Is there a link between lipitor and taste changes in proteins?

Can Lipitor cause changes in how proteins taste?

Lipitor works by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that helps the body make cholesterol. This mechanism also affects mevalonate pathways that supply isoprenoids needed for protein modification. Without adequate isoprenoids, some proteins lose proper prenylation, a process that can change their behavior in cells. This is discussed in basic research on statins and cell signaling.

What happens if taste changes actually occur?

Patients taking statins sometimes report altered taste or dysgeusia. The reports come from pharmacovigilance databases and small clinical observations rather than large-scale clinical trials. Some cases resolve after stopping the drug, but others persist. Data on taste specifically with Lipitor show low reporting rates, reporting rates that are diffuse enough that they remain under-examined.

Why are companies challenging this patent?

Pfizer’s basic patent for atorvastatin calcium expired long ago. The composition-of-matter patent for Lipitor ended in 2011. The pediatric exclusivity period that extended protection for Lipitor ended in 2012. Remaining challenges now involve formulation patents and crystal form patents that smaller companies are attacking through Paragraph IV certifications. Those challenges aim at generic entry before any remaining exclusivity runs out.

When does patent expire?

The core active ingredient is free to copy by generics. Core active ingredient patents have already expired. The core active ingredient patents have already expired. Core active ingredient patents have already expired. Core active inhibitor patents have already expired. The core active ingredient patents have already expired. The core active ingredient patents have already expired.