USPTO Issues Patent To Salix

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued US Patent No 7,612,199 (the ‘199 patent) entitled “Polymorphic Forms Alpha, Beta, and Gamma of Rifaximin” to Salix Pharmaceuticals (Salix). The company said that the ‘199 patent provides further protection relating to composition of matter relating to physical chemical states of rifaximin until June 2024.

The company has an exclusive license from Alfa Wassermann, to use, sell, have sold and import licensed rifaximin products, which the company markets in the US under the trade name Xifaxan. The ‘199 patent provides protection for all indications currently marketed and being assessed.

Additionally, the USPTO has also issued US Patent No 7,605,240 (the ‘240 patent) entitled “Methods of Treating Diarrhea and Bloating Caused by Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth”. The patent was issued on October 20, 2009 and provides protection until August 2019.

The ‘240 patent provides protection relating to treating bloating caused by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Salix currently is studying the potential use of rifaximin in the treatment of IBS.

Moreover, Salix has an exclusive license to this patent from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to make, have made, use, sell and have sold and import licensed products related to the use of rifaximin, which the company markets in the US under the trade name Xifaxan.