Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued a method of treatment patent related to Elestat (epinastine HCl ophthalmic solution) 0.05 per cent for allergic conjunctivitis. This patent, US Patent No 7,429,602, entitled 'Treating Conjunctivitis by Administering an Epinastine Solution to the Conjunctiva,' was issued to Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, the developer of the invention, and expires on November 29, 2020.

Elestat, a topical antihistamine with mast cell stabilizing and anti-inflammatory activity, is licensed from Boehringer Ingelheim and was developed by Allergan, Inc for the relief of ocular itching associated with ocular allergies. Following the approval of the drug in 2003, Allergan entered into a co-promotion agreement with Inspire pursuant to which Inspire obtained the primary responsibility for selling, promotional and marketing activities in the United States related to Elestat.

Christy L Shaffer, president and chief executive officer of Inspire, said, "As Elestat is an important product for Inspire, we are pleased to have patent coverage for Elestat that extends beyond the exclusivity period granted under the Hatch-Waxman Act. We look forward to continuing our promotion of Elestat."

Elestat (epinastine HCl ophthalmic solution) 0.05 per cent provides fast-acting, long-lasting relief of ocular itching and is soothing to the eyes.

Inspire is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing prescription pharmaceutical products for ophthalmic and pulmonary diseases.