Jim, thanks for your reply and the very useful links.
Pennsaid may or may not be patented, I don't know. However, if you read this description on the DMX website it says. . .
PENNSAID®
A topical lotion which combines Dimethaid's patented transdermal delivery technology with diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drug (NSAID). It is used for treatment of pain associated with arthritis.
Note, it says the delivery technology is patented, not necessarily Pennsaid itself. Either way, Pennsaid is protected by the patent on its drug delivery system. The patented DDS (or carrier)is transferable to other drug compounds and therefore gives Dimethaid a product pipeline in this area of biotech. Somehow, this carrier combines Dimethyl Sulfoxide (a natural penetrant) with some technique which utilizes the cell tubule system to transport a drug to a distressed site in the body. By the way, ever wonder where the word Dimethaid comes from!
So, I agree with your comments Jim, " - The actual process of using DMSO as a delivery agent is unpatentable". True, but Dimethaid uses it and does more, and that is patentable.
With regard to the properties of DMSO itself, I'd suggest you read Dr. Jacob's article again. Here is one of his comments on DMSO, "Among the well-documented pharmacologic properties of DMSO include analgesia, anti-inflammation, softening of scar tissue, hydroxyl radical scavenging, vasodilation, and stimulation of healing."
dmso.org
From the link you provided read what Ron Kennedy M.D. says about DMSO ...
Besides the great relief provided for sufferers of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, burns, sprains, back and neck problems, there are more exotic uses for DMSO. Studies demonstrate that it protects against the tissue damage induced by radioactivity! It serves as an excellent antifreeze, preventing tissue damage ordinarily caused by freezing conditions. It controls the swelling of the brain and spinal cord following traumatic injury. If given intravenously within ninety minutes of a stroke, it prevents much of what would become permanent damage to the central nervous system. Applied topically, repeatedly, it will flatten a raised keloid scar. It also prevents the contracture of scar tissue following burns. It has an antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effect.
medical-library.net
I guess my questions about the use of DMSO in Pennsaid work the other side of the coin that russett takes. Are there not intrinsically worthwhile benefits in Pennsaid, derived from its use of DMSO, that go beyond pain killing? |
