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The Pain Relieving History of Advil: A Look Back

Advil, one of the most widely recognized and used pain relievers globally, has a rich history that spans over five decades. The brand, which is owned by Pfizer, has been a household name for generations, providing relief from headaches, fever, and various types of pain. But how far back does the Advil history go? Let's take a journey through time to explore the origins of this iconic pain reliever.

The Birth of Advil: 1960s

Advil was first introduced in the United States in 1965 by the pharmaceutical company, Whitehall-Robins. The brand was initially marketed as a prescription-only medication, but it quickly gained popularity due to its effectiveness in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. The name "Advil" was coined from the phrase "ad-vil," which means "against pain."

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The Active Ingredient: Ibuprofen

The active ingredient in Advil is ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was first synthesized in 1961 by a team of chemists at the Boots Company in the United Kingdom. Ibuprofen was initially marketed as a prescription-only medication under the brand name Brufen, but it was later approved for over-the-counter (OTC) use in many countries.

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The Advil Patent: 1965-1985

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for ibuprofen was granted to Boots Company in 1965, with an expiration date of 1985. This patent protected the company's exclusive rights to manufacture and sell ibuprofen-based products, including Advil.

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Advil Goes OTC: 1984

In 1984, the FDA approved Advil for OTC use, making it available to consumers without a prescription. This move marked a significant shift in the marketing strategy of the brand, as it transitioned from a prescription-only medication to a widely available OTC product.

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The Advil Brand Expansion: 1990s-2000s

In the 1990s and 2000s, the Advil brand expanded to include a range of products, including Advil PM (for nighttime pain relief), Advil Cold and Sinus, and Advil Liqui-Gels. These new products catered to specific pain relief needs, further solidifying the brand's position in the market.

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The Impact of Generic Competition: 2000s

As the patent for ibuprofen expired in 1985, generic versions of the medication became available, leading to increased competition in the market. According to a report by the National Institutes of Health, the entry of generic ibuprofen into the market led to a significant decrease in prices, making the medication more accessible to consumers.

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Advil Today: A Global Brand

Today, Advil is a global brand with a presence in over 100 countries. The brand continues to innovate, with the introduction of new products and formulations, such as Advil Dual Action and Advil Pain Relieving Gummies.

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Conclusion

The history of Advil is a testament to the power of innovation and marketing. From its humble beginnings as a prescription-only medication to its current status as a global brand, Advil has come a long way. As the pain relieving needs of consumers continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Advil brand adapts and innovates to meet these demands.

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Key Takeaways

* Advil was first introduced in the United States in 1965 by Whitehall-Robins.
* The active ingredient in Advil is ibuprofen, which was first synthesized in 1961.
* The patent for ibuprofen was granted to Boots Company in 1965, with an expiration date of 1985.
* Advil was approved for OTC use in 1984.
* The Advil brand expanded to include a range of products in the 1990s and 2000s.
* The entry of generic ibuprofen into the market led to a significant decrease in prices.

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FAQs

1. **Q: What is the active ingredient in Advil?
A: The active ingredient in Advil is ibuprofen.
2. Q: When was Advil first introduced in the United States?
A: Advil was first introduced in the United States in 1965.
3. Q: What is the patent status of ibuprofen?
A: The patent for ibuprofen was granted to Boots Company in 1965, with an expiration date of 1985.
4. Q: When was Advil approved for OTC use?
A: Advil was approved for OTC use in 1984.
5. Q: What is the current status of the Advil brand?
A: The Advil brand is a global brand with a presence in over 100 countries.

Sources

1. **DrugPatentWatch.com: A website that provides information on pharmaceutical patents, including the patent status of ibuprofen.
2. National Institutes of Health: A report on the impact of generic competition on the ibuprofen market.
3. Pfizer: The official website of Pfizer, the parent company of the Advil brand.
4. Boots Company: The official website of Boots Company, the company that first synthesized ibuprofen.
5. FDA: The official website of the FDA, which approved Advil for OTC use in 1984.