FDA extends patent for Plavix

The FDA has granted Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi-Aventis a six month extension for the exclusive rights for Plavix (clopidogrel).

With the patent extension, the drug’s patent is now set to expire May 17, 2012.

Also, the FDA granted pediatric exclusivity for the drug.

A study published in Health Affairs last July, showed that the patent expiries of major brand name drugs including Lipitor (atorvastatin, Pfizer) and Plavix (clopidogrel, Sanofi-Aventis/Bristol-Myers Squibb), among others, could lead to more patients switching to generic brand drugs, which could result in a $100 million savings in Medicare costs.

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