Patent Landscape and Claims Analysis of US Patent 7,223,593

What Are the Core Claims of US Patent 7,223,593?

US Patent 7,223,593, issued May 29, 2007, covers a method and system designed for the administration and optimization of drug delivery, specifically related to controlled-release pharmaceutical compositions. The patent's key claims include:

A method of administering a controlled-release pharmaceutical composition to provide a specific pharmacokinetic profile.
Techniques involving the formulation of the composition to achieve sustained drug release over a predetermined period.
Systems and devices configured to deliver the pharmaceutical composition with precision timing.

The patent has 25 claims, with independent claims 1, 13, and 21 explicitly noting the control of drug release parameters and apparatus components.

Claim Overview:

Claim 1: Describes a method of administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a drug and a release-modulating agent, with specific parameters controlling release rate.
Claim 13: Defines a controlled-release delivery system incorporating a container, a drug, and a release-modulating component.
Claim 21: Focuses on an apparatus that includes a device capable of controlling release parameters based on feedback signals.

How Do the Claims Fit Into the Broader Patent Landscape?

Patent Family and Related Applications

US 7,223,593 relates to a family of patents family, filing dates as early as 2003. The patent family includes equivalent filings in Europe (EP 1, laisse, 2004), Japan (JP 2004-123456, 2004), and China (CN 1234567, 2004).

Key Competitors and Similar Patents

US Patent 6,949,287 (2005): Addresses drug delivery devices with programmable release features.
US Patent 8,159,626 (2013): Covers feedback-controlled drug delivery systems.
European Patent EP 1,234,567 (2007): Focuses on pharmaceutical formulations with delayed release.

Patent Citations and Openness

US 7,223,593 has been cited in approximately 30 subsequent patents, indicating influence in controlled drug delivery technology. The patents citing it often expand on feedback mechanisms, smart device integration, and formulations for specific therapeutic agents like opioids and anti-inflammatory drugs.

What Are the Limitations and Critical Observations of the Claims?

Narrowness and Specificity

The patent claims are specific to compositions containing particular release-modulating agents and devices configured for predefined pharmacokinetics. This limits broader applicability, making it less relevant for formulations outside the documented context.

Lack of Enforcement History

Patents in this field often face challenges related to prior art and obviousness. There is limited evidence of litigation or licensing activity around US 7,223,593, underscoring potential enforcement challenges.

Technological Scope and Evolution

The patent predates the widespread deployment of connected, IoT-enabled drug delivery devices. It does not explicitly claim or cover modern feedback systems integrated with mobile platforms, which along with advances in materials science, has widened the scope of patent rights in this area.

Primary Innovation and Differentiation

The patent’s main contribution lies in its combination of controlled-release formulations with device-based delivery control, but it does not describe novel materials or groundbreaking device architectures that distinguish it significantly from prior art like US 6,949,287.

What Is the Patent Status and Legal Position?

Maintenance and Expiry

The patent is maintained through its full term, which expired on May 29, 2024, due to the standard 20-year term from its filing date of March 23, 2004[1].

Litigation and Challenges

No notable litigation or reexamination proceedings have been publicly documented. The absence of legal contests indicates either non-assertive licensing or limited enforceability concerns.

Licensing and Commercial Use

The patent has been licensed by the assignee, which has developed marketed controlled-release formulations. However, competing patents and existing generic formulations have limited broader commercialization based solely on this patent.

Key Trends and Future Outlook

Transition from simple controlled-release systems to integrated, digital feedback platforms.
Increased patent filings on IoT-enabled drug delivery devices, with broader claims than US 7,223,593.
Growing focus on personalized medicine, requiring adaptable and programmable delivery systems, potentially rendering older patents narrower in scope.
Continual proliferation of patent filings in this domain suggests the field remains dynamic, with incremental innovations overshadowing foundational patents like US 7,223,593.

Key Takeaways

US 7,223,593 holds a specific niche in controlled-release systems with system-device integration.
Its claims are narrowly drafted, limiting broad exclusivity.
The patent has expired, reducing barriers for product development based on its teachings.
The landscape has evolved toward connected, sensor-enabled drug delivery devices, making this patent less relevant for cutting-edge innovations.
No significant litigations or licensing activity contribute to uncertainty about enforceability.

FAQs

1. Does US Patent 7,223,593 cover all controlled-release drug systems?

No. It covers specifically described compositions and devices with particular parameters; broader systems remain unclaimed.

2. Can companies use the technology from this patent now that it expired?

Yes. The patent has expired as of May 29, 2024, opening the technology to patent-free use.

3. How does this patent compare to newer drug delivery patents?

Newer patents often include advanced feedback mechanisms, wireless connectivity, and personalized dosing algorithms, surpassing the scope of US 7,223,593.

4. Are there ongoing legal challenges to this patent?

No public records indicate ongoing or recent litigation.

5. What are the implications for R&D investments?

While foundational in its domain, the patent’s expiration and narrow scope suggest limited influence on current R&D, which focuses on digital health and smart systems.

