Last reviewed · How we verify

Marinol (DRONABINOL)

Wellhouse Pharma · FDA-approved approved Small molecule Verified Quality 80/100

Dronabinol acts on cannabinoid receptors in the CNS, potentially through central sympathomimetic activity.

Dronabinol (Marinol), marketed by Wellhouse Pharma, is a cannabinoid receptor agonist primarily indicated for anorexia associated with weight loss in AIDS patients. Its key strength lies in its well-established mechanism of action and market presence, with a key composition patent expiring in 2028. The primary risk is competition from off-patent drugs like scopolamine and nabilone, as well as patent-protected alternatives such as aprepitant and rolapitant.

At a glance

Generic nameDRONABINOL
SponsorWellhouse Pharma
Drug classCannabinoid [EPC]
TargetCannabinoid receptors
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaMetabolic
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval1985

Mechanism of action

Dronabinol is an orally active cannabinoid that affects the central nervous system (CNS) in complex ways, including central sympathomimetic activity. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors found in neural tissues, which may mediate its effects.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Drug interactions

Key clinical trials

Patents

PatentExpiryType

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results
FDA Orange BookPatents + exclusivity

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: