When the Eliquis patent, the exclusive rights held by Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer to sell the blood thinner apixaban. Also known as apixaban patent, it protected the drug from cheaper copies until its expiration in late 2025, it triggered a chain reaction seen across the pharmaceutical industry. Eliquis, sold under its brand name, was one of the top-selling drugs in the U.S., with annual revenue over $8 billion. But patents aren’t forever — and when they expire, the market shifts fast. Generic versions of apixaban, the active ingredient in Eliquis, are now entering the market, and that’s what’s changing how patients pay for their prescriptions.
This isn’t just about Eliquis. The generic apixaban, the FDA-approved, chemically identical version of the brand-name drug. Also known as apixaban generics, it’s the direct competitor that drives down costs is part of a much bigger pattern. When a brand-name drug’s patent expires, manufacturers can legally produce the same medicine without paying licensing fees. That’s why generic versions often cost 80–90% less. You’ll see the same thing happen with other big drugs like Xarelto and Pradaxa in the next few years. The drug patent expiration, the legal end of market exclusivity that allows competitors to enter. Also known as patent cliff, it’s a predictable event that reshapes pricing and access isn’t a surprise — it’s built into the system. What’s surprising is how quickly prices drop once generics arrive. Pharmacies start offering coupons, insurance plans adjust formularies, and patients suddenly have real choices.
The real impact isn’t just on your wallet — it’s on how care is delivered. Pharmacists now have to explain why two pills that look different cost so much differently. Doctors have to consider whether a generic will work just as well for someone with atrial fibrillation or deep vein thrombosis. And insurers? They’re pushing generics harder than ever because they know the savings are real. You’ll find posts below that break down how these changes affect you — whether you’re paying out-of-pocket, using Medicaid, or comparing GoodRx coupons. We’ll show you how to spot the real savings, avoid hidden costs, and understand why generics look different even when they work the same. The Eliquis patent may have expired, but the conversation about affordable, effective meds is just getting started.
Blockbuster drug patents are expiring between 2025 and 2030, triggering the largest wave of generic and biosimilar entries in history. Entresto, Eliquis, and Keytruda lead the list, with billions in savings expected for patients and the healthcare system.
