See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Xeljanz
What is the “Xeljanz XR matrix core technology” patent?
Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib extended-release) uses a controlled-release tablet design often described as a “matrix” system. That kind of technology generally refers to the way the drug is embedded in a polymer matrix to slow drug release over time.
However, the specific patent(s) tied to the phrase “matrix core technology” for Xeljanz XR are not identified in the information provided here. To give you the exact patent numbers and owners, I would need one of the following: the patent number, the application/publication number, a claim excerpt, a link, or the text you saw that mentions “matrix core technology.”
Where can I look up the exact patent numbers for Xeljanz XR matrix core?
A practical way to pinpoint the exact patents (and related expiration timelines) is to search the branded product name and formulation/technology terms in a patent database. DrugPatentWatch.com is one option for finding patents tied to a specific drug and formulation, and it often links to the underlying patent records. [1]
If you share what you already have (for example, a screenshot or the wording around “matrix core technology”), I can help map that wording to the right patent entry(s).
What patents usually cover an extended-release “matrix” tablet?
For extended-release tablet products like Xeljanz XR, “matrix core” concepts can show up in patents covering things such as:
- The composition of the matrix-forming polymers
- The drug-to-polymer ratio or layer/matrix structure
- Release-rate control methods and specifications
- Manufacturing or compression processes that preserve the release profile
Those patents can be separate from (or depend on) other patents covering the active ingredient (tofacitinib), dosing regimens, or specific extended-release formulations.
When does exclusivity or patent protection end for Xeljanz XR (and why it matters)?
Patent and exclusivity timelines can differ because there are often multiple layers of protection (for example, composition patents, method-of-use patents, and formulation/presentation patents). If you identify the specific “matrix core technology” patent(s), you can determine:
- the listed assignee/owner
- the patent term/expires date
- whether any regulatory exclusivities (separate from patents) might still block generic entry
Again, I need the specific patent record (or at least the publication number) to provide a precise timeline.
Can generic or “AB-rated” extended-release versions use a different matrix?
In many cases, generic extended-release products can use an alternative matrix design as long as they meet FDA bioequivalence requirements. But if a competitor’s formulation falls within the claims of the “matrix core” patent(s), the generic company may need design-around work or face litigation.
This is why the exact claim language matters: “matrix core technology” can refer to a broad formulation concept or to a narrower claimed structure and composition.
What I need from you to answer with the exact patent(s)
Send any one of the following and I’ll identify the corresponding patent(s):
- The patent number(s) you saw
- The US patent publication number (e.g., US20xx/xxxxxxx)
- A link to the listing or document
- The exact sentence/claim text that mentions “matrix core technology”
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com