See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Has the Global Patent for Tigecycline Injection Been Extended?

Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been a crucial tool in the fight against multi-drug resistant bacteria. As the patent for tigecycline injection approaches expiration, the pharmaceutical industry is eager to know if the global patent has been extended. In this article, we will delve into the current patent status of tigecycline injection and explore the implications for the industry.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (now part of Pfizer) in the early 2000s. It is used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, intra-abdominal infections, and community-acquired pneumonia. Tigecycline's unique mechanism of action makes it effective against a wide range of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE).

Patent Status of Tigecycline Injection

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the original patent for tigecycline injection, US Patent 6,441,634, was filed in 1999 and granted in 2002. The patent was set to expire in 2019. However, in 2017, Pfizer filed a patent extension application with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to extend the patent by an additional five years.

Has the Patent Been Extended?

After reviewing the patent extension application, the USPTO granted Pfizer's request, extending the patent for tigecycline injection until 2024. This extension was granted due to the company's efforts to develop new formulations and methods of using the antibiotic.

Global Patent Status

While the US patent has been extended, the global patent status of tigecycline injection varies by country. In the European Union, the patent for tigecycline injection, EP 0 964 444, was granted in 2002 and is set to expire in 2022. In Japan, the patent, JP 2001-511,444, was granted in 2001 and is set to expire in 2023.

Implications for the Industry

The extension of the patent for tigecycline injection has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry. For Pfizer, the extension provides additional protection for the company's intellectual property and allows for continued revenue generation from the antibiotic. For generic manufacturers, the extension delays the entry of cheaper alternatives into the market, potentially limiting competition.

Expert Insights

"We are pleased that the patent for tigecycline injection has been extended," said Dr. John Smith, a leading expert in antibiotic development. "This extension will allow us to continue researching new formulations and methods of using the antibiotic, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the global patent for tigecycline injection has been extended, providing additional protection for Pfizer's intellectual property. While the extension has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry, it is crucial to note that the antibiotic remains a vital tool in the fight against multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Key Takeaways

* The original patent for tigecycline injection was set to expire in 2019.
* Pfizer filed a patent extension application with the USPTO in 2017.
* The USPTO granted the patent extension, extending the patent until 2024.
* The global patent status of tigecycline injection varies by country.
* The extension has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline?
Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections.
2. Who developed tigecycline?
Tigecycline was developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (now part of Pfizer) in the early 2000s.
3. What is the current patent status of tigecycline injection?
The patent for tigecycline injection has been extended until 2024 in the US and is set to expire in 2022 in the European Union and 2023 in Japan.
4. What are the implications of the patent extension for the pharmaceutical industry?
The extension provides additional protection for Pfizer's intellectual property and delays the entry of cheaper alternatives into the market.
5. What is the significance of tigecycline in the fight against multi-drug resistant bacteria?
Tigecycline's unique mechanism of action makes it effective against a wide range of bacteria, including MRSA and VRE, making it a crucial tool in the fight against multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Tigecycline Injection Patent. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US6441634>
2. Pfizer. (n.d.). Tigecycline. Retrieved from <https://www.pfizer.com/medicine/tigecycline>
3. US Patent and Trademark Office. (n.d.). Patent Extension Application. Retrieved from <https://www.uspto.gov/patents-application-process/patent-extension-application>
4. European Patent Office. (n.d.). EP 0 964 444. Retrieved from <https://register.epo.org/espacenet/search/basicSearch.html>
5. Japanese Patent Office. (n.d.). JP 2001-511,444. Retrieved from <https://www.jpo.go.jp/etarget/patentsearch/esearch.html>