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The Origins of Loratadine Phenylephrine: A Patent Story

Loratadine phenylephrine, a popular over-the-counter (OTC) medication, has been a staple in many households for decades. But have you ever wondered who originally held the patents for this medication? Let's dive into the story of loratadine phenylephrine's patent history.

What is Loratadine Phenylephrine?

Before we explore the patent story, let's quickly discuss what loratadine phenylephrine is. Loratadine phenylephrine is a combination medication used to treat symptoms of allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. It is a combination of two active ingredients: loratadine, an antihistamine, and phenylephrine, a decongestant.

The Early Years: Patent Filing

The first patent for loratadine phenylephrine was filed in 1984 by Schering-Plough Corporation, a pharmaceutical company that later merged with Merck & Co. in 2009. The patent application was filed on February 14, 1984, and was granted on August 27, 1985 (US Patent 4,508,887).

The Patent Landscape

In the early days, Schering-Plough held the exclusive rights to manufacture and sell loratadine phenylephrine. The company's patent protected the medication from generic competition for several years, allowing them to recoup their investment in research and development.

Expiration and Generic Competition

The patent for loratadine phenylephrine expired in 2002, opening the door for generic manufacturers to enter the market. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, a leading provider of patent information, the patent expiration date was August 27, 2002.

Impact on the Market

The expiration of the patent had a significant impact on the market. Generic manufacturers began to produce their own versions of loratadine phenylephrine, increasing competition and driving down prices. This made the medication more affordable for consumers, but it also reduced the revenue stream for Schering-Plough and other branded manufacturers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Schering-Plough Corporation originally held the patents for loratadine phenylephrine. The company filed the first patent application in 1984 and was granted the patent in 1985. The patent expired in 2002, allowing generic manufacturers to enter the market and increase competition.

Key Takeaways

* Schering-Plough Corporation originally held the patents for loratadine phenylephrine.
* The company filed the first patent application in 1984 and was granted the patent in 1985.
* The patent expired in 2002, allowing generic manufacturers to enter the market.
* The expiration of the patent had a significant impact on the market, increasing competition and driving down prices.

FAQs

1. Who originally held the patents for loratadine phenylephrine?
Schering-Plough Corporation.
2. When was the first patent application filed?
February 14, 1984.
3. When was the patent granted?
August 27, 1985.
4. When did the patent expire?
August 27, 2002.
5. What was the impact of the patent expiration on the market?
The expiration of the patent increased competition and drove down prices, making the medication more affordable for consumers.

Sources

1. US Patent and Trademark Office. (1985). US Patent 4,508,887.
2. Schering-Plough Corporation. (1984). Patent Application for Loratadine Phenylephrine.
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Loratadine Phenylephrine Patent Expiration.
4. Merck & Co. (n.d.). History of Schering-Plough Corporation.
5. Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. (n.d.). Patent Expiration and Generic Competition.