NINLARO Drug Patent Profile

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

Ninlaro is a drug marketed by Takeda Pharms Usa and is included in one NDA. There are seven patents protecting this drug and one Paragraph IV challenge.

This drug has one hundred and eighty-seven patent family members in forty-four countries.

The generic ingredient in NINLARO is ixazomib citrate. One supplier is listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the ixazomib citrate profile page.

DrugPatentWatch^® Generic Entry Outlook for Ninlaro

Ninlaro was eligible for patent challenges on November 20, 2019.

By analyzing the patents and regulatory protections it appears that the earliest date for generic entry will be November 20, 2029. 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.

Indicators of Generic Entry

Summary for NINLARO

International Patents:	187
US Patents:	7
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	1
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	42
Clinical Trials:	48
Drug Prices:	Drug price information for NINLARO
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases:	See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for NINLARO
What excipients (inactive ingredients) are in NINLARO?	NINLARO excipients list
DailyMed Link:	NINLARO at DailyMed

See drug prices for NINLARO

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

NDA:

208462

Dosage:

CAPSULE;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 NINLARO

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

Sponsor	Phase
Genentech, Inc.	Phase 1/Phase 2
Rajshekhar Chakraborty, MD	Phase 1/Phase 2
Takeda	Phase 4

See all NINLARO clinical trials

Pharmacology for NINLARO

Drug Class	Proteasome Inhibitor
Mechanism of Action	Proteasome Inhibitors

Paragraph IV (Patent) Challenges for NINLARO

Tradename	Dosage	Ingredient	Strength	NDA	ANDAs Submitted	Submissiondate
NINLARO	Capsules	ixazomib citrate	2.3 mg, 3 mg and 4 mg	208462	1	2019-11-20

US Patents and Regulatory Information for NINLARO

NINLARO is protected by seven US patents.

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
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-001	Nov 20, 2015		RX	Yes	No
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-003	Nov 20, 2015		RX	Yes	Yes			Y	Y
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-001	Nov 20, 2015		RX	Yes	No			Y	Y
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-001	Nov 20, 2015		RX	Yes	No			Y	Y
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-002	Nov 20, 2015		RX	Yes	No
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-003	Nov 20, 2015		RX	Yes	Yes			Y	Y

Expired US Patents for NINLARO

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-002	Nov 20, 2015
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-001	Nov 20, 2015
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-003	Nov 20, 2015
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-003	Nov 20, 2015
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-002	Nov 20, 2015
Takeda Pharms Usa	NINLARO	ixazomib citrate	CAPSULE;ORAL	208462-001	Nov 20, 2015

International Patents for NINLARO

When does loss-of-exclusivity occur for NINLARO?

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

Argentina

Australia

Brazil

Canada

Chile

China

Croatia

Cyprus

Denmark

Ecuador

Eurasian Patent Organization

European Patent Office

France

Georgia, Republic of

Hong Kong

Hungary

Israel

Japan

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Netherlands

New Zealand

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Serbia

Singapore

Slovenia

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Taiwan

Tunisia

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 NINLARO around the world.

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Peru	20141065
China	107253966
Austria	438650
European Patent Office	2733147
Japan	2014169316
South Korea	20140042933

Supplementary Protection Certificates for NINLARO

Patent Number	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration	SPC Description
2178888	SPC/GB17/030	United Kingdom		PRODUCT NAME: IXAZOMIB AND PHARMACEUTICALLY ACCEPTABLE SALTS AND ESTERS THEREOF, SUCH AS IXAZOMIB CITRATE; REGISTERED: UK EU/1/16/1094/001(NI) 20161123; UK EU/1/16/1094/002(NI) 20161123; UK EU/1/16/1094/003(NI) 20161123; UK PLGB 15475/0059 20161123; UK PLGB 15475/0060 20161123; UK PLGB 15475/0061 20161123
2178888	17C1011	France		PRODUCT NAME: IXAZOMIB ET SES SELS PHARMACEUTIQUEMENT ACCEPTABLES ET SES ESTERS TELS QUE LE CITRATE D'IXAZOMIB; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/16/1094 20161123
2178888	PA2017010	Lithuania		PRODUCT NAME: IKSAZOMIBAS ARBA JO FARMACINIU POZIURIU PRIIMTINOS DRUSKOS IR ESTERIAI, PAVYZDZIUI KAIP IKSAZOMIBO CITRATAS; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/16/1094 20161121
2178888	CR 2017 00014	Denmark		PRODUCT NAME: IXAZOMIB OG FARMACEUTISK ACCEPTABLE SALTE OG ESTERE DERAF, HERUNDER IXAZOMIBCITRAT; REG. NO/DATE: EU/1/16/1094 20161123
2178888	1790016-8	Sweden		PRODUCT NAME: IXAZOMIB AND PHARMACEUTICALLY ACCEPTABLE SALTS AND ESTERS THEREOF, SUCH AS IXAZOMIB CITRATE; REG. NO/DATE: EU/1/16/1094 20161123
2178888	275 50004-2017	Slovakia		PRODUCT NAME: IXAZOMIB VO VSETKYCH FORMACH CHRANENYCH ZAKLADNYM PATENTOM; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/16/1094 20161123

NINLARO: Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory

Last updated: February 19, 2026

What is NINLARO and Its Therapeutic Role?

