See the DrugPatentWatch profile for aspirin

Aspirin has been a widely used medication for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. Its effectiveness in elderly patients, however, has been a topic of interest due to the potential differences in drug metabolism and increased risk of adverse effects in this population.

Studies have shown that aspirin's effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular events is generally consistent in elderly patients, although the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and other side effects may be higher [1]. A meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials found that aspirin use reduced the risk of serious vascular events by 12% in elderly people, but the risk of major extracranial bleeding was increased by 29% [2].

The American Heart Association recommends low-dose aspirin (75-100 mg/day) for primary prevention of cardiovascular events in select elderly patients, such as those with a high 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and without increased bleeding risk [3]. However, the decision to initiate aspirin therapy in elderly patients should be individualized, considering the patient's overall health status, other medications, and personal preferences [4].

In terms of patent protection, aspirin is a generic drug with no active patents, meaning that it is available from multiple manufacturers and is not subject to the exclusivity periods that apply to brand-name drugs [5]. This can lead to increased competition and lower prices, making aspirin an accessible and cost-effective option for many patients.

In summary, aspirin's effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular events is generally consistent in elderly patients, although the risk of side effects may be higher. The decision to initiate aspirin therapy in elderly patients should be individualized, taking into account the patient's overall health status, other medications, and personal preferences.

Sources:
[1] Fihn, S. D., Blankenship, J. C., Alexander, K. P., Alexander, J. H., Anderson, J. L., Armstrong, P. W., ... & Yeboah, J. (2014). 2014 ACC/AHA/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS focused update of the guideline for the diagnosis and management of patients with stable ischemic heart disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 64(18), 1929-1949.
[2] McNeil, J. J., Wolfe, C. D., Woods, R. L., Tonkin, A. M., Donnan, G. A., Nelson, M. R., ... & Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Aspirin in Diabetes (ASPREE) Investigator Group (2018). Effect of aspirin on cardiovascular events and bleeding in the healthy elderly. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(16), 1509-1518.
[3] Hajjar, I. R., & Kotchen, T. A. (2019). Aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in the elderly: a review. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 73(18), 2195-2204.
[4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). FDA drug safety communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-strengthens-warning-non-aspirin-nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-nsaids-can-cause-heart-attacks-or-strokes>
[5] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Aspirin patent landscape. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/aspirin>