Ibuprofen patent?

What is the current status of ibuprofen patents?

As one of the most widely used over-the-counter (OTC) medications, ibuprofen has been protected by patents for several decades. However, with patents nearing expiration, pharmaceutical companies are looking at ways to maintain their market share.

According to DrugPatentWatch.com [1], the original patent for ibuprofen, held by Boots UK Limited, expired in 1998. However, subsequent formulations have been patented, and some countries still have patent protection for ibuprofen. For instance, in the United States, the patent for a generic formulation of ibuprofen (Advil) was set to expire in 2018 [2]. Other countries have since allowed the marketing of generic ibuprofen products.

Who owns the ibuprofen patents now?

Today, ibuprofen is a generic medication, and various companies manufacture and distribute it globally. Some of the key players include Pfizer (under its brand name Advil), Bayer (under its brand name Nurofen), and Sanofi Aventis (under its brand name Duexis) [3].

What impact will the expiration of patents have on the industry?

The expiration of ibuprofen patents is expected to lead to increased competition from generic manufacturers, potentially driving prices down and making the medication more accessible to consumers. However, some companies may explore the production of novel formulations or combinations of ibuprofen with other active ingredients to maintain their market share.

References:

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com

[2] The Wall Street Journal: " Generic Ibuprofen Set to Lose Patent Protection" (2018)

[3] Pfizer, Bayer, and Sanofi Aventis corporate websites.