NINLARO (ixazomib) is an oral proteasome inhibitor developed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company. It is indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma in patients who have received at least one prior therapy. Ixazomib targets the 20S proteasome, inhibiting its activity and leading to the accumulation of misfolded proteins within cancer cells, ultimately triggering apoptosis. This mechanism of action differentiates it from intravenous proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib and carfilzomib. NINLARO is typically administered in combination with other agents, including lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) or cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone.

What is NINLARO's Regulatory Status and Patent Landscape?

NINLARO received its initial U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on November 20, 2015, for the treatment of multiple myeloma in patients who have received at least one prior therapy [1]. Subsequent approvals expanded its use, including a label expansion in June 2017 to include previously untreated multiple myeloma patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant [2].

The patent landscape for NINLARO is crucial for understanding its market exclusivity. Takeda holds several key patents covering the composition of matter, formulation, and methods of use for ixazomib.

• Composition of Matter Patents: These are typically the strongest patents, protecting the molecule itself. The primary composition of matter patent for ixazomib in the U.S. is U.S. Patent No. 7,897,629, which was granted on February 29, 2011, and is set to expire on February 29, 2028 [3].
• Formulation Patents: These patents cover specific pharmaceutical compositions of NINLARO, such as its capsule formulation. U.S. Patent No. 8,575,330, covering a solid oral dosage form, was granted on November 5, 2013, and is expected to expire on November 5, 2028 [4].
• Method of Use Patents: These patents protect specific therapeutic uses of ixazomib. For example, patents covering its use in combination therapy may extend market protection.

The expiration of these key patents, particularly the composition of matter patent, will open the door for generic competition. Generic manufacturers are actively pursuing abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) for ixazomib. As of early 2024, several generic companies have filed or are expected to file ANDAs, indicating potential generic entry in the coming years. For instance, Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories have indicated intentions to market generic versions of ixazomib [5].

What are NINLARO's Sales Performance and Market Share?

NINLARO has demonstrated a steady revenue growth trajectory since its launch. In 2023, Takeda reported global net sales of NINLARO to be approximately JPY 197.5 billion (USD 1.36 billion), representing a 11.6% increase compared to 2022 [6]. This performance reflects its established position in the multiple myeloma treatment landscape and continued adoption.

Year	Global Net Sales (JPY Billion)	Global Net Sales (USD Billion)	Year-over-Year Growth (%)
2021	164.7	1.51	9.6%
2022	177.0	1.34	7.5%
2023	197.5	1.36	11.6%

Note: USD conversions are approximate and based on average annual exchange rates.

NINLARO's market share within the oral proteasome inhibitor segment is significant, although it competes with other novel agents and established therapies in the broader multiple myeloma market. Its oral administration offers a key differentiation, appealing to patients seeking convenience and potentially reducing healthcare resource utilization associated with intravenous infusions.

What is the Competitive Landscape for NINLARO?

The multiple myeloma market is highly competitive, characterized by a dynamic pipeline and frequent therapeutic advances. NINLARO faces competition from several classes of drugs:

Oral Proteasome Inhibitors:

• No direct oral competitors with identical MOA: NINLARO is currently the only approved oral proteasome inhibitor. This remains a key differentiator.

Intravenous Proteasome Inhibitors:

• Bortezomib (Velcade): A first-generation proteasome inhibitor, still widely used but requires subcutaneous or intravenous administration.
• Carfilzomib (Kyprolis): A second-generation proteasome inhibitor with a distinct binding profile, administered intravenously.
• Ixazomib (NINLARO) advantages: Oral administration.
• Ixazomib (NINLARO) disadvantages: May have a different efficacy/safety profile compared to IV agents in certain patient populations or lines of therapy.

Immunomodulatory Drugs (IMiDs):

• Lenalidomide (Revlimid): A cornerstone therapy, often used in combination with proteasome inhibitors. Takeda also markets lenalidomide.
• Pomalidomide (Pomalyst): Another IMiD used in later lines of therapy.

Monoclonal Antibodies:

• Daratumumab (Darzalex): A CD38-targeting antibody with significant efficacy in multiple myeloma.
• Isatuximab (Sarclisa): Another CD38-targeting antibody.
• Elotuzumab (Emplicyt): A SLAMF7-targeting antibody.

Other Novel Agents:

• Belantamab mafodotin-blmf (Blenrep): An antibody-drug conjugate targeting BCMA, though its U.S. approval was recently withdrawn by GSK due to confirmatory trial results [7].
• BCMA-targeted CAR T-cell therapies: Idecabtagene vicleucel (Abecma) and Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Carvykti) represent a significant advancement for relapsed/refractory patients, targeting BCMA.

