Why isn't the non-narcotic opiate, noscapine being employed as an antineoplastic?

I've read about noscapine's anti tumor properties from several legitimate sources. It also can be taken orally and is relatively nontoxic (compare to doxorubicin). Someone offered the explanation that because noscapine can not be patented, big pharma doesn't care to pursue it.

?2016-12-19T01:56:53Z

If it can't be patented, it wouldn't be in the process of being sold around the globe as a cough medicine with a proper name....

Most "orphan" medicines were patented at one point.