Rifaximin was first approved in Italy back in 1987, so they had to file for approval years before that. By all logic, the patent should have expired no later than 2007. But patent/IP laws in the U.S. are insane. Somehow, Salix Pharmaceuticals is still holding onto a U.S. patent for rifaximin (Xifaxan) until 2029.
Discussion
That’s crazy!!!
In Australia with a prescription from a doctor, this medicine is covered by our Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and would cost us around $30.
US Patent laws definitely need looking into!
With all the regulations, safety requirements, and clinical trials, it costs at least a billion dollars to bring a new drug to market. So, we can talk about giving rare disease meds longer protection, but not for a fucking diarrhea pill.