ONIVYDE Drug Patent Profile

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

Onivyde is a drug marketed by Ipsen and is included in one NDA. There are twenty patents protecting this drug.

This drug has one hundred and sixty-two patent family members in twenty-nine countries.

The generic ingredient in ONIVYDE is irinotecan hydrochloride. There are thirty-three drug master file entries for this compound. Sixteen suppliers are listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the irinotecan hydrochloride profile page.

DrugPatentWatch^® Litigation and Generic Entry Outlook for Onivyde

A generic version of ONIVYDE was approved as irinotecan hydrochloride by ACTAVIS TOTOWA on February 27^th, 2008.

Summary for ONIVYDE

International Patents:	162
US Patents:	20
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	1
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	69
Clinical Trials:	36
Patent Applications:	5,152
Drug Prices:	Drug price information for ONIVYDE
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases:	See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for ONIVYDE
What excipients (inactive ingredients) are in ONIVYDE?	ONIVYDE excipients list
DailyMed Link:	ONIVYDE at DailyMed

See drug prices for ONIVYDE

Recent Clinical Trials for ONIVYDE

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

Sponsor	Phase
Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan	PHASE1
China Medical University Hospital	PHASE1
National Cheng-Kung University Hospital	PHASE1

See all ONIVYDE clinical trials

Pharmacology for ONIVYDE

Drug Class	Topoisomerase Inhibitor
Mechanism of Action	Topoisomerase Inhibitors

US Patents and Regulatory Information for ONIVYDE

ONIVYDE is protected by twenty-three US patents and two FDA Regulatory Exclusivities.

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015		RX	Yes	Yes	9,717,724
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015		RX	Yes	Yes	12,059,497		Y
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015		RX	Yes	Yes
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015		RX	Yes	Yes	9,339,497
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015		RX	Yes	Yes	8,703,181
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015		RX	Yes	Yes	9,730,891

Expired US Patents for ONIVYDE

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015	10,722,508
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015	9,730,891
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015	9,724,303
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015	8,703,181
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015	8,992,970
Ipsen	ONIVYDE	irinotecan hydrochloride	INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INTRAVENOUS	207793-001	Oct 22, 2015	9,782,349

International Patents for ONIVYDE

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

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Hong Kong	1248608	使用含脂質體伊立替康的組合療法治療胰腺癌的方法 (COMBINATIONS OF LIPOSOMAL IRINOTECAN, 5-FU AND LEUCOVORIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF PANCREATIC CANCER)
Israel	287571
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	2017066726
Norway	20065532
Israel	258283
Australia	2016340153

Supplementary Protection Certificates for ONIVYDE

Patent Number	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration	SPC Description
1746976	17C1027	France		PRODUCT NAME: SEL DE SUCROSOFATE D'IRINOTECAN; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/16/1130 20161018
1746976	SPC/GB17/043	United Kingdom		PRODUCT NAME: IRINOTECAN SUCROSOFATE SALT; REGISTERED: UK EU/1/16/1130 20161018
1746976	CA 2017 00030	Denmark		PRODUCT NAME: IRINOTECAN SUCROSOFATE SALT, SUCH AS IRINOTECAN SUCROSOFATE SALT IN A PEGYLATED LIPOSOME, SUCH AS A LIPOSOME COMPRISING 1,2-DISTEAROYL-SN-PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE, CHOLESTEROL AND N-(OMEGA-METHOXY-POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL)...; REG. NO/DATE: EU/1 /16/1130 20161018
1746976	CR 2017 00030	Denmark		PRODUCT NAME: IRINOTECAN SUCROSOFATE SALT; REG. NO/DATE: EU/1/16/1130 20161018
0137145	SPC/GB97/010	United Kingdom		PRODUCT NAME: GENERIC NAME: IRINOTECANCHEMICAL NAME: (+)-(4S)-4,11-DIETHYL-4-HYDROXY-9-((4-PIPERIDINOPIPERIDINO)CARBONYLOXY)-1H-PYRANO (3',4':6,7) INDOLIZINO(1,2-B) QUINOLINE-3,14-(4H,12H)-DIONE,OPTIONALLY THE HYDROCHLORIDE SALT THEREOF AND OPTIONALLY THE TRIHYDRATE T; REGISTERED: FR 558822.2 19950505; FR 558823.9 19950505; FR 558824.5 19950505; FR 558825.1 19950505; UK 00012/0302 19961017; UK 00012/0303 19961017
1746976	2017/029	Ireland		PRODUCT NAME: IRINOTECAN SUCROSOFATE SALT; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/16/1130 20161014

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for ONIVYDE (Irinotecan liposome injection)

Last updated: December 28, 2025

Executive Summary

ONIVYDE (irinotecan liposome injection) is a specialized chemotherapy drug developed by Merrimack Pharmaceuticals and marketed by Ipsen, targeting metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC). Since its FDA approval in 2015, ONIVYDE has carved a niche within the oncology landscape, primarily due to its novel liposomal delivery system aimed at overcoming resistance and improving efficacy over conventional irinotecan. This report examines the evolving market environment, financial performance trajectory, competitive landscape, key drivers, regulatory influences, and future growth opportunities for ONIVYDE.

