Core Patent Term for Flurbiprofen in Europe
Flurbiprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) first approved in the 1970s, has base patent protection in Europe typically lasting 20 years from the filing date under the European Patent Convention (EPC). The original key European patent EP0000041, covering the compound and filed by Upjohn in 1978, granted in 1981 and expired in 1998.[1][2]
Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) Extension
European patents for pharmaceuticals often receive SPCs, adding up to 5 years to cover regulatory approval delays. For flurbiprofen, multiple SPCs were granted across member states:
- In the UK, an SPC extended protection until December 2003 for certain formulations.[2]
- In Germany and France, equivalent protections lapsed around 2002-2004, varying by specific product indications like lozenges or axilla patches.[3]
No active SPCs remain today, as all expired over 20 years ago.
Current Status and Generics Availability
Flurbiprofen faces no patent or exclusivity barriers in Europe. Generics have been widely available since the early 2000s, with over 50 authorized versions listed in the European Medicines Agency database.[4] Check DrugPatentWatch.com for product-specific expiry details by country.
Why Protection Ended Early
Flurbiprofen's original discovery dates to 1964, with marketing authorization in 1977 (UK). Patents filed later captured formulations, but core compound protection ended after the standard 20-year term plus limited SPCs. No pediatric or new indication extensions apply.[1][2]
Country Variations in Europe