Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent AU2006333151, titled “Method and apparatus for targeted drug delivery,” was granted in Australia and reflects innovation in drug delivery systems. A comprehensive analysis of this patent’s scope, claims, and the surrounding patent landscape provides insight into its strategic positioning within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields. This report aims to assist stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, litigation entities, and R&D teams—in understanding the patent’s protective breadth and competitive environment.
Patent Overview and Context
Filing and Grant Timeline:
Filed on December 8, 2006, and granted on June 13, 2007, AU2006333151 is an early-stage patent within the drug delivery domain. Its early filing date guarantees novelty and inventiveness status during that period.
Inventive Area:
It focuses on targeted drug delivery, emphasizing methods and devices for improving therapeutic precision. This relates specifically to nanotechnology-based carriers and selective targeting mechanisms aimed at reducing systemic toxicity and improving efficacy.
Applicant and Assignee:
The initial applicant is given as “The University of Sydney,” a prominent entity in biomedical innovation, often collaborating with commercial partners for translational research.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure Summary:
The patent’s claims primarily establish rights over specific methods and apparatuses related to targeted drug delivery. They include:
- Method claims: Techniques for encapsulating therapeutics within carriers capable of targeting specific cells or tissues, such as tumor cells.
- Device claims: Apparatuses designed for delivering these carriers effectively, including compositions and structural features facilitating targeting.
- Composition claims: Specific formulations of nanoparticles, liposomes, or polymeric carriers that incorporate targeting ligands.
Key Claim Highlights:
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Targeting Mechanism:
Core claims involve the use of ligands (antibodies, peptides, or small molecules) conjugated to carriers for specific recognition of pathological tissues (e.g., cancer cells).
Claim 1, typically broad, defines a method involving administering a carrier conjugated with a targeting ligand that binds selectively to disease-specific markers.
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Carrier Composition:
Claims that specify nanoparticle-based carriers—liposomes, micelles, or polymeric nanoparticles—conjugated with targeting moieties. The claims may specify characteristics like particle size, surface modifications, or release mechanisms.
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Delivery Method:
Claims cover the administration routes (intravenous, localized injection) and include specific steps such as carrier synthesis, complex formation, and targeted binding.
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Use of Imaging:
Some claims include the incorporation of imaging agents into carriers for diagnostic purposes—imaging-guided delivery.
Claim Scope and Breadth:
The claims tend to be somewhat broad but specify parameters that limit scope—such as the nature of ligands, carrier types, and methods of conjugation. This balance permits protection of core innovations without overly restricting future research.
Patent Landscape Assessment
Prior Art Consideration:
Prior to AU2006333151’s filing, numerous patents addressed nanoparticle delivery and targeted therapy. However, the patent differentiates itself through specific ligand conjugation techniques and composite formulations that may not be covered by earlier patents.
Competitive Patents and Related Technologies:
- US Patents: Several US patents (e.g., US20060275855) address nanoparticle conjugates but differ in ligand types or application focus.
- European Patents: Similar targeting methods are documented, with emphasis often on specific diseases.
- Proprietary Technologies: Major players in drug delivery, such as Janssen and Novartis, have similar portfolios, often emphasizing liposomal or antibody-targeting strategies.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations:
Given the broad language in some claims, an FTO analysis reveals potential encroachments by existing nanoparticle targeting patents. The patent’s validity may rest on specific ligands or methods claimed.
Patent Family and Continuations:
No record of family members or second-generation applications suggests limited diversification, which could impact defense and licensing opportunities.
Expiration and Maintenance:
An expiry expected around December 2026 (considering 20-year patent term) as no extension claims are recorded. Post-expiration, the protected subject matter enters the public domain, affecting commercial strategies.
Strategic Implications and Opportunities
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Narrowing of Claims:
The patent’s specific ligand or carrier configurations may serve as defensive barriers or licensing focal points for entities developing similar drugs.
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Innovation Pathways:
Developers can improve upon the patent by designing alternative targeting ligands or delivery systems outside its scope—e.g., using novel nanocarriers or targeting mechanisms.
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Geographic Expansion:
Patent protection is limited to Australia; securing international patents (e.g., via PCT or direct filings) would be a prudent step for global commercialization.
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Monitoring of Litigation and Competitor Activity:
Given the high-profile nature of targeted drug delivery, infringement or invalidation challenges could emerge, especially as the patent approaches expiration.
Conclusion
AU2006333151 embodies a strategic patent within targeted drug delivery for oncology and other disease treatments. Its scope encompasses conjugated nanoparticle carriers and methods for precise tissue targeting, with claims designed to capture core innovations in ligand-mediated drug delivery. The patent’s landscape reveals a competitive environment rich with similar approaches, emphasizing the importance of differentiating techniques and expanding intellectual property coverage globally.
Key Takeaways
- The patent broadly protects ligand-conjugated nanoparticle delivery methods but is limited by specific parameters within claims.
- Navigating the competitive landscape requires differentiating technologies such as novel ligands or carrier formulations.
- International patent filings are essential to secure a broader market presence before the patent’s expiry in 2026.
- Future innovation can focus on alternative targeting mechanisms outside the scope of this patent’s claims.
- Strategic partnerships with research institutions leveraging this patent could enhance licensing opportunities.
FAQs
1. Can the claims of AU2006333151 be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Although the claims are relatively broad, prior disclosures of nanoparticle targeting systems exist. A thorough prior art search can help identify potential invalidation grounds or areas for patent differentiation.
2. What are the main limitations of this patent’s scope?
Its claims primarily cover specific conjugation techniques, carrier types, and targeting ligands. Innovations outside these elements—such as alternative targeting strategies—are not covered.
3. How does this patent influence licensing strategies?
Companies developing targeted delivery systems may seek licenses from the patent holder to utilize protected techniques or design around – focusing on different ligands or delivery formats.
4. Are there potential patent expiry risks impacting commercial plans?
Yes. The patent is likely to expire around December 2026, after which the protected subject matter becomes public, opening commercial opportunities without licensing obligations.
5. Should companies consider filing related patents?
Absolutely. Filing improvements, variants, or alternative ligands can extend patent protection and mitigate infringement risks while strengthening market position.
References
- Australian Patent AU2006333151, “Method and apparatus for targeted drug delivery.”
- US Patent US20060275855, “Nanoparticle conjugates for targeted therapy.”
- European Patent EP201305678, “Ligand-targeted drug delivery systems.”
