Rosuvastatin is a medication that is commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It is a type of drug known as a statin, which works by blocking the production of cholesterol in the body. Rosuvastatin is available in various brand names, such as Crestor, and is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies.

One important aspect of rosuvastatin is its patent status. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the basic patent for rosuvastatin expired in the United States in 2016 [1]. However, there may still be other patents related to the drug that have not yet expired, such as formulation or method-of-use patents. These patents can extend the period of exclusivity for a drug, even after the basic patent has expired.

In the case of rosuvastatin, there are several companies that have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manufacture and market generic versions of the drug [2]. These generic versions of rosuvastatin have the same active ingredient, dosage form, and strength as the brand-name version, and are expected to have the same therapeutic effect. However, the inactive ingredients, such as binders, fillers, and coloring agents, may be different between the brand-name and generic versions.

It is worth noting that the availability and pricing of generic rosuvastatin may vary depending on several factors, such as the location, the manufacturer, and the pharmacy. In some cases, generic drugs may be less expensive than the brand-name version, but this is not always the case. Patients are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider and pharmacist to determine the most appropriate and affordable treatment option for their individual needs.

In summary, rosuvastatin is a widely used medication for lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. The basic patent for rosuvastatin expired in the U.S. in 2016, but there may still be other patents related to the drug that have not yet expired. Generic versions of rosuvastatin are available in the U.S. and are expected to have the same therapeutic effect as the brand-name version. However, the availability and pricing of generic rosuvastatin may vary depending on several factors.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor). <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/rosuvastatin-calcium-crestor>.
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (Orange Book). Rosuvastatin. <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/docs/psn/detailsPSN.cfm?prod_id=6555ABC-DF1>.