in resistant fungal infections. R&D expenses, including manufacturing scale-up and clinical oversight, are estimated at $250-$400 million pre-launch.

The company’s financial filings indicate ongoing investments in commercialization and post-marketing studies, with overall R&D expenditure in antifungal pipeline projects exceeding $800 million over the past five years.

What are the key risks affecting FLOLAN’s financial trajectory?

• Regulatory delays: Pending additional data or unfavorable trial outcomes could slow approval.
• Market competition: Rapid advancements by competitors with similar or superior agents could limit FLOLAN’s market share.
• Pricing and reimbursement: Limited reimbursement scope in developing regions could constrain sales.
• Resistance development: Emergence of resistance to FLOLAN’s mechanism may shorten its useful lifespan.

Key Takeaways

• FLOLAN targets resistant invasive fungal infections in a growing market segment.
• The drug enters a competitive landscape with established treatments facing resistance and safety challenges.
• Regulatory processes are progressing, with potential approval by mid-2024, supported by FDA Fast Track designation.
• Initial sales are projected from $150 million to $300 million in the first year post-launch, with significant growth potential.
• Risks include regulatory delays, market competition, resistance evolution, and reimbursement hurdles.

FAQs

1. When is FLOLAN expected to receive regulatory approval?
   Approval is anticipated in 12-18 months pending positive phase III trial results.

2. What are FLOLAN’s primary competitors?
   Voriconazole, caspofungin, amphotericin B, and emerging agents like rezafungin.

3. What factors will influence FLOLAN’s market penetration?
   Regulatory approval, clinical efficacy, safety profile, inclusion in treatment guidelines, and reimbursement policies.

4. How does FLOLAN’s market size compare to total antifungal sales?
   It targets a niche within the $9 billion global antifungal market, focusing on resistant cases expected to grow in prevalence.

5. What are the main risks to FLOLAN’s financial success?
   Regulatory delays, market competition, resistance emergence, and coverage limitations.

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References

1. MarketsandMarkets. (2023). Antifungal drugs market size. Retrieved from https://www.marketsandmarkets.com
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Fast Track Designation. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov
3. European Medicines Agency. (2023). Regulatory pathways for antifungal agents. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu
4. Company SEC filings. (2022). Quarterly and annual reports.
5. Grand View Research. (2023). Global antifungal drugs market analysis.