# The Chemical Formula for Atorvastatin, the Active Ingredient in Lipitor

> This patent describes the chemical structure of a class of molecules designed to block the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production in the human body.

- **Patent:** US 4681893
- **Original title:** Trans-6-[2-(3- or 4-carboxamido-substituted pyrrol-1-yl)alkyl]-4-hydroxypyran-2-one inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis
- **Owner:** Warner Lambert Co LLC
- **Granted:** 1987
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 340
- **Field:** pharmaceutical

## What it does

The patent claims a specific chemical structure—a pyrrole-based compound—that acts as an inhibitor of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. By blocking this enzyme, the compound prevents the liver from synthesizing cholesterol. The structure includes a lactone ring, which can open into a hydroxy acid form that is biologically active in the body. Claim 5 specifically identifies the chemical structure that would later become known as Atorvastatin.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover naturally occurring cholesterol-lowering compounds found in plants or fungi.
- Does not cover other classes of cholesterol-lowering drugs like fibrates or bile acid sequestrants.
- Does not cover the specific manufacturing process or industrial synthesis route for the compound.
- Does not cover the use of these compounds for treating conditions unrelated to cholesterol biosynthesis.

## The clever bit

The inventor successfully utilized a pyrrole core to create a potent, synthetic inhibitor that mimics the transition state of the HMG-CoA reductase reaction, effectively tricking the enzyme into shutting down.

## Real-world examples

1. Lipitor (Atorvastatin)

## Why it matters

This patent is the foundation for Atorvastatin, marketed as Lipitor. It became one of the most commercially successful pharmaceutical products in history, fundamentally changing how doctors treat high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does The Chemical Formula for Atorvastatin, the Active Ingredient in Lipitor cover?

This patent describes the chemical structure of a class of molecules designed to block the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production in the human body.

### Who owns patent US 4681893?

Warner Lambert Co LLC owns this patent, granted in 1987.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.

### What is patent US 4681893 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 340 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This patent is the foundation for Atorvastatin, marketed as Lipitor. It became one of the most commercially successful pharmaceutical products in history, fundamentally changing how doctors treat high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover naturally occurring cholesterol-lowering compounds found in plants or fungi.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4681893/prozac-fluoxetine

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US4681893

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._


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