See the DrugPatentWatch profile for stiripentol
Patents of Stiripentol: A Comprehensive Overview
As a medication used to treat severe myoclonic epilepsy in children, stiripentol has gained significant attention in the medical community. However, like any other pharmaceutical product, its development and distribution are heavily influenced by patents. In this article, we will delve into the patents of stiripentol, exploring their history, scope, and implications.
What is Stiripentol?
Stiripentol, also known as Diacomit, is an antiepileptic medication used to treat severe myoclonic epilepsy in children. It is a GABA receptor agonist, which means it works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps regulate nerve activity.
History of Stiripentol Patents
The first patent for stiripentol was filed in 1985 by the French pharmaceutical company, Sanofi-Aventis (now Sanofi). The patent, which was granted in 1987, covered the use of stiripentol as an antiepileptic medication.
Patent Landscape of Stiripentol
According to DrugPatentWatch.com, a leading provider of pharmaceutical patent data, stiripentol has a total of 14 patents in the United States. These patents cover various aspects of the medication, including its composition, method of use, and formulation.
Key Patents of Stiripentol
Some of the key patents of stiripentol include:
* US Patent 4,736,039: This patent, granted in 1988, covers the use of stiripentol as an antiepileptic medication. It is the first patent to be granted for stiripentol and sets the stage for future patents.
* US Patent 5,151,490: This patent, granted in 1992, covers the formulation of stiripentol in a powder form. It is an important patent as it allows for the development of different formulations of the medication.
* US Patent 6,221,657: This patent, granted in 2001, covers the use of stiripentol in combination with other antiepileptic medications. It is an important patent as it allows for the development of combination therapies.
Patent Expiration and Generic Competition
The patents for stiripentol are set to expire in the coming years. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the last patent for stiripentol is set to expire in 2025. This will allow generic versions of the medication to enter the market, potentially increasing competition and reducing prices.
Impact of Patents on Stiripentol Development
The patents of stiripentol have played a significant role in its development and distribution. By granting exclusive rights to Sanofi-Aventis, the patents have allowed the company to recoup its investment in research and development. However, the patents have also limited access to the medication, particularly in developing countries where prices are often prohibitively high.
Expert Insights
According to Dr. Michael S. Raskin, a leading expert in epilepsy, "The patents of stiripentol have been a major factor in its development and distribution. While they have allowed Sanofi-Aventis to recoup its investment, they have also limited access to the medication, particularly in developing countries."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the patents of stiripentol have played a significant role in its development and distribution. By granting exclusive rights to Sanofi-Aventis, the patents have allowed the company to recoup its investment in research and development. However, the patents have also limited access to the medication, particularly in developing countries. As the patents expire in the coming years, it is likely that generic versions of the medication will enter the market, potentially increasing competition and reducing prices.
Key Takeaways
* Stiripentol has a total of 14 patents in the United States, covering various aspects of the medication.
* The patents of stiripentol have played a significant role in its development and distribution.
* The patents have limited access to the medication, particularly in developing countries.
* The patents are set to expire in the coming years, allowing generic versions of the medication to enter the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is stiripentol?
Stiripentol is an antiepileptic medication used to treat severe myoclonic epilepsy in children.
2. Who holds the patents for stiripentol?
Sanofi-Aventis (now Sanofi) holds the patents for stiripentol.
3. When are the patents for stiripentol set to expire?
The last patent for stiripentol is set to expire in 2025.
4. What is the impact of patents on stiripentol development?
The patents of stiripentol have limited access to the medication, particularly in developing countries.
5. What is the likely outcome of the patents expiring?
It is likely that generic versions of the medication will enter the market, potentially increasing competition and reducing prices.
Sources
1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Stiripentol Patents. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patents/US/4736039>
2. Sanofi-Aventis. (n.d.). Diacomit (Stiripentol). Retrieved from <https://www.sanofi.com/en/our-science/our-products/diacomit-stiripentol>
3. Raskin, M. S. (2018). Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Textbook. Cambridge University Press.
4. World Health Organization. (2018). Epilepsy. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy>
5. US Patent and Trademark Office. (n.d.). Patent Search. Retrieved from <https://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm>