There is plenty of interest in two molecules that are in development to treat the redness and flushing of rosacea. Both Brimonidine and Oxymetazoline have been the subject of a lot of research and development efforts in the last 3-4 years.
One of the ways that rosacea sufferers learn about progress in the state of the art of rosacea research such as new molecules, is via patent applications.
The individuals and indeed companies that create a new piece of intellectual property, that they hope may turn into a commercial product will usually patent their invention. Whilst many many inventions will never result in a viable product, patent applications do give a window into what the future might hold.
This patent, generically titled “Combination Treatment for Rosacea”, seems to just combine two other patented ideas by proposing a product that combines brimonidine tartrate and oxymetazoline hydrochloride.
We are told in this patent application that the advantages in combining brimonidine with oxymetazoline include better pharmacokinetics, increased efficacy, reduced side effects and the ability to use low doses.
Example 1 is a gel comprising Brimonidine Tartrate 0.18% and Oxymetazoline 0.2%, and Example 2 is a cream comprises Brimonidine Tartrate 0.5% and Oxymetazoline 0.5%. Example 3 is an ointment with 5% of both actives.
Combination treatment for rosacea
Inventors: Michael Graeber, Matthew James Leoni, Nathalie Wagner
USPTO Applicaton #: #2012 / 0082625
Filing date: Sep 14, 2011
Pub Date: Apr 5, 2012
The invention relates to a method of treating erythema and/or telangiectasia associated with rosacea in a patient in need thereof by topically administering an effective amount of a combination of brimonidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and oxymetazoline or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to the site of erythema and/or telangiectasia on the skin of the patient. The invention further relates to topical compositions including the combination of compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
I am doubtful that this patent application is viable.
A patent has to involve an “inventive step”. A simple mixture two materials with known activity in the field of the invention does not fulfill this requirement. Also, the application could well be rejected on grounds of “obviousness”.
It may be possible to claim synergism of the two actives but this is not done.
Indeed a patent application has little status as a viable invention. It really only says that the writer hopes that it will eventually lead to a patent.
Thanks for give us hope for treatment, I can taste this formula for experiment if you want it. I offer myself