How a Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Molecule Was Patented

This patent protects the specific chemical structure of a molecule designed to lower cholesterol, including its various salt forms and its use in medicine.

What it covers

This patent specifically claims a complex organic molecule, identified by its chemical name and structure, that is designed to treat high cholesterol. It covers the molecule itself, including its acid and lactone forms, as well as various pharmaceutically acceptable salts like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium salts. Claim 11 describes a pharmaceutical composition containing this molecule for treating hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). Claim 12 outlines a method for treating high cholesterol in humans by administering this molecule.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover other types of cholesterol-lowering drugs that do not use this specific chemical structure.
• —Does not cover the synthesis process or manufacturing methods for the molecule.
• —Does not cover the use of the molecule for treating conditions other than hypercholesterolemia.
• —Does not cover the molecule if it is not in a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form.
• —Does not cover the molecule if it is not in the specific stereochemical configuration claimed.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in the precise chemical architecture of the molecule, which was found to be highly effective at inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. This specific structure, including its stereochemistry, was the key to its potent therapeutic effect.

Why it matters

This patent is significant because it covers a key molecule that became the active ingredient in a widely used cholesterol-lowering drug. The drug, known as atorvastatin (marketed as Lipitor), became one of the best-selling pharmaceuticals of all time, profoundly impacting the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Real-world examples

• 1.Atorvastatin (Lipitor)