# 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.

- **Patent:** US 5273995
- **Original title:** [R-(R*R*)]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-β,δ-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl-3-phenyl-4-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]- 1H-pyrrole-1-heptanoic acid, its lactone form and salts thereof
- **Owner:** Warner Lambert Co LLC
- **Granted:** 1993
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 519
- **Field:** pharmaceutical, biotech

## What it does

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 does NOT 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.

## Real-world examples

1. Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

## 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How a Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Molecule Was Patented cover?

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

### Who owns patent US 5273995?

Warner Lambert Co LLC owns this patent, granted in 1993.

### 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 5273995 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 519 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

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.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover other types of cholesterol-lowering drugs that do not use this specific chemical structure.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5273995/viagra-sildenafil

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US5273995

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