The year 2026 marks a pivotal acceleration in the biopharma patent cliff. As multiple blockbuster therapies reach their Loss of Exclusivity (LOE), the industry faces an immediate revenue headwind concentrated in cardiometabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory therapeutic areas. Based on 2025 10-K filings and industry disclosures, the following medications represent the highest exposure for 2026.
The 2026 Blockbuster Expiration Table
This data reflects the most current 2026 projections for United States and European market entries of generic and biosimilar competitors.
| Drug Name | Company | Therapeutic Area | Expected LOE Date | Annual Revenue Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Januvia (sitagliptin) | Merck | Diabetes | May 24, 2026 (U.S.) | ~$2.25 Billion |
| Eliquis (apixaban) | BMS / Pfizer | Cardiovascular | May 19, 2026 (EU) | 15.2% Step-down (initial) |
| Farxiga (dapagliflozin) | AstraZeneca | Renal/CVRM | April 4, 2026 (U.S.) | ~$1.7 Billion |
| Bridion | Merck | Acute Care | July 2026 (U.S.) | Rapid demand decline |
| Xeljanz | Pfizer | Immunology | 2026 (U.S. Multi-patent) | Part of $1.5B Pfizer Cliff |
Detailed Impact: Merck’s Diabetes Franchise
Merck is bracing for a “steep cliff” as Januvia and Janumet lose U.S. exclusivity in May 2026. According to the Merck Feb 2026 Earnings Guidance, the company expects these assets to be subject to the Inflation Reduction Act’s government price-setting, further compounding the erosion from over 25 settled generic manufacturers.
Cardiovascular Shift: The Eliquis EU Cliff
While U.S. generic entry for Eliquis is delayed until 2028, the European patent expiration on May 19, 2026, marks a turning point. Projections indicate a 92% revenue plummet for the drug by 2030 compared to 2025 peaks, starting with a significant double-digit decline in late 2026.
References
- Merck & Co. Annual Report (10-K) FY 2025.
- MedPath: Eliquis European Exclusivity Analysis 2026.
- GreyB: Understanding the Farxiga Patent Thicket (2025-2026).