Patents - I think I've finally found the answer to
Post# of 148185
Quote:
Several pharmaceutical companies have successfully obtained patent protection for new methods of use. For example, Merck originally developed, patented, and marketed Finasteride for treatment for benign prostate enlargement under the brand name Proscar. Additional patent protection and FDA approval were sought when a new use for Finasteride – treating male pattern baldness – was identified.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3146086/
If that September 2012 patent is the basis for protection in HIV then we are good until September 2032. In new indications we're good for 20 years after a patent is filed.