US5086058A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for treating alcoholism with nalmefene
Assignee: Contral Clinics Oy
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Filing: 1990-06-04
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Granted: 1992-02-04
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Expires: 2010-06-04
Abstract
Abstract A method for treating alcoholism. The alcohol-drinking response of alcoholics is extinguished by having them drink alcoholic beverages while nalmefene, an opiate antagonist, blocks the positive reinforcement effect of ethanol in the brain.
Inventors
- 👤 John D. Sinclair
- 👤 Harry Scheinin
- 👤 Risto Lammintausta
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 08:38
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61K; A61K31/00; A61K31/33; A61K31/395; A61K31/435; A61K31/47; A61K31/485; A61P; A61P25/00; A61P25/30; A61P25/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for treating alcoholism by extinguishing the alcohol-drinking response, comprising the steps of: repeatedly administering nalmefene to a subject suffering from alcoholism; while the amount of nalmefene in the subject's body is sufficient to block the stimulatory effect of alcohol, having the subject drink an alcoholic beverage; and continuing the steps of administering nalmefene and drinking an alcoholic beverage until the alcohol-drinking response is extinguished.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for treating alcoholism by extinguishing the alcohol-drinking response, comprising the steps of: repeatedly administering nalmefene to a subject suffering from alcoholism; while the amount of nalmefene in the subject's body is sufficient to block the stimulatory effect of alcohol, having the subject drink an alcoholic beverage; and continuing the steps of administering nalmefene and drinking an alcoholic beverage until the alcohol-drinking response is extinguished.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of punishing the patient after the alcoholic beverage is consumed, said step of punishment being selected from the group consisting of administration of electric shock, administration of emetics, and administration of an alcohol sensitizing compound.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising continuing the administration of nalmefene after the alcohol-drinking response is extinguished.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the dose of nalmefene is from 0.1 to 300 mg daily.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-02-03 | 1995-08-05 | 1996-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-02-03 | 1999-08-05 | 2000-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-02-03 | 2003-08-05 | 2004-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |