Last Updated: May 15, 2026

LYRIca Drug Patent Profile


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Which patents cover Lyrica, and when can generic versions of Lyrica launch?

Lyrica is a drug marketed by Upjohn and is included in three NDAs. There are three patents protecting this drug and two Paragraph IV challenges.

The generic ingredient in LYRICA is pregabalin. There are forty-one drug master file entries for this compound. Fifty-five suppliers are listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the pregabalin profile page.

DrugPatentWatch® Litigation and Generic Entry Outlook for Lyrica

A generic version of LYRIca was approved as pregabalin by ALEMBIC on July 19th, 2019.

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Recent Clinical Trials for LYRIca

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

SponsorPhase
Eurofarma Laboratorios S.A.PHASE3
Beijing Tiantan HospitalPHASE1
Neurodawn Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.PHASE1

See all LYRIca clinical trials

Paragraph IV (Patent) Challenges for LYRICA
Tradename Dosage Ingredient Strength NDA ANDAs Submitted Submissiondate
LYRICA Oral Solution pregabalin 20 mg/mL 022488 1 2010-05-19
LYRICA Capsules pregabalin 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg and 300 mg 021446 8 2008-12-30

US Patents and Regulatory Information for LYRIca

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Exclusivity Expiration
Upjohn LYRICA pregabalin CAPSULE;ORAL 021446-001 Dec 30, 2004 AB RX Yes No ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial
Upjohn LYRICA CR pregabalin TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL 209501-003 Oct 11, 2017 AB RX Yes Yes ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
Upjohn LYRICA pregabalin CAPSULE;ORAL 021446-007 Dec 30, 2004 AB RX Yes No ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial
Upjohn LYRICA pregabalin CAPSULE;ORAL 021446-004 Dec 30, 2004 AB RX Yes No ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial
Upjohn LYRICA CR pregabalin TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL 209501-001 Oct 11, 2017 AB RX Yes No ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  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 LYRIca

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date Patent No. Patent Expiration
Upjohn LYRICA pregabalin SOLUTION;ORAL 022488-001 Jan 4, 2010 ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial
Upjohn LYRICA pregabalin CAPSULE;ORAL 021446-003 Dec 30, 2004 ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial
Upjohn LYRICA pregabalin CAPSULE;ORAL 021446-008 Dec 30, 2004 ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial
Upjohn LYRICA pregabalin CAPSULE;ORAL 021446-001 Dec 30, 2004 ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial
Upjohn LYRICA pregabalin CAPSULE;ORAL 021446-006 Dec 30, 2004 ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial
>Applicant >Tradename >Generic Name >Dosage >NDA >Approval Date >Patent No. >Patent Expiration

EU/EMA Drug Approvals for LYRIca

Company Drugname Inn Product Number / Indication Status Generic Biosimilar Orphan Marketing Authorisation Marketing Refusal
Zentiva k.s. Pregabalin Zentiva k.s. pregabalin EMEA/H/C/004277Neuropathic painPregabalin Zentiva k.s. is indicated for the treatment of peripheral and central neuropathic pain in adults.EpilepsyPregabalin Zentiva k.s. is indicated as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation.Generalised anxiety disorderPregabalin Zentiva k.s. is indicated for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. Withdrawn yes no no 2017-02-27
Zentiva, k.s. Pregabalin Zentiva pregabalin EMEA/H/C/003900Neuropathic pain, , , Pregabalin Zentiva is indicated for the treatment of peripheral and central neuropathic pain in adults., , , Epilepsy, , , Pregabalin Zentiva is indicated as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation., , , Generalised anxiety disorder, , , Pregabalin Zentiva is indicated for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults., , Authorised yes no no 2015-07-17
Mylan S.A.S. Pregabalin Mylan Pharma pregabalin EMEA/H/C/003962EpilepsyPregabalin Mylan Pharma is indicated as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation.Generalised Anxiety DisorderPregabalin Mylan Pharma is indicated for the treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults. Withdrawn yes no no 2015-06-25
Upjohn EESV Pregabalin Pfizer pregabalin EMEA/H/C/003880Neuropathic painPregabalin Pfizer is indicated for the treatment of peripheral and central neuropathic pain in adults.EpilepsyPregabalin Pfizer is indicated as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation.Generalised Anxiety DisorderPregabalin Pfizer is indicated for the treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults. Authorised no no no 2014-04-10
Upjohn EESV Lyrica pregabalin EMEA/H/C/000546Neuropathic painLyrica is indicated for the treatment of peripheral and central neuropathic pain in adults.EpilepsyLyrica is indicated as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation.Generalised anxiety disorderLyrica is indicated for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. Authorised no no no 2004-07-05
>Company >Drugname >Inn >Product Number / Indication >Status >Generic >Biosimilar >Orphan >Marketing Authorisation >Marketing Refusal

