When will the patent for Purdue Pharma's Oxycontin expire? prescription-drugs Prescription DrugsOxycontin, like all oxycodone-based medication, is available by prescription only. opiates OpiatesOxycontin is a commonly prescribed synthetic opioid use for the treatment of severe, chronic pain. painkillers PainkillersWe use the term "painkillers" to define powerful prescription pain relief medication. oxycontin OxycontinPurdue Pharma's Oxycontin was approved by the FDA in 1995 and released under prescription only in 1996. oxycodone OxycodoneOxycontin is one of the most powerful oxycodone-based medications available today. |
There are several patents covering Oxycontin. The main patent expires in 2013. Others extend out to 2025. Every time a drug manufacturer conducts clinical trials they may discover new uses for the drug, which could lead to new patent protections as well. |
Purdue Pharma (Purdue Frederick?) has many patents on Oxycontin and we all know they want to keep them as long as possible. I hear they are even testing Oxy on children in order to extend one of their patents. You can bet there will be an array of lawsuits in coming months as Purdue attempts to hold on to this cash-crop. The idea of a generic version of Oxycontin is kind of scary, isn't it? How accessible does this drug really need to be? |
Patents are typically 14 years, but drug patents are usually based on clinical trials and FDA approvals. Oxycontin is oxycodone, which has been used clinically for almost a hundred years, although patents have been awarded recently to Purdue.