The Israeli drugmaker plans to enter the market before patent expiry, citing supply risks.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is preparing to launch a generic version of the blood thinner Eliquis in Russia ahead of the patent expiry, according to a letter to partners obtained by “Kommersant”.
The original drug, Eliquis, is produced by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and distributed in Russia by Pfizer. Its patent protection is set to expire in February 2027.
Teva said its decision is driven by issues in the public procurement market. According to its analysis, more than one-third of government tenders for apixaban supplies failed in 2021–2025 due to a lack of bids, raising concerns about potential shortages of the essential medicine.
Although Bristol Myers Squibb exited the Russian market in 2022, it continues supplying its products through partners. Pfizer, the distributor of Eliquis in Russia, says there is no shortage and that inventory levels remain sufficient.
BMS has not authorized the use of its patented invention in Russia. At the same time, more than 20 generic versions of apixaban have already been registered in the country, but manufacturers have so far held off on sales pending patent expiry.
Teva argues that the patent should no longer be considered valid, claiming the core license expired in 2022 and was later extended. The company has successfully challenged similar protections in other jurisdictions, including the UK in 2022, while Egis Pharmaceuticals overturned the patent in Poland in March 2026. However, courts in several countries, including Spain, Denmark, Finland, and Canada, have upheld the patent rights of BMS and Pfizer.
Teva has filed an opposition to the Russian patent and is also seeking a compulsory license through the Moscow Arbitration Court.
The dispute reflects strong demand for the drug. According to DSM Group, sales of Eliquis in Russia reached 14.66 million packs in 2025, totaling 23.11 billion rubles (about $27.7 million), up 39.8% and 19.4% year-on-year, respectively.
Source: “Kommersant”
