Posted by medlib on March 14, 2002, at 22:36:06
In reply to Re: pharmaceutical news flash - expired patents, posted by johnX2 on March 13, 2002, at 4:13:36
Hi all--
The easiest way to get patent expiration info on a specific med is from the FDA orange book. You can type "FDA orange book" in Google and follow the first link or use the link below:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/ob/default.htm
Select "Search by proprietary name; type in the trade name, then scroll down the retrieved page to the "patent and exclusivity link". Don't imagine that the date listed has any particular relevance. In the FAQs (link from main page) you can read about some of the tactics drug co.s use to confuse and delay the inevitable. Keep in mind that every would-be generic competitor must file an ANDA (abreviated new drug application) which the FDA "considers" for approx. 6 mos.
The FDA also maintains an approvals list for NDAs and ANDAs, updated daily and one updated weekly.
The average length of time between filing of an NDA and approval letter was l5 months in 2000 for "regular" drugs and 6 months for urgent status drugs (aids,cancer and orphan meds).Not holding my breath---medlib
poster:medlib
thread:97579
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020313/msgs/98062.html