Patent term extensions on the Eletriptan active ingredient are set to expire in Australia, Germany and the U.K. in 2015; and 2013 in the U.S. However, based on a comprehensive search for patents protecting the Relpax product from generic competition, the GenericsWeb Pipeline Developer report for Eletriptan exposes significant patent protection in addition to that afforded by the molecule patent. "This could deter generic competition until 2017 in most countries" commented Mr Leighton Howard, Managing Director of GenericsWeb.
Although the U.S. Orange Book lists only one patent protecting the Eletriptan chemical compound per se, analysis of the Pipeline Patent Intelligence has identified another significant patent that seemingly protects the specific ‘alpha' crystalline polymorph of Eletriptan hydrobromide used in the Relpax product. The FDA considers statutory provisions to be in place for an NDA holder to disclose patents that claim the active ingredient contained in its product, for inclusion in the Orange Book publication. However, information found in the GenericsWeb report suggests that some key patents are missing from the Orange Book listing for Relpax.
This emphasises the importance that all generic manufacturers rely only on comprehensive patent searching using professional techniques such as that found in Pipeline Patent Intelligence, rather than relying solely on the Orange Book publication to drive the timing and focus of their developments.
Beyond this, patent filing data demonstrates that Pfizer has conducted significant research and development before market launch at the end of 2000. This has afforded Pfizer an array of patent protection in terms of molecular form, active ingredient synthesis, formulations and medical use of not only the commercial product but also of potential commercial alternatives for generic competitors.
"A prominent aspect of the Eletriptan Pipeline Developer report is the high proportion of formulation patents," continued Mr Howard. "This is predominantly due to the cross-patenting of other triptan drugs, compounded by the typical response by generic competitors to circumvent patents later in the lifecycle of the drug". Patent filings also indicate that Pfizer are considering alternative oral solution formulations for Eletriptan. "Process patents in particular should be studied closely" added Mr Howard, "as Pfizer developed lower cost routes of synthesis for the active ingredient, it patented them to prevent use by generics who strive for a low cost base".
GenericsWeb Pipeline Patent Intelligence provides the unrivalled patent knowledge you require at the click of a button to navigate your generic drug development with confidence. For further information about GenericsWeb Pipeline Patent Intelligence, contact Jesse Tale at +61-2-98186111.
About GenericsWeb
GenericsWeb Pty Ltd is a provider of premium patent intelligence to generic pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys and lawyers in over 25 countries. GenericsWeb also hosts a web portal at www.genericsweb.com which is dedicated to providing information services to the generic pharmaceutical industry. Resources found at GenericsWeb.com include patent intelligence, regularly updated news and editorial, careers, business intelligence, industry directories and product development services. A free subscription to our monthly newsletter 'INNsight' is available by registering online.
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Press Contact: Jesse Tale
Company Name: GENERICSWEB
Email: j.tale@genericsweb.com
Phone: +61298186111
Website: www.genericsweb.com
AndhraNews.net News for May 1, 2006