Pharma Companies Use Add-On Patents to Artificially Extend Drug Price Protections

Pharmaceutical companies have been strategically accumulating additional patents on existing drugs to extend their market exclusivity well beyond original protections. This practice, known as patent layering or evergreening, has effectively stretched drug patent periods from roughly two years to over six years. By filing add-on patents for minor modifications or new formulations, companies can delay generic competitors from entering the market. This tactic allows drugmakers to maintain high prices for longer periods, limiting affordable alternatives for consumers. The trend has drawn scrutiny from researchers and policymakers concerned about its impact on drug affordability.