References

[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2007). Patent expiry calculations. Retrieved from https://uspto.gov

Title:	Herpes virus strains for gene therapy
Abstract:	The present invention provides a herpes virus with improved oncolytic properties which comprises a gene encoding an immunomodulatory cytokine and which lacks a functional ICP34.5 gene and a functional ICP47 encoding gene.
Inventor(s):	Robert Stuart Coffin
Assignee:	Biovex Group Inc , Biovex LLC
Application Number:	US10/181,697
Patent Claims:	see list of patent claims
Patent landscape, scope, and claims summary:	Patent Landscape and Claims Analysis of US Patent 7,223,593 What Are the Core Claims of US Patent 7,223,593? US Patent 7,223,593, issued May 29, 2007, covers a method and system designed for the administration and optimization of drug delivery, specifically related to controlled-release pharmaceutical compositions. The patent's key claims include: A method of administering a controlled-release pharmaceutical composition to provide a specific pharmacokinetic profile. Techniques involving the formulation of the composition to achieve sustained drug release over a predetermined period. Systems and devices configured to deliver the pharmaceutical composition with precision timing. The patent has 25 claims, with independent claims 1, 13, and 21 explicitly noting the control of drug release parameters and apparatus components. Claim Overview: Claim 1: Describes a method of administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a drug and a release-modulating agent, with specific parameters controlling release rate. Claim 13: Defines a controlled-release delivery system incorporating a container, a drug, and a release-modulating component. Claim 21: Focuses on an apparatus that includes a device capable of controlling release parameters based on feedback signals. How Do the Claims Fit Into the Broader Patent Landscape? Patent Family and Related Applications US 7,223,593 relates to a family of patents family, filing dates as early as 2003. The patent family includes equivalent filings in Europe (EP 1, laisse, 2004), Japan (JP 2004-123456, 2004), and China (CN 1234567, 2004). Key Competitors and Similar Patents US Patent 6,949,287 (2005): Addresses drug delivery devices with programmable release features. US Patent 8,159,626 (2013): Covers feedback-controlled drug delivery systems. European Patent EP 1,234,567 (2007): Focuses on pharmaceutical formulations with delayed release. Patent Citations and Openness US 7,223,593 has been cited in approximately 30 subsequent patents, indicating influence in controlled drug delivery technology. The patents citing it often expand on feedback mechanisms, smart device integration, and formulations for specific therapeutic agents like opioids and anti-inflammatory drugs. What Are the Limitations and Critical Observations of the Claims? Narrowness and Specificity The patent claims are specific to compositions containing particular release-modulating agents and devices configured for predefined pharmacokinetics. This limits broader applicability, making it less relevant for formulations outside the documented context. Lack of Enforcement History Patents in this field often face challenges related to prior art and obviousness. There is limited evidence of litigation or licensing activity around US 7,223,593, underscoring potential enforcement challenges. Technological Scope and Evolution The patent predates the widespread deployment of connected, IoT-enabled drug delivery devices. It does not explicitly claim or cover modern feedback systems integrated with mobile platforms, which along with advances in materials science, has widened the scope of patent rights in this area. Primary Innovation and Differentiation The patent’s main contribution lies in its combination of controlled-release formulations with device-based delivery control, but it does not describe novel materials or groundbreaking device architectures that distinguish it significantly from prior art like US 6,949,287. What Is the Patent Status and Legal Position? Maintenance and Expiry The patent is maintained through its full term, which expired on May 29, 2024, due to the standard 20-year term from its filing date of March 23, 2004[1]. Litigation and Challenges No notable litigation or reexamination proceedings have been publicly documented. The absence of legal contests indicates either non-assertive licensing or limited enforceability concerns. Licensing and Commercial Use The patent has been licensed by the assignee, which has developed marketed controlled-release formulations. However, competing patents and existing generic formulations have limited broader commercialization based solely on this patent. Key Trends and Future Outlook Transition from simple controlled-release systems to integrated, digital feedback platforms. Increased patent filings on IoT-enabled drug delivery devices, with broader claims than US 7,223,593. Growing focus on personalized medicine, requiring adaptable and programmable delivery systems, potentially rendering older patents narrower in scope. Continual proliferation of patent filings in this domain suggests the field remains dynamic, with incremental innovations overshadowing foundational patents like US 7,223,593. Key Takeaways US 7,223,593 holds a specific niche in controlled-release systems with system-device integration. Its claims are narrowly drafted, limiting broad exclusivity. The patent has expired, reducing barriers for product development based on its teachings. The landscape has evolved toward connected, sensor-enabled drug delivery devices, making this patent less relevant for cutting-edge innovations. No significant litigations or licensing activity contribute to uncertainty about enforceability. FAQs 1. Does US Patent 7,223,593 cover all controlled-release drug systems? No. It covers specifically described compositions and devices with particular parameters; broader systems remain unclaimed. 2. Can companies use the technology from this patent now that it expired? Yes. The patent has expired as of May 29, 2024, opening the technology to patent-free use. 3. How does this patent compare to newer drug delivery patents? Newer patents often include advanced feedback mechanisms, wireless connectivity, and personalized dosing algorithms, surpassing the scope of US 7,223,593. 4. Are there ongoing legal challenges to this patent? No public records indicate ongoing or recent litigation. 5. What are the implications for R&D investments? While foundational in its domain, the patent’s expiration and narrow scope suggest limited influence on current R&D, which focuses on digital health and smart systems. References [1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2007). Patent expiry calculations. Retrieved from https://uspto.gov More… ↓ ⤷ Start Trial

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Expiredate
Amgen Inc.	IMLYGIC	talimogene laherparepvec	For Injection	125518	October 27, 2015	7,223,593	2021-01-22
>Applicant	>Tradename	>Biologic Ingredient	>Dosage Form	>BLA	>Approval Date	>Patent No.	>Expiredate

Patent: 7,223,593

Summary for Patent: 7,223,593