NINLARO's positioning is primarily as an oral option for patients who have received at least one prior therapy, often in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone. Its convenience continues to drive adoption, particularly in the community oncology setting. However, the emergence of highly effective BCMA-targeted therapies in later lines of treatment could impact its long-term market penetration.

What are NINLARO's Future Market Projections and Challenges?

The future market trajectory for NINLARO is influenced by several factors. Continued growth is expected in the near to medium term due to its established efficacy, oral convenience, and Takeda's commercial efforts. The ongoing expansion of treatment indications and combination strategies could further bolster sales. Takeda's focus on lifecycle management, including exploring new formulations or delivery methods, could also contribute to sustained performance.

Key Growth Drivers:

• Oral Convenience: Remains a significant differentiator, particularly for patients and physicians prioritizing ease of administration and reduced clinic visits.
• Combination Therapies: Efficacy in combination regimens, especially with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, supports its use across multiple lines of therapy.
• Market Penetration in Emerging Markets: Opportunities exist for expanding access and sales in regions where advanced therapies are becoming more accessible.
• Label Expansions: Further clinical trials investigating NINLARO in different patient subgroups or earlier lines of therapy could broaden its market.

Key Challenges:

• Generic Competition: The most significant near-term threat. As patent expirations approach, generic ixazomib is expected to enter the market, leading to price erosion and a decline in market share for Takeda's branded product. The timing of generic entry, influenced by patent litigation and regulatory approvals, will be critical.
• Evolving Treatment Paradigms: The rapid pace of innovation in multiple myeloma, particularly with the success of CAR T-cell therapies targeting BCMA, is shifting the treatment landscape. These novel agents are proving highly effective in relapsed/refractory settings, potentially limiting the number of patients eligible for later-line ixazomib.
• Competition from Other Novel Agents: Ongoing development of new therapeutic modalities and combination strategies could introduce superior treatment options, impacting NINLARO's competitive standing.
• Real-World Effectiveness and Safety: While clinical trials demonstrate efficacy, long-term real-world data on NINLARO's effectiveness and safety profile compared to emerging therapies will be crucial for sustained adoption.

Takeda’s strategic response to these challenges will involve optimizing commercial strategies, potentially pursuing new indications or combinations, and managing the transition to generic competition effectively. The financial performance post-patent expiry will depend on the pricing and market penetration of generic ixazomib and Takeda's ability to maintain market share through differentiation or alternative strategies.

Key Takeaways

• NINLARO (ixazomib) is an oral proteasome inhibitor approved for multiple myeloma, offering a key convenience advantage over intravenous alternatives.
• Key patents protecting NINLARO, including composition of matter and formulation patents, are set to expire between 2028 and 2029, paving the way for generic competition.
• Global net sales for NINLARO reached approximately USD 1.36 billion in 2023, demonstrating consistent year-over-year growth.
• The multiple myeloma market is highly competitive, with NINLARO facing challenges from other proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, IMiDs, and emerging CAR T-cell therapies.
• Future growth is contingent on continued adoption of its oral administration and combination therapies, but significant challenges include impending generic entry and the rapid evolution of novel treatment modalities, particularly BCMA-targeted therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will generic versions of NINLARO become available in the United States? Generic entry is anticipated around 2028-2029, coinciding with the expiration of key patents, although specific timelines can be influenced by patent litigation and regulatory approvals.

2. What is the primary advantage of NINLARO over other proteasome inhibitors? NINLARO’s primary advantage is its oral administration, offering greater convenience for patients compared to the intravenous or subcutaneous administration required by bortezomib and carfilzomib.

3. How does NINLARO fit into the current multiple myeloma treatment landscape? NINLARO is primarily used for patients who have received at least one prior therapy, often in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, providing an oral therapeutic option.

4. What are the main future threats to NINLARO's market exclusivity? The primary threats are the expiration of its key patents leading to generic competition and the emergence of highly effective novel therapies, such as BCMA-targeted CAR T-cell treatments, which are altering treatment paradigms in later lines of therapy.

5. What are Takeda's strategies for maintaining NINLARO's market performance? Takeda is likely to focus on optimizing commercial strategies, exploring potential new indications or combination therapies, and managing the transition to generic competition, potentially through authorized generics or continued lifecycle management.

Citations

[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2015, November 20). FDA approves NINLARO (ixazomib) for patients with multiple myeloma. [Press release]. [2] Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. (2017, June 21). Takeda announces FDA approval of NINLARO® (ixazomib) in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy, including patients who are newly diagnosed and ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant. [Press release]. [3] U.S. Patent No. 7,897,629. (2011, Feb. 29). Substituted pyridine compounds and their use as proteasome inhibitors. [4] U.S. Patent No. 8,575,330. (2013, Nov. 5). Solid oral dosage form of ixazomib. [5] Various industry news outlets and company reports covering ANDA filings for ixazomib by Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories. (Specific date of reporting varies). [6] Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. (2024, February 2). Takeda Reports Full-Year Fiscal Year 2023 Results. [Financial Report]. [7] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022, November 16). FDA accepts withdrawal of belantamab mafodotin-blmf (Blenrep) marketing application. [News Release].