Morepen files PCT patent application for drug process

Morepen Laboratories has reportedly filed a patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for an efficient process of manufacture of desloratadine from loratadine, a drug to be used in the treatment of allergies, cough and cold. The company is working towards filing the Drug Master File (DMF) in the US market which will help it obtain US Food and Drug Administration approval.

The PCT patent for the drug loratadine is held by Schering Plough, which is marketing it in the US under the brand name 'Clarinex'. The patent for the drug in the US will expire in April, 2004.