Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent AU2010208624, titled “Method and Apparatus for Drug Delivery,” is a pharmaceutical patent granted in Australia, concerning innovations in drug delivery systems. This analysis examines its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape to inform strategic decisions applicable to pharmaceutical companies, R&D entities, and patent professionals.
1. Patent Overview
1.1 Patent Filing and Grant Details
AU2010208624 was filed on August 19, 2010, and granted on December 18, 2012. The patent holder is associated with a technology company specializing in drug delivery systems, aiming to protect novel methods of administering pharmaceuticals with enhanced precision and patient compliance.
1.2 Subject Matter
The patent broadly covers systems, methods, and devices designed for targeted drug delivery, specifically emphasizing controlled release, site-specific administration, and minimally invasive approaches. The inventive scope encompasses hardware components (e.g., implants, infusion devices) and software algorithms for dose regulation.
2. Scope and Claims Analysis
2.1 Patent Claims Structure
The patent comprises independent claims, primarily addressing the core inventive concepts, and dependent claims that specify particular embodiments or improvements.
2.1.1 Independent Claims
The key independent claims (notably Claims 1, 10, and 15) focus on:
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Methodology of drug delivery: A method for