S. Phila-based Iroko patents painkillers

Iroko Pharmaceuticals LLC, the drug company headed by Osagie Imasogie and based at the business park at the old Philadelphia Naval Base, says it's been awarded U.S. patents for its two "FDA approved low dose nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- Zorvolex (diclofenac) capsules and Tivorbex (indomethacin) capsules," in partnership with iCeutica. (The name Zorvolex is registered, Tivorbex is trademarked.)

In a statement, Imasogie said Zorvolex is FDA-approved "for the management of mild to moderate acute pain and osteoarthritis pain," and is already sold in U.S. pharmacies. Tivorbex "is approved by FDA for the treatment of mild to moderate acute pain in adults." Side effects of the whole class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that include Zorvolex and Tivorbex include possible "risk of serious cardovascular thrombotic events," including heart attack and stroke, and "serious gastrointestinal" issues, including ulcers; among others.

The patents will last at least to 2030, Iroko says. and the two drugs in addition "have three years of regulatory exclusivity from date of product approval through FDA's regulatory pathway." The patents will be listed in FDA's "Orange Book" of approved drugs. Iroko says it will join iCeutica, developer of "SoluMatrix Fine Partical Technology" licensed exclusively to Iroko, to "continue to prosecute additional patent applications for these and other products in the Iroko portfolio of low dose SoluMatrix" NSAIDs.