Supernus Pharmaceuticals announced on May 28, 2025, that it received Paragraph IV Notice Letters from third parties indicating they have submitted Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) for generic versions of Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release capsules) in 100, 150, and 200 mg base strengths. The development signals the beginning of potential generic competition for the company's ADHD treatment.
Patent Protection and Legal Response
Supernus stated it is currently reviewing the details of the Notice Letters and intends to vigorously enforce its intellectual property rights relating to Qelbree. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Orange Book currently lists six issued United States patents covering Qelbree, providing varying levels of protection through 2035.
The patent expiration timeline shows three patents expiring in September 2029, two patents expiring in February 2033, and one patent expiring in April 2035. This staggered patent protection structure could potentially delay generic entry depending on the outcome of any legal challenges.
Company Portfolio and Market Position
Supernus Pharmaceuticals operates as a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The company's diverse neuroscience portfolio includes approved treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease patients receiving levodopa-based therapy, hypomobility in Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, migraine, cervical dystonia, and chronic sialorrhea.
Beyond its current marketed products, Supernus is developing a broad range of novel CNS product candidates including new potential treatments for epilepsy, depression, and other CNS disorders.
Implications for Generic Competition
The Paragraph IV ANDA filings represent a direct challenge to Supernus's market exclusivity for Qelbree. Under U.S. pharmaceutical regulations, Paragraph IV certifications allow generic manufacturers to challenge existing patents before they expire, potentially enabling earlier market entry if the patents are successfully invalidated or found non-infringed.
The timing and outcome of any resulting patent litigation will be crucial for determining when generic competition may enter the market and impact Qelbree's commercial performance. Generic entry typically results in significant price erosion and market share loss for branded pharmaceutical products.