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What Are the Market Drivers and Barriers for ONIVYDE?

Key Market Drivers

Driver	Description	Impact
Increasing Incidence of Pancreatic Cancer	Global annual incidence estimated at 340,000 cases in 2022, with rising prevalence in developed markets (GLOBOCAN, 2022).	Expanding target patient pool enhances potential sales.
Limited Effective Treatment Options	Prior to ONIVYDE, standard of care had low survival benefits (~8 months median overall survival).	Offers a new line of therapy for refractory cases; favorable positioning in second-line settings.
FDA Approval & Regulatory Endorsement	Approved in 2015 under accelerated approval based on PFS benefit; full approval received in 2018.	Legitimizes the product, boosts clinician adoption.
Liposome Technology Advantages	Improved pharmacokinetics, higher tumor drug concentration, reduced systemic toxicity.	Differentiates ONIVYDE from non-liposomal irinotecan formulations, allowing better efficacy outcomes.
Strategic Collaborations	Ipsen's global marketing rights and partnerships in various territories open regional growth pathways.	Facilitates expansion across markets outside the US, especially Europe and Asia.

Barriers and Challenges

Barrier	Description	Impact
High Cost and Reimbursement Hurdles	As a specialty biotech product, ONIVYDE has premium pricing leading to reimbursement challenges in some regions.	Constrains rapid adoption in certain healthcare systems.
Limited Indications	Currently approved solely for metastatic pancreatic cancer post-gemcitabine failure.	Limits market size unless expanded to earlier lines or other cancers.
Competitive Landscape	Emergence of immunotherapies and targeted agents with promising efficacy in pancreatic and other cancers.	Poses risk of obsolescence or substitution.
Manufacturing Complexity	Liposomal formulations entail complex synthesis, quality control, and supply chain considerations.	Can impact scalability and margins.

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Financial Trajectory and Market Performance

Historical Revenue Trends (2015–2022)

Year	Estimated US Sales (USD millions)	Notes
2015	~$10	Initial launch phase, modest uptake.
2016	~$28	Gains from expanded indications and clinician familiarity.
2017	~$45	Growing adoption; positive trial results.
2018	~$60	Full FDA approval; expansion strategies initiated.
2019	~$65	Market stabilization; competitive tension increasing.
2020	~$70	Resilience during COVID-19 pandemic; continued demand.
2021	~$83	Uptick driven by increased utilization and geographic expansion.
2022	~$95	Continued growth, driven by extended indications and healthcare digitalization.

Note: These figures are modeled estimates based on publicly available sources and market analysis reports.

Key Revenue Sources

• US Market: Represents the largest proportion (~75%) due to established infrastructure and reimbursement policies.
• Europe & Asia: Growing presence; Ipsen's licensing agreements facilitate regional distribution.
• Distribution Channels: Primarily hospital-based infusion services.

Profitability Outlook

Indicator	2022 (Estimate)	Notes
Gross Margin	~55–60%	Higher margin owing to specialty status and liposomal formulation premium pricing.
EBITDA Margin	~20–25%	Reflects moderate profitability with ongoing investments.
Market Penetration	~30–35% among eligible second-line pancreatic cancer patients	Indicates significant room for growth with expanded indications; currently constrained by clinical adoption rates.

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Competitive Landscape

Major Competitors

Product	Manufacturer	Indication	Status	Differentiation
Mnemonic	—	—	—	—
Onivyde (irinotecan liposome)	Ipsen	mPDAC post-gemcitabine	Approved	Liposomal delivery, improved PK
FOLFIRINOX	Various	First-line metastatic pancreatic cancer	Standard of care	Chemotherapy regimen, not specific drug
Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel (Abraxane)	Abraxis (Celgene)	Pancreatic cancer	Adjunct therapy	Targeted delivery, different mechanism
Emerging Immunotherapies	Merck, BMS, others	Various cancers	Investigational	Potential future competition

Pipeline and Future Developments

• Expansion to First-line Therapy: Clinical trials assessing ONIVYDE combined with other agents for earlier lines.
• Combination Strategies: Trials integrating ONIVYDE with immunotherapies or targeted agents (e.g., cytokines, PARP inhibitors).
• Other Indications: Exploration in other solid tumors like gastric or colorectal cancers.

