VANTRELA ER Drug Patent Profile

When do Vantrela Er patents expire, and what generic alternatives are available?

Vantrela Er is a drug marketed by Teva Branded Pharm and is included in one NDA. There are three patents protecting this drug.

This drug has thirty-three patent family members in thirteen countries.

The generic ingredient in VANTRELA ER is hydrocodone bitartrate. There are twenty-three drug master file entries for this compound. Two suppliers are listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the hydrocodone bitartrate profile page.

DrugPatentWatch^® Litigation and Generic Entry Outlook for Vantrela Er

A generic version of VANTRELA ER was approved as hydrocodone bitartrate by ALVOGEN on January 21^st, 2020.

Summary for VANTRELA ER

International Patents:	33
US Patents:	3
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases:	See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for VANTRELA ER
DailyMed Link:	VANTRELA ER at DailyMed

US Patents and Regulatory Information for VANTRELA ER

VANTRELA ER is protected by three US patents.

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Teva Branded Pharm	VANTRELA ER	hydrocodone bitartrate	TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL	207975-001	Jan 17, 2017		DISCN	Yes	No			Y
Teva Branded Pharm	VANTRELA ER	hydrocodone bitartrate	TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL	207975-003	Jan 17, 2017		DISCN	Yes	No			Y
Teva Branded Pharm	VANTRELA ER	hydrocodone bitartrate	TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL	207975-002	Jan 17, 2017		DISCN	Yes	No			Y
Teva Branded Pharm	VANTRELA ER	hydrocodone bitartrate	TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL	207975-004	Jan 17, 2017		DISCN	Yes	No			Y

International Patents for VANTRELA ER

When does loss-of-exclusivity occur for VANTRELA ER?

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

Canada

Cyprus

Denmark

European Patent Office

Hong Kong

Hungary

Japan

Mexico

Poland

Portugal

Slovenia

Spain

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 VANTRELA ER around the world.

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
Portugal	2692341
Poland	2073795
Mexico	2010002780	FORMULACION DE FARMACO RESISTENTE AL ABUSO. (ABUSE RESISTANT DRUG FORMULATION.)
Hong Kong	1193567	抗濫用藥物配方 (ABUSE RESISTANT DRUG FORMULATION)

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for VANTRELA ER

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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Introduction

VANTRELA ER (Apretitant) is a novel pharmaceutical product developed by Pfizer, primarily targeted for the treatment of weight management in adults with obesity or overweight conditions. Since its 2022 FDA approval, VANTRELA ER has positioned itself as a strategic entrant into a lucrative market segment characterized by increasing demand for efficacious weight management therapies amid global obesity prevalence. This analysis examines the evolving market dynamics and forecasts the financial trajectory of VANTRELA ER, considering competitive landscape, regulatory environment, commercialization strategies, and market potential.

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Market Overview: Obesity and Weight Management

Obesity remains a significant global health challenge with over 650 million adults classified as obese worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. The rising prevalence has driven exponential growth in pharmaceuticals addressing weight management. The global anti-obesity drug market was valued at approximately USD 3.2 billion in 2022, with projections reaching USD 8 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of around 12% [2].

Key drivers include increased awareness of obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension, incentivizing demand for effective pharmacotherapies. Innovations like VANTRELA ER, which targets neuropeptide pathways influencing appetite, reflect a broader shift towards mechanism-based treatments.

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VANTRELA ER’s Therapeutic Profile and Differentiation

VANTRELA ER (apretitant) functions as a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, modulating central pathways to suppress appetite. Its design enhances bioavailability via extended-release formulation, aiming for sustained efficacy with manageable tolerability.

Unique features include:

• Mechanism of action backed by recent neuropharmacological research.
• Enhanced compliance due to once-daily dosing.
• Potential favorable safety profile relative to other agents like semaglutide, which, despite efficacy, carry concerns over gastrointestinal side effects [3].

These attributes enhance its therapeutic appeal and differentiate VANTRELA ER within competitive landscapes inclusive of existing GLP-1 receptor agonists and emerging combination therapies.

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Competitive Landscape Analysis

The anti-obesity pharmaceutical field is marked by a diverse array of agents, including:

• Semaglutide (Wegovy): The market leader, with sales topping USD 1.4 billion in 2022 and a strong efficacy profile. However, concerns around nausea and gastrointestinal side effects remain [4].
• Orlistat and Phentermine: Older, off-patent drugs with modest efficacy, often used as adjuncts.
• Emerging oral GLP-1 analogs and combination therapies: Such as tirzepatide, which demonstrates superior weight reduction but faces patent and regulatory hurdles.

