Generic Minoxidil Foam?

[Nene]

Does anyone know when the patent will run out for Rogaine foam? Stuff is expensive and I'm looking forward to buying generic minoxidil foam if it ever comes out, I hope it has no scent.

 

[peter079]

Foam is ok, but I think it still needs a bit of work. For example, some days it dries so fast that I wonder if any gets absorbed at all. Also the consistency and the quantity vary as the can gets towards empty.

These aerosol cans are also not cheap to manufacture.

 

[Nene]

The only reason I like the foam is because it doesn't irritate my scalp. If they could come out with non irritating liquid minoxidil I'd get it if it was cheaper than foam. But no ideas of when the patent is up?

 

[peter079]

That's the same reason I use foam. I have tried liquid minoxidil and it was so irritating that I was loosing more hair than gaining.

 

[Nene]

Dr. Feller wrote on a forum that if the irritation gets really bad you can actually end up losing more hair so if it irritates a lot you're better off with the foam. Foam is also good b/c it dries faster but it's hard to get it onto the scalp w/o getting absorbed by hair. When I was buzzing my hair the foam worked great, but I've let it grown a bit and the foam is a pain now. BTW, you mentioned how the foam gets like liquid toward the bottom, I keep it in the fridge and that seems to keep it in foam form as opposed to liquid so you can try that. But does anyone know when the patent runs out???? :dunno: I want some Kirkland foam minoxidil!

 

[goener]

good question, i think that the rogaine foam is on the market since 2007, and i am not sure about the patent length but i think it is somewhere between 10 and 20 years so i wouldn't expect the patent to expire before 2017... maybe even 2027. anyone disagrees with me?

 

[Cassin]

Its going to be a very long time.

 

[Nene]

Its going to be a very long time.

:thumbdown2: Damn it

 

[Cassin]

Its going to be a very long time.

:thumbdown2: Damn it

Its not just minoxidil that is the issue...there is also patents with "versa foam" who make the foam, foam. So you're dealing with two companies .

New Rogaine Foam features VersaFoam Technology
PALO ALTO, Calif., Sep 05 (BUSINESS WIRE)

Connetics Corporation (Nasdaq:CNCT), a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes dermatology products, today announces the use of its proprietary VersaFoam technology in Pfizer Consumer Healthcare's new Men's Rogaine Foam, now available wherever Rogaine is sold.

In January 2006, Pfizer received FDA approval for Men's Rogaine Foam (minoxidil, 5%) developed under a license from Connetics' VersaFoam technology. "Rogaine is the most popular topical treatment for hair loss.

A Rogaine formulation utilizing Connetics' VersaFoam technology offers patients suffering from hair loss a convenient therapy that absorbs rapidly upon contact with the scalp leaving minimal residue," said Thomas G. Wiggans, Chief Executive Officer of Connetics. "Connetics' innovative skin delivery vehicles have created strong customer acceptance and leading brands in the prescription topical steroid and antibiotic markets. We believe the elegance of our VersaFoam delivery system also holds potential to increase patient compliance and to expand the current market for Rogaine."

"We are very happy to be partnering with Connetics, a leader in foam technology, to provide this novel formulation for the hair loss patient," says Dr. Bruce Kohut, Senior Director of Dermatology at Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. "We expect that patients will find the new Rogaine Foam easy to use and an enjoyable experience."

About VersaFoam Technology
As a leader in novel topical delivery systems, Connetics owns worldwide rights to a number of unique topical delivery systems and has branded its proprietary foam drug delivery vehicle, VersaFoam. This unique, versatile topical drug delivery vehicle quickly absorbs into the skin when applied and has versatility for application on multiple body sites.

The formulation is thermolabile, which melts at skin temperature and evaporates quickly. In addition, it is easy to apply, non-dripping, stain-free and leaves minimal to no residue. It is also preservative-free. The VersaFoam system has important cosmetic and functional benefits compared with conventional delivery vehicles including creams, ointments, gels and lotions. Connetics' VersaFoam-based products are OLUX for scalp dermatoses and non-scalp psoriasis, Luxiq Foam for scalp dermatoses and Evoclin Foam for the treatment of acne.

These formulations have earned wide acceptance by physicians and patients due to their clinical effectiveness, high quality and cosmetic elegance.

http://www.hairlosstalk.com/hair-loss-t ... safoam.php