Non-Patentable Chemicals for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

A large number of chemicals are unpatentable within the current patent framework and existing structure for protection of intellectual property in drug development. Funding to study safety and efficacy of non-patentable molecules is very limited. Researchers commonly make modifications to the structure of unpatentable molecules in an attempt to make derivatives that can be patented, instead of testing for effective and safe molecules that are not patentable. This article discusses the potential of non-patentable chemicals and impact of relevant policies. A case study of dichloroacetate (DCA) role in cancer treatment demonstrates existing potential for developing novel anti-cancer compounds, despite the current structure of the patenting system that creates financial unviability of pursuing the research of non-patentable molecules. Testing efficacy and safety of unpatentable chemicals and their derivatives would expand access to more cancer therapeutic molecules and advance oncological research.