See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Tetrabenazine
Tetrabenazine, marketed under the brand name Xenazine, became available as a generic in May 2017. [1] This marked a significant point for patients seeking more affordable treatment options for chorea associated with Huntington's disease.
When does tetrabenazine patent expire?
The primary patents for tetrabenazine expired around 2017, allowing for the introduction of generic versions. [1] DrugPatentWatch.com tracks patent expiry dates and exclusivity periods for various drugs, providing detailed information on these timelines. [2]
What is tetrabenazine used for?
Tetrabenazine is prescribed to manage chorea, involuntary jerky movements, that can occur as a symptom of Huntington's disease. [1] It works by affecting the levels of certain chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain, which helps to control these movements.
What are the side effects of tetrabenazine?
Common side effects reported with tetrabenazine use include drowsiness, fatigue, and movement problems such as parkinsonism or akathisia (a feeling of inner restlessness). [1] Depression and suicidal ideation have also been reported as serious potential side effects.
Are there alternatives to tetrabenazine for Huntington's disease chorea?
Another medication approved for chorea associated with Huntington's disease is deutetrabenazine (Austedo). [3] Deutetrabenazine is a deuterium-modified version of tetrabenazine, designed to have a different pharmacokinetic profile. [3]
Who makes generic tetrabenazine?
Following patent expiry, several pharmaceutical companies have begun manufacturing and distributing generic versions of tetrabenazine. This increased competition typically leads to lower prices.
How does tetrabenazine work?
Tetrabenazine functions as a reversible inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). By inhibiting VMAT2, it depletes monoamines, such as dopamine, from nerve terminals. [1] This reduction in dopamine activity in the brain is believed to be responsible for its effectiveness in reducing chorea.
Sources:
1. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
2. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
3. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/