Crystalline Polymorph
PharmacologyA specific, distinct crystal structure that the same chemical compound can form — different polymorphs of an identical molecule can have different stability, solubility, and patent status.
Example: Compass Pathways patented one specific polymorph of psilocybin, "Polymorph A," and survived a nonprofit's legal challenge to it — see the full fight over that patent.
What is a crystalline polymorph?
A specific, distinct crystal structure that the same chemical compound can form. Different polymorphs of an identical molecule can have different stability, solubility, and patent status.
Why do crystalline polymorphs matter for psychedelic drug patents?
A polymorph patent can extend protection on a molecule whose base chemical structure isn't itself patentable. Compass Pathways patented one specific polymorph of psilocybin, "Polymorph A," and survived a nonprofit's legal challenge to it. See the full fight over that patent.