Celgene allows Natco Pharma to launch its multiple myeloma drug in 2026

Hyderabad-based Natco Pharma Limited and its US partner Allergan announced the settlement of their pending litigation with Celgene regarding generic Lenalidomide, an oral cancer drug used in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

"Celgene has agreed to provide Natco with a license to Celgene's patents required to manufacture and sell an unlimited quantity of generic Lenalidomide in the United States beginning on January 31, 2026. In addition, Natco will receive a volume-limited license to sell generic Lenalidomide in the United states commencing in March 2022. The volume limit is expected to be a mid-single-digit percentage of the total Lenalidomide capsules dispensed in the US during the first full year of entry," Natco said in a statement.

Celgene's last patent on Revlimid (Lenalidomide) expires in April 2027.

The volume limitation is expected to increase gradually every year until March 2025, and is not expected to exceed one-third of the total Lenalidomide capsules dispensed in the US in the final year of the volume-limited license under this agreement, the company said.

The Revlimid of Celgene recorded sales of nearly $ 3.4 billion in the US market for the year ending September, 2015, according to Natco press release.