The patent for Eliquis (apixaban), a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) worth KRW 80 billion a year, will expire in September.

As such, generic versions of Eliquis, which were withdrawn from the market in 2021 due to the Supreme Court's reversed decision, will re-enter the market thereafter. The return of generics is expected to once again shake up the DOAC market, which includes Eliquis.

In addition, the first generic exclusivity of Hanmi Pharmaceutical's Monterizine (montelukast-levocetirizine), Eisai’s Fycompa (perampanel), and Dong-A ST’s Jublia (efinaconazole) will expire in the second half of this year. This raises the possibility of further entry of generics upon the expiry