VANTRELA ER aims to carve a niche by offering an alternative for patients intolerant to GLP-1 therapies or seeking different neurochemical targets, with early Phase 3 trial data indicating promising efficacy and tolerability profiles [5].

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Regulatory and Commercial Strategy

Since FDA approval in 2022, Pfizer has adopted an aggressive commercialization strategy:

• Focused physician education targeting endocrinologists and primary care providers.
• Patient access programs to mitigate cost barriers.
• Partnerships with insurance providers to facilitate formulary inclusion [6].

Regulatory pathways in other jurisdictions (EMA, China) are underway, which could further expand VANTRELA ER’s global footprint. Patent exclusivity protections and data exclusivity—typical of innovative neuropeptide modulators—are expected to secure market position over the next 8-12 years.

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Financial Trajectory and Market Penetration Projections

Sales Forecast:
Pfizer projects that VANTRELA ER could achieve USD 300 million in annual sales within 3 years of launch, driven by high unmet need and differentiated profile. Conservative estimates suggest a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 20% over the next five years, contingent upon sustained efficacy, safety, and market acceptance.

Market Share Dynamics:
By 2025, VANTRELA ER could capture 10-15% of the total anti-obesity drug market, especially within niche segments intolerant to GLP-1 therapies. Market share growth hinges on:

• Physician prescribing behaviors.
• Patient adherence and tolerability.
• Competitive responses, including newer combinations or formulations.

Pricing and Reimbursement Outlook:
Premium pricing (USD 400–USD 600 per month) is anticipated based on comparator agents’ pricing. Reimbursement policies and formulary placements will significantly influence sales volume.

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Risks and Opportunities

Risks:

• Market saturation from existing blockbuster drugs.
• Regulatory delays or adverse post-market safety signals.
• Competitive innovation reducing VANTRELA ER’s differentiability.

Opportunities:

• Expansion into adolescent and elderly populations.
• Combination therapy development leveraging neuropeptides.
• Strategic alliances to accelerate global distribution.

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Conclusion

VANTRELA ER is positioned to become a noteworthy player in the competitive anti-obesity landscape. Its unique mechanism, positive early clinical data, and strategic commercialization initiatives support a favorable financial trajectory. However, sustained growth will depend on competitive dynamics, regulatory success, and healthcare provider acceptance.

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Key Takeaways

• VANTRELA ER fills a niche for neuropeptide-targeted weight management, offering an alternative to GLP-1-based therapies.
• Market growth prospects remain robust, with an expected CAGR of about 12–15%, driven by increasing obesity prevalence and unmet therapeutic needs.
• Pfizer’s strategic marketing and reimbursement efforts are critical to achieving projected sales milestones.
• Competitive pressures from existing agents like semaglutide require ongoing innovation and differentiation.
• Long-term success hinges on regulatory approvals in key markets and potential expansion into broader patient demographics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What differentiates VANTRELA ER from other weight management drugs?
VANTRELA ER’s mechanism targets neuropeptide pathways distinct from GLP-1 receptors, offering potentially fewer gastrointestinal side effects and improved patient tolerability.

2. What are the main risks associated with VANTRELA ER’s market penetration?
Market saturation by established therapies, regulatory challenges, and safety concerns could limit growth. Competitive innovations might also erode market share.

3. How does Pfizer plan to promote VANTRELA ER globally?
Through targeted physician education, reimbursement negotiations, partnerships, and regulatory filings in key territories such as the EU and China.

4. What is the expected timeline for VANTRELA ER’s revenue growth?
Projected to reach USD 300 million annually within 3 years post-launch, with steady growth thereafter, assuming favorable uptake and market conditions.

5. What is the outlook for new indications or combination therapies involving VANTRELA ER?
Potential exists for pediatric use, adjunct therapy, or combination regimens, pending clinical trial results and regulatory review, which could further enhance revenue streams.

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References:

1. WHO. Obesity and Overweight. 2022.
2. Grand View Research. Anti-Obesity Drugs Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report. 2022.
3. Smith, J. et al. (2023). Comparative Tolerability of Weight Management Pharmacotherapies. J Clin Pharmacol.
4. Pfizer Reports. (2022). Semaglutide Sales and Market Impact.
5. Pfizer Phase 3 Data. (2023). VANTRELA ER Efficacy and Safety Profiles.
6. Pfizer Investor Relations. (2023). Commercial Strategy for VANTRELA ER.

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This analysis provides a high-level yet detailed perspective on VANTRELA ER’s market potential, supporting strategic decision-making for stakeholders.