The $4B Patent Cliff: Navigating the Generic Surge as Astellas’ Xtandi Nears Expiration
22 January 2026
Astellas Pharma is facing a defining moment as its blockbuster prostate cancer therapy, Xtandi (enzalutamide), approaches a massive patent cliff in 2026 and 2027. With billions in annual revenue at risk, the pharmaceutical giant is pivoting toward aggressive lifecycle management and strategic BD (Business Development) to offset the impending generic competition. For generic manufacturers and oncology innovators, this transition creates a high-stakes environment where the ability to rapidly deconstruct original patent claims and identify "late-stage" IP vulnerabilities is the key to capturing market share in a post-Xtandi era.