Pharma Frontiers

The $4B Patent Cliff: Navigating the Generic Surge as Astellas’ Xtandi Nears Expiration

22 January 2026
10 min read

A Pillar of Oncology Under Pressure

Since its launch, Xtandi has been a cornerstone of treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, the countdown to 2027 has begun, and the "patent fortress" protecting enzalutamide is showing its age.


The Generic Playbook: Identifying the Weak Link

Generic companies aren't just waiting for the expiration date; they are actively mining Xtandi's patent family for "gaps" in synthesis methods or crystalline forms. Successfully launching a generic requires a 100% accurate understanding of the original lead compound’s IP evolution.

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