Purdue Pharma L.P. reportedly is looking to extend its patent protection on OxyContin, a year in advance of generic drug makers being able to produce their own versions of the pain medication.
Purdue Pharma spent $100 million developing a new version of OxyContin, released in 2010 and designed to lessen the chances of abuse, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper reported Purdue Pharma currently has patent infringement suits filed against 10 generic drug makers.
OxyContin was a major blockbuster for the Stamford-based company, but its addictive qualities triggered a black market crime wave among illicit dealers. In 2007, Purdue Pharma and former executives agreed to $635 million settlement to settle charges the company improperly marketed the drug.
