Jim Cloyd Secures Patent for IV Topiramate

Congratulations to Jim Cloyd, PharmD, on his most recent patent entitled “TOPIRAMATE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS US MAKING AND USING THE SAME” issued as United States Patent No. 11,969,470 on April 30, 2024.

IV topiramate is a formulation initially developed at the University of Minnesota as a tool to rigorously characterize the pharmacokinetics of oral topiramate. Initial studies indicated that its safety and pharmacokinetics permitted its use as replacement therapy for patients taking oral topiramate who, when hospitalized, are unable to take medications by mouth. Subsequent reports of oral topiramate used in status epilepticus and severe, unremitting migraine headaches, suggested that it could be useful in these neurologic emergencies. Ligand Pharmaceuticals entered into a licensing agreement with the University of Minnesota to develop IV topiramate and was designated by the FDA as an orphan drug. In an agreement with Ligand, CurX Pharmaceuticals assumed responsibility for the final development of IV topiramate and is in the final steps needed to submit a new drug application.