It's... complicated but I assume the GP meant new drug product exclusivity [1] which is a process by which a pharmaceutical manufacturer can get a short window

It's... complicated but I assume the GP meant new drug product exclusivity [1] which is a process by which a pharmaceutical manufacturer can get a short window of exclusivity for a new approved use without rights over the original patent. That exclusivity is largely for generic manufacturers [2] though and it's separate from the patent patent term restoration [3] the FDA grants to patent holders to help with the time it takes to get to market. "Re-patent" would mean something different like Shire patenting Vyvanse by adding an amino acid cap to amphetamines, changing it enough that it becomes a new drug with a new patent. That would require clinical trials and all the expense that goes with them. [1] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/cder-small-business-industry-assistance-sbia/small-business-assistance-frequently-asked-questions-new-drug-product-exclusivity https://www.fda.gov/drugs/cder-small-business-industry-assis... [2] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs/frequently-asked-questions-patents-and-exclusivity https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs... [3] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/cder-small-business-industry-assistance-sbia/small-business-assistance-frequently-asked-questions-patent-term-restoration-program https://www.fda.gov/drugs/cder-small-business-industry-assis...