Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued US Patent No. 7,612,199 (the '199 patent) entitled 'Polymorphic Forms Alpha, Beta, and Gamma of Rifaximin'. The patent issued November 3, 2009 and provides protection until June 2024. The '199 patent provides further protection relating to composition of matter relating to physical chemical states of rifaximin.

Salix has an exclusive license from Alfa Wassermann, S.p.A., to use, sell, have sold and import licensed rifaximin products, which the Company markets in the United States under the trade name Xifaxan. The '199 patent provides protection for all indications currently marketed and being assessed.

The US Patent and Trademark Office also issued US Patent No. 7,605,240 (the '240 patent) entitled 'Methods of Treating Diarrhea and Bloating Caused by Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth'. The patent was issued October 20, 2009 and provides protection until August 2019. The '240 patent provides protection relating to treating bloating caused by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Salix currently is studying the potential use of rifaximin in the treatment of IBS. Salix has an exclusive license to this patent from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to make, have made, use, sell and have sold and import licensed products related to the use of rifaximin, which the company markets in the United States under the trade name Xifaxan.

Salix also announced that as of October 27, 2009, Cipla, Limited granted Salix the exclusive right in the United States to its amorphous rifaximin application PCT Patent Application No. PCT/GB2007/003629; WO 2008/035109.

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., head quartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, develops and markets prescription pharmaceutical products for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.