Rituxan (Rituximab)

4 rituximab biosimilars from 4 makers are licensed, 1 of them interchangeable. The 12-year reference exclusivity date of 11/2009 is an estimate from first approval; the Purple Book does not list patents, which can protect a biologic longer.

Rituxan was first approved by the FDA in 1997; the application holder is Genentech, Inc.

Holder Genentech, Inc.Approved 1997

Open full profile Start free trial

Data as of 10/30/2026

Reference exclusivityEndedEst. 11/2009; patents not in the Purple Book Biosimilars4 licensed1 interchangeable FDA shortageClearNot listedCurrent FDA list

01Exclusivity

When biosimilar competition can legally begin. The Purple Book lists reference exclusivity but not patents, which can protect a biologic longer.

Patents: Not listed in the Purple Book
Reference exclusivity: 11/200912-year estimate from first approval

02Competition

Biosimilars: 4 biosimilars from 4 makers
Interchangeable: 1

Every makerEach licensed product and biosimilar maker.

PrescribersWho prescribes it, from Medicare data.

Spend and safetyMedicare Part B spend and safety reports.

Available in the full Rituxan profile.See what is included

03Supply and price

FDA drug shortage: ClearNot on the current shortage list

04Product

Application holder: Genentech, Inc.
First approved: 1997

Sources: FDA Orange Book, FDA Purple Book, FDA drug shortages, FDA enforcement reports and CMS NADAC, read through QOPE. Not medical or legal advice.