An innovative start-up based at the Northern Ireland Science Park has launched one of the first patent information apps for iPads which will provide key details of prescription drugs for medical professionals and patients, providing commercial opportunities for pharmaceutical companies keen to cost effectively develop generic drugs.

Patentnav, an intellectual property service consultancy, created the AtoZGenerics app which provides information on European and US patent expiry dates. The app covers common drugs such as Lipitor, the cholesterol lowering pill and Plavix, for those with heart related illness, along with some lesser known prescribed drugs.

Founder of Patentnav, Dr Eddie O’Gorman, said: “The AtoZGenerics app contains a lot of valuable information that can be difficult to find and all for only 59p. It provides expiry dates on US patent term extension and UK Supplementary Protection certificate expiry dates as well as approximate global drug sales. When requested the app will also be updated with new drugs and further data as downloaders can suggest drugs which can then be added as part of any updates.

“There is a big push for generic drugs right now and many of the blockbusters are coming off patent protection in the coming 5 years – this provides commercial opportunity for companies in the sector and in order to be prepared they need to be knowledgeable of the current patent status of drugs they are interested in producing. This app will be useful as a quick reference by patent professionals, managers, health professionals and even patients.”

NISP director of corporate real estate and facilities, Mervyn Watley said: “It’s clear that Northern Ireland Science Park tenants are at the forefront of innovation and Patentnav is just one of them. It was only a few months ago that Patentnav teamed up with Bubble to create an app that took students and investors through the difficult patent process and already they are enjoying further success with the AtoZGenerics app. At NISP we aim to foster an environment where companies can grow and we take great pride in seeing local companies excel.”

Patentnav are working on the development of interactive iPad apps for more complicated patent information, e.g. Patent landscape reports which can be updated automatically every week or month.