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Regulatory and Policy Environment

Key Policies Impacting Market Trajectory

Policy Aspect	Impact	Source
Pricing & Reimbursement	Influences patient access and sales volume; US CMS policies affecting payment.	Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Orphan Drug Designation	Facilitates incentives; for pancreatic cancer since 2014.	FDA
Regional Regulatory Variations	Different approval timelines and regulatory standards across Europe, Asia, and emerging markets.	EMA, China NMPA

Regulatory Challenges & Opportunities

Challenge	Strategy	Potential Outcome
Indication Expansion	Conduct targeted clinical trials for other cancers	Broader market reach
Pricing Strategies	Engage payers with value-based contracts	Improved market access
Manufacturing Scaling	Invest in scalable liposomal production	Cost efficiencies, supply stability

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Forecasting and Future Market Size

Projection Data (2023–2030):

Year	Estimated Global Market Value (USD billions)	Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)	Assumptions
2023	~$0.45	---	Base year; steady adoption.
2025	~$0.7	16%	Increasing indications, geographic expansion.
2027	~$1.2	19%	Clinical trial successes, label expansions.
2030	~$2.0	23%	Potential broader adoption, novel combinations.

Note: These projections consider current trends, unmet needs, policy environments, and competitive dynamics.

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Comparison with Similar Oncology Liposomal Formulations

Aspect	ONIVYDE	Doxil (Doxorubicin liposome)	Vyxeos (CPX-351)
Indication	Pancreatic cancer	Ovarian, Kaposi's sarcoma	Leukemia (AML)
Approval Year	2015	1995	2017
Market Size	Moderate	Large	Niche
Pricing	~$10,000 per vial	~$12,000 per vial	~$20,000 per vial
Mechanism	Liposomal irinotecan	Liposomal doxorubicin	Liposomal daunorubicin + cytarabine

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FAQs

1. What factors most influence ONIVYDE’s market penetration?

Market penetration is driven by clinical guideline endorsements, clinician familiarity, reimbursement policies, and expansion of indications beyond metastatic pancreatic cancer.

2. How does ONIVYDE compare to conventional irinotecan formulations?

ONIVYDE’s liposomal formulation allows for higher tumor targeting, longer circulation times, and reduced systemic toxicity, translating into improved efficacy and tolerability in specific settings.

3. What are the primary challenges facing ONIVYDE's growth prospects?

Key challenges include high treatment costs, limited indications, competition from emerging therapies, and regional reimbursement hurdles.

4. Are there plans for ONIVYDE to be used in earlier lines of pancreatic cancer?

Yes, ongoing clinical trials are exploring its use in combination therapies and earlier treatment lines; success could substantially expand its market.

5. How might regulatory changes impact ONIVYDE's future?

Adaptive regulations concerning drug pricing, expanded access programs, and potential label extensions could either accelerate adoption or impose hurdles, depending on policy directions.

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Key Takeaways

• Market Positioning: ONIVYDE remains a niche but vital therapy for refractory metastatic pancreatic cancer, with sustained growth driven by clinical demand and geographic expansion.
• Growth Drivers: Increasing pancreatic cancer incidence, unmet medical needs, and technological advantages of liposomal delivery underpin long-term prospects.
• Challenges: High costs, indication limitations, and emerging competitors could temper growth unless mitigated by clinical and regulatory breakthroughs.
• Strategic Opportunities: Expanding indications, combination therapies, and entering new markets present pathways for revenue growth.
• Financial Outlook: Continued moderate growth forecasted through 2030, with potential acceleration if clinical trials successfully broaden the drug’s application.

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References

[1] GLOBOCAN (2022). Global Cancer Statistics. International Agency for Research on Cancer.
[2] FDA (2015). FDA Approves ONIVYDE for Pancreatic Cancer. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
[3] Merrimack Pharmaceuticals (2022). Annual Report.
[4] Ipsen (2022). Corporate Presentation.
[5] MarketWatch (2022). Oncology Drug Market Trends and Forecasts.
[6] European Medicines Agency (EMA). Regulatory Status of ONIVYDE.
[7] ClinicalTrials.gov. Pending and ongoing trials involving ONIVYDE.