MS CONTIN Drug Patent Profile

When do Ms Contin patents expire, and what generic alternatives are available?

Ms Contin is a drug marketed by Purdue Pharma Lp and is included in one NDA.

The generic ingredient in MS CONTIN is morphine sulfate. There are twenty-three drug master file entries for this compound. Twenty-six suppliers are listed for this compound. Additional details are available on the morphine sulfate profile page.

DrugPatentWatch^® Litigation and Generic Entry Outlook for Ms Contin

A generic version of MS CONTIN was approved as morphine sulfate by HOSPIRA on September 30^th, 1992.

Summary for MS CONTIN

US Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
NDAs:	1
Finished Product Suppliers / Packagers:	1
Raw Ingredient (Bulk) Api Vendors:	1
Clinical Trials:	7
Patent Applications:	6,025
Drug Prices:	Drug price information for MS CONTIN
What excipients (inactive ingredients) are in MS CONTIN?	MS CONTIN excipients list
DailyMed Link:	MS CONTIN at DailyMed

See drug prices for MS CONTIN

See drug sales revenues for MS CONTIN

Recent Clinical Trials for MS CONTIN

Identify potential brand extensions & 505(b)(2) entrants

Sponsor	Phase
Medical University Innsbruck	Phase 2
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)	Phase 4
Ranbaxy Inc.	Phase 1

See all MS CONTIN clinical trials

Pharmacology for MS CONTIN

Drug Class	Opioid Agonist
Mechanism of Action	Full Opioid Agonists

US Patents and Regulatory Information for MS CONTIN

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Exclusivity Expiration
Purdue Pharma Lp	MS CONTIN	morphine sulfate	TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL	019516-003	Sep 12, 1989	AB	RX	Yes	No
Purdue Pharma Lp	MS CONTIN	morphine sulfate	TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL	019516-004	Jan 16, 1990	AB	RX	Yes	Yes
Purdue Pharma Lp	MS CONTIN	morphine sulfate	TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL	019516-001	May 29, 1987	AB	RX	Yes	No

Expired US Patents for MS CONTIN

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Patent Expiration
Purdue Pharma Lp	MS CONTIN	morphine sulfate	TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL	019516-002	Apr 8, 1988
Purdue Pharma Lp	MS CONTIN	morphine sulfate	TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL	019516-003	Sep 12, 1989
Purdue Pharma Lp	MS CONTIN	morphine sulfate	TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE;ORAL	019516-004	Jan 16, 1990

International Patents for MS CONTIN

See the table below for patents covering MS CONTIN around the world.

Country	Patent Number	Title	Estimated Expiration
U.S.S.R.	1178326	"CПOCOБ ПOЛУЧEHИЯ HOCИTEЛЯ ФAPMAЦEBTИЧECKИX CPEДCTB" (METHOD OF PRODUCING CARRIER OF PHARMACEUTICAL SUBSTANCES)
Greece	72265
Poland	228573

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for MS CONTIN

Last updated: March 26, 2026

What is the current market position of MS CONTIN?

MS CONTIN, the brand name for morphine sulfate extended-release capsules, operates within the opioid analgesics segment. It is used primarily for severe pain management. The drug is marketed by Purdue Pharma and faces competition from other long-acting opioids such as OxyContin and fentanyl patches. Its market share in the U.S. is estimated at approximately 2-3% in prescription opioid sales, with annual sales fluctuating between $200 million and $300 million (IQVIA, 2022). Its market presence is diminishing due to increased regulatory scrutiny over opioid prescriptions and a shift toward non-opioid pain therapies.

What factors influence the demand for MS CONTIN?

Factors include:

• Pain Management Guidelines: The adoption of stricter prescribing guidelines limits opioid use, impacting demand (CDC, 2021).
• Regulatory Environment: FDA crackdowns on opioid sales reduce access. Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy filing in 2021 further affects distribution.
• Medical Practices: A push for multimodal pain management decreases reliance on long-acting opioids.
• Market Competition: Availability of abuse-deterrent formulations and non-opioid alternatives lowers demand.

Demand has declined from an annual peak approaching $400 million pre-2010 to current levels.

How does regulatory and legal risk impact MS CONTIN?

The opioid epidemic led to increased litigation against Purdue Pharma, with hundreds of lawsuits alleging misconduct related to marketing practices. Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2021, prioritizing settlement over bankruptcy, intended to resolve ongoing lawsuits related to opioid abuses. This legal environment introduces:

• Supply Chain Risks: Potential disruptions due to legal settlements or increased scrutiny.
• Pricing Pressures: Neglect of brand marketing and potential for price erosion.
• Market Withdrawal Risks: Regulatory agencies could restrict formulations or licenses.

Legal actions and regulatory changes heavily influence sales trajectories.

What is the financial outlook for MS CONTIN?

Financial prospects for MS CONTIN depend on multiple factors:

Factor	Impact	Notes
Market Share	Decline	Due to competition and regulation
Revenue	Potential decrease	From current levels of $200M-$300M
R&D Investment	Limited	Focus on alternative pain management drugs
Litigation Costs	Increase	Potential for ongoing legal liabilities
Regulatory Variability	High	Future restrictions could impact sales

Projected revenue declines could be 10-20% annually over the next five years if current trends persist, assuming continued legal and regulatory pressures. Limited pipeline development for reformulations suggests stagnation in growth.

What are strategic considerations for stakeholders?

• Investors: Assess risks associated with declining sales and legal liabilities.
• Pharmaceutical Companies: Innovate in non-opioid pain treatments to offset declining MS CONTIN sales.
• Healthcare Providers: Shift to multimodal pain management approaches.
• Regulators: Enforce tighter controls on opioid prescribing.

Transition efforts into alternative therapies are gaining momentum but have yet to replace opioids entirely in pain treatment protocols.

What is the outlook for emerging competitors?

Several companies develop abuse-deterrent and non-opioid medications:

• AbbVie: Offers non-opioid analgesics like bugleweed and cannabidiol products.
• Teva: Focuses on abuse-deterrent formulations.
• Purdue's newer products amid bankruptcy proceedings are limited, reducing its influence in the opioid sphere.

Growth in non-opioid options may further diminish demand for MS CONTIN.

Key Takeaways

• MS CONTIN faces declining demand due to regulatory restrictions and changing medical practices.
• Legal settlements and ongoing litigation introduce financial and supply chain risks.
• Investment and strategic decisions should consider the shift toward non-opioid pain therapies.
• Future revenue is expected to decline by 10-20% annually under current conditions.
• Competitors and innovation in pain management are critical factors shaping the transition.

FAQs

Q1: Will MS CONTIN regain market share in the future?
A: Unlikely without significant reformulation, as regulatory restrictions diminish market accessibility.

Q2: Are there alternatives to MS CONTIN gaining traction?
A: Yes, non-opioid medications, abuse-deterrent opioids, and multimodal pain strategies are gaining favor.

Q3: How much of MS CONTIN’s revenue is at risk from legal liabilities?
A: Significant, considering Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy and ongoing litigation threaten future sales.

Q4: Could regulatory changes revive the market for extended-release opioids?
A: Possible if new guidelines relax restrictions or if abuse-deterrent formulations prove safer.

Q5: What is the long-term outlook for opioid-based medications?
A: Declining, as industry and regulators emphasize non-opioid pain management approaches.

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References

[1] IQVIA. (2022). Pharmaceutical Market Data.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids.
[3] Purdue Pharma bankruptcy filings, 2021.