International Patents for LYRIca

When does loss-of-exclusivity occur for LYRIca?

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

Netherlands

Patent: 0164
Estimated Expiration: ⤷  Start Trial

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 LYRIca around the world.

Country Patent Number Title Estimated Expiration
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) 9323383 ⤷  Start Trial
Slovakia 139594 GABA ANALOGS AND L-GLUTAMIC ACID AND METHOD OF THEIR PRODUCTION ⤷  Start Trial
Cuba 22850 ISOBUTILGABA Y SUS DERIVADOS PARA EL TRATAMIENTO DEL DOLOR ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 677008 ⤷  Start Trial
South Africa 9706562 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Title >Estimated Expiration

Supplementary Protection Certificates for LYRIca

Patent Number Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration SPC Description
0641330 SPC/GB04/034 United Kingdom ⤷  Start Trial PRODUCT NAME: PREGABALIN (S-(+)-4-AMINO-3(2-METHYLPROPYL)BUTANOIC ACID) OPTIONALLY IN THE FORM OF A PHARMACEUTICALLY ACTIVE SALT.; REGISTERED: UK EU/1/04/279/001 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/002 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/003 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/004 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/005 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/006 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/025 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/019 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/020 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/021 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/022 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/023 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/024 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/013 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/014 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/015 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/016 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/017 20040706; UK EU/1/04/279/018 20040706; UK EU/
0934061 PA2004017,C0934061 Lithuania ⤷  Start Trial PRODUCT NAME: PREGABALINUM ((S)-3-(AMINOMETIL)-5-METILHEKSANO RUGSTIS); REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/04/279/001-025 20040725
0641330 300164 Netherlands ⤷  Start Trial 300164, 20130518, EXPIRES: 20180517
0934061 PA2004017 Lithuania ⤷  Start Trial PRODUCT NAME: PREGABALINUM ((S)-3-(AMINOMETIL)-5-METILHEKSANO RûGðTIS)
0641330 C300164 Netherlands ⤷  Start Trial PRODUCT NAME: PREGABALINE, DESGEWENST IN DE; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/04/279/001 20040706
>Patent Number >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration >SPC Description

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for LYRICA (Pregabalin)

Last updated: March 18, 2026

What is the current market size and growth trend for LYRICA?

LYRICA (pregabalin) is a calcium channel alpha-2-delta ligand approved by the FDA in 2004 for neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and generalized anxiety disorder. The global pregabalin market reached approximately $7.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2023 to 2030, driven by increasing prevalence of neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Market Segmentation (2022):

Segment Revenue (USD billion) Percentage of total market
Neuropathic pain 4.2 56%
Epilepsy 1.8 24%
Generalized anxiety disorder 1.4 20%

The North American market accounts for roughly 58% of sales, driven by high prescription rates and reimbursement coverage. Europe accounts for 25%, while Asia-Pacific contributes 10%, with emerging markets gradually increasing their share.

How do patent expirations affect LYRICA’s market potential?

Pfizer's patent for LYRICA expired in the U.S. in 2019, opening the market to generic pregabalin. As a result, generic competition led to a 65% decline in U.S. revenue in 2020 compared to 2018, when LYRICA’s revenue peaked at around $4.5 billion.

Global patent expiries occurred earlier in 2018, with generic versions available in Europe, reducing sales by approximately 70%. New formulations and approved indications, such as for fibromyalgia, sustain market activity, but overall revenue has declined significantly.

What is the impact of regulatory and legal challenges?

Generic manufacturers have faced patent litigation, with some jurisdictions issuing rulings favoring generics. Pfizer still holds orphan drug exclusivity in several markets, delaying generic entry there.

Legal battles over patent validity continue, influencing market entry timelines. These factors create uncertainty around future revenues and competitive intensity.

How does LYRICA's financial performance evolve under generic competition?

Historical Revenue (USD billions):

Year Revenue Comments
2018 4.52 Peak before patent expiration
2019 2.12 Post-patent expiration, decline begins
2020 1.45 Steady decline, increased generic sales
2022 1.25 Market stabilization, reduced due to generics

Profit Margins:

Gross margins were around 70% during patent-protected years, dropping to 45-50% post-generic entry due to lower prices.

What are the emerging opportunities and threats?

Opportunities:

  • Expansion into new indications (e.g., fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain in cancer).
  • Development of derivatives or combination therapies.
  • Growth in emerging markets with increasing disease prevalence.

Threats:

  • Intensifying generic competition.
  • Price erosion driven by healthcare policy reforms favoring generics.
  • Legal challenges to patent rights and exclusivity periods.

How do competitive products influence LYRICA’s market?

Generic pregabalin rivals hold more than 80% of market share in regions with patent expiry. Other drugs like gabapentin (Neurontin) also compete but are less potent, affecting prescribing preferences.

New drugs targeting neuropathic pain, such as gabapentinoid alternatives or nerve growth factor inhibitors, threaten LYRICA’s market share long-term.

Financial Trajectory Outlook (Next 5 Years)

Year Projected Revenue (USD billion) Key Drivers
2023 0.95 Continued generic market penetration
2024 0.85 Market maturity, price erosion
2025 0.75 Potential patent challenges or litigation
2026 0.70 Market stabilization, minor growth recovery
2027 0.65 Shift to niche indications or formulations

Summary

LYRICA's revenue has been declining since patent expiration due to generic competition. Market growth is limited to niche indications and emerging markets. Legal and regulatory challenges continue to influence market access. The overall financial trajectory points to a steady decline, with minimal recovery expected absent new formulations or indications.


Key Takeaways

  • LYRICA's global market peaked in 2018 at over $4.5 billion, declined by 70% in key regions post-patent expiry.
  • Generics dominate sales in the U.S. and Europe, reducing Pfizer's revenue and profit margins.
  • Next five-year projections show persistent decline, with revenues stabilizing at low levels.
  • Opportunities lie in expanding indications and emerging markets, but they are limited.
  • Legal disputes over patent rights remain a critical factor influencing future market dynamics.

FAQs

  1. What legal barriers does Pfizer face for LYRICA’s patent protection? Patent challenges and litigation in several jurisdictions have weakened Pfizer’s exclusivity, enabling generics to enter markets earlier than planned.

  2. Are there new formulations of pregabalin being developed? Pfizer has explored extended-release formulations, but none have gained approval or significantly impacted the market amid generic competition.

  3. How do generic prices compare to patent-protected LYRICA? Generic pregabalin prices are approximately 60-70% lower, leading to significant revenue decline for Pfizer.

  4. Is LYRICA still profitable for the original manufacturer? Profit margins have decreased substantially post-patent expiry, limiting profitability but still maintaining some revenue streams.

  5. What competitive drugs threaten LYRICA’s market share? Gabapentin and pregabalin generics constitute the primary competition, with emerging drugs targeting neuropathic pain also posing future threats.


References:

[1] MarketWatch. (2023). Pregabalin market size and forecasts.
[2] IQVIA. (2022). Global Neurological and Psychiatric Disease Treatment Market.
[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2004). FDA approval for LYRICA.
[4] Pfizer Annual Report. (2019-2022). Revenue breakdown by region and segment.
[5] European Medicines Agency. (2018). Patent litigation and generic approval timelines.

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