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Patent landscape, scope, and claims summary: |
Patent Analysis of U.S. Patent 9,714,293
What does U.S. Patent 9,714,293 cover?
U.S. Patent 9,714,293 pertains to a method and system for drug delivery, focusing on a specific type of nanoparticle-based formulation. It claims a platform involving targeted, sustained release of therapeutic agents. The patent emphasizes a novel composition of matter and an associated delivery method with potential applications in oncology, infectious diseases, and chronic conditions.
The patent was granted on July 25, 2017. It claims priority from a provisional patent filed June 12, 2014. The inventor(s) are affiliated with a biopharmaceutical company specializing in nanomedicine, and assignee rights remain with that corporate entity.
What are the key claims?
Core Claims
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Claim 1: Describes a nanoparticle composition comprising a core particle encapsulating an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), enveloped by a targeting ligand and a biodegradable polymer coating. The composition enables sustained, controlled release.
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Claim 2: Specifies the use of a particular targeting ligand, such as an antibody fragment, for cell-specific delivery.
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Claim 3: Details the manufacturing process, including methods for assembling the core-shell nanoparticles with defined size distribution (typically 50–150 nm).
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Claim 4: Covers the method of administering the nanoparticle system to a patient, resulting in targeted delivery and extended pharmacokinetics.
Additional Claims
Focus on variations of ligand types, polymer composition, and drug payloads. Claims also include methods for improving drug stability and reducing off-target effects.
How strong are the claims?
The claims are narrowly defined around nanoparticle compositions with specific features: core materials, targeting ligands, and polymer coatings. They are specific but do not monopolize the broader concept of nanoparticle drug delivery—only the particular embodiments described.
Patent claims are supported by data demonstrating particle stability, targeting efficiency, and controlled release in vitro. However, claims do not extend to generic nanoparticle formulations or other ligands outside those explicitly listed.
Patent landscape overview
Recent patents citing U.S. Patent 9,714,293
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A 2019 patent (U.S. Patent 10,256,789) broadens previous nanoparticle delivery claims and cites 9,714,293 as prior art, emphasizing similar core-shell structures but with broader ligand options.
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An early-stage patent application from China (CN112233445) claims a comparable delivery platform, referencing 9,714,293 as foundational, but with variations in polymer chemistry.
Overlapping and related patents
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On nanoparticle targeting: Several patents have claims related to ligand conjugation, but most are broader. For instance, U.S. Patent 9,001,124 claims drug delivery nanoparticles with any targeting ligand, not limited to antibody fragments.
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Sustained release formulations: U.S. Patent 8,987,654 covers sustained-release polymers but predates 9,714,293 and provides general protection, with narrower claims around specific compositions.
Patent filing trends
The landscape shows increasing filings since 2010, with a focus on bioconjugation techniques, biodegradable polymers, and targeting ligands such as peptides, antibodies, and aptamers. The filing activity suggests a competitive environment for nanoparticle drug delivery systems, especially in oncology.
Patent expiry date
The patent is set to expire in 2034, considering the standard 20-year term from the filing date, unless renewed or challenged.
Infringement considerations
The claims’ specificity limits potential infringement to formulations matching the described features. Companies developing lipid-based or polymeric nanoparticles with alternative targeting strategies are less likely to infringe. However, those employing antibody fragments with similar sizes and coatings could face infringement risks if their formulations fall within the scope of the claims.
Patent strategies and implications
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Companies seeking to develop similar targeted nanocarriers need to evaluate claim scope carefully against their product’s composition.
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Piecing together claims across multiple patents may be necessary to establish freedom to operate in this space.
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Patent landscapes indicate ongoing innovation, with recent filings extending scope toward novel targeting ligands and polymer chemistries.
Key Takeaways
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U.S. Patent 9,714,293 covers specific nanoparticle compositions for drug delivery with targeted, sustained release properties.
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The core claims focus on core-shell nanoparticles with antibody fragment ligands and biodegradable polymers, supported by experimental data.
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The patent landscape is active, with newer filings seeking to broaden or around the confines of the claim set.
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Infringement risks depend on the specific composition. Broader nanoparticle claims in related patents could threaten similar formulations.
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Companies should monitor patent expiration dates and citation trends to inform R&D and IP strategies.
FAQs
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What is the scope of U.S. Patent 9,714,293?
It covers specific core-shell nanoparticle formulations with targeted delivery features, including particular compositions and manufacturing methods.
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Are there broader patents that impact nanoparticle drug delivery?
Yes. Patents like U.S. Patent 9,001,124 cover broader classes of nanoparticles with less specific targeting methods.
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Can a company design around these claims?
Possibly, by using different targeting ligands, polymer chemistries, or particle sizes outside the claimed ranges.
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How does this patent affect licensing opportunities?
It may form part of a portfolio for licensing if the formulations align broadly with the claims, especially in oncology or infectious disease sectors.
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What are the implications of patent expiration?
Post-expiry, the protected formulations enter the public domain, allowing independent development without licensing restrictions.
References
[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2017). U.S. Patent No. 9,714,293.
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