Loratadine Phenylephrine Combinations: A Patent Overview
The combination of loratadine and phenylephrine is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to relieve allergy symptoms and nasal congestion. As with any medication, the patent landscape surrounding this combination is complex and constantly evolving. In this article, we will explore the patents related to loratadine phenylephrine combinations and provide an overview of the current patent landscape.
What are Loratadine and Phenylephrine?
Loratadine is an antihistamine medication used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Phenylephrine, on the other hand, is a decongestant medication used to relieve nasal congestion.
Patent Landscape Overview
According to DrugPatentWatch.com, a leading provider of pharmaceutical patent data, there are several patents related to loratadine phenylephrine combinations. Here are some of the key patents:
H1: Early Patents (1990s-2000s)
* US Patent 5,288,505: This patent, granted in 1994, covers a method of treating allergies using a combination of loratadine and phenylephrine. The patent was owned by Schering-Plough Corporation (now part of Merck & Co.).
* US Patent 5,436,272: This patent, granted in 1995, covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising loratadine and phenylephrine. The patent was owned by Schering-Plough Corporation.
H2: Later Patents (2000s-2010s)
* US Patent 7,491,661: This patent, granted in 2009, covers a method of treating allergies using a combination of loratadine and phenylephrine in a single tablet. The patent was owned by Merck & Co.
* US Patent 7,659,329: This patent, granted in 2010, covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising loratadine and phenylephrine in a sustained-release formulation. The patent was owned by Merck & Co.
H3: Recent Patents (2010s-present)
* US Patent 9,444,143: This patent, granted in 2016, covers a method of treating allergies using a combination of loratadine and phenylephrine in a rapid-release formulation. The patent was owned by Merck & Co.
* US Patent 10,144,511: This patent, granted in 2018, covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising loratadine and phenylephrine in a delayed-release formulation. The patent was owned by Merck & Co.
Key Takeaways
* The patent landscape surrounding loratadine phenylephrine combinations is complex and constantly evolving.
* Merck & Co. has been a major player in the development of these patents, with several patents granted in the 2000s and 2010s.
* The patents cover a range of formulations, including single tablets, sustained-release formulations, and rapid-release formulations.
FAQs
1. Q: What is the current patent landscape for loratadine phenylephrine combinations?
A: The patent landscape is complex and constantly evolving, with several patents granted in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s.
2. Q: Who owns the patents for loratadine phenylephrine combinations?
A: Merck & Co. has been a major player in the development of these patents, with several patents granted in the 2000s and 2010s.
3. Q: What types of formulations are covered by the patents?
A: The patents cover a range of formulations, including single tablets, sustained-release formulations, and rapid-release formulations.
4. Q: Are there any generic versions of loratadine phenylephrine combinations available?
A: Yes, there are several generic versions of loratadine phenylephrine combinations available in the market.
5. Q: How can I access the patent data for loratadine phenylephrine combinations?
A: You can access the patent data through online patent databases such as DrugPatentWatch.com.
Conclusion
The patent landscape surrounding loratadine phenylephrine combinations is complex and constantly evolving. Merck & Co. has been a major player in the development of these patents, with several patents granted in the 2000s and 2010s. The patents cover a range of formulations, including single tablets, sustained-release formulations, and rapid-release formulations. As the patent landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws.
Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com
2. US Patent 5,288,505
3. US Patent 5,436,272
4. US Patent 7,491,661
5. US Patent 7,659,329
6. US Patent 9,444,143
7. US Patent 10,144,511