# Making Ivacaftor Easier for the Body to Absorb

> A patent describing a specific way to turn a drug molecule into an amorphous solid to help the body absorb it more effectively.

- **Patent:** US 8410274
- **Original title:** Solid forms of N-[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl]-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide
- **Owner:** Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
- **Granted:** 2013
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 50
- **Field:** biotech, pharmaceutical

## What it does

This patent describes how to create a solid dispersion of a drug molecule, specifically the compound known as Ivacaftor. In its natural state, this molecule is crystalline, which makes it hard for the human body to dissolve and absorb. By creating an amorphous solid dispersion—where the drug is mixed into a polymer matrix like HPMCAS—the molecules are locked in a disordered state that dissolves much faster in the gut. The patent specifically claims combinations of this drug with polymers and surfactants, often prepared through a process called spray drying.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover the chemical structure of the drug molecule itself.
- Does not cover crystalline forms of the drug.
- Does not cover methods of treating specific diseases like cystic fibrosis.
- Does not cover drug delivery methods that do not use solid dispersions.

## The clever bit

The innovation lies in preventing the drug from reverting to its stable, poorly soluble crystalline form by trapping it within a polymer matrix, effectively 'freezing' it in a high-energy, easily dissolvable state.

## Real-world examples

1. Kalydeco (ivacaftor) tablets
2. Orkambi (lumacaftor/ivacaftor) tablets
3. Symdeko (tezacaftor/ivacaftor) tablets
4. Trikafta (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) tablets

## Why it matters

This technology is essential for the commercial viability of Ivacaftor, a breakthrough treatment for cystic fibrosis. By solving the solubility problem, Vertex Pharmaceuticals enabled the drug to reach the bloodstream in therapeutic concentrations, forming the basis for the Kalydeco medication.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does Making Ivacaftor Easier for the Body to Absorb cover?

A patent describing a specific way to turn a drug molecule into an amorphous solid to help the body absorb it more effectively.

### Who owns patent US 8410274?

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc owns this patent, granted in 2013.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on April 2, 2033, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 8410274 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 50 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This technology is essential for the commercial viability of Ivacaftor, a breakthrough treatment for cystic fibrosis. By solving the solubility problem, Vertex Pharmaceuticals enabled the drug to reach the bloodstream in therapeutic concentrations, forming the basis for the Kalydeco medication.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover the chemical structure of the drug molecule itself.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8410274/kalydeco-ivacaftor

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US8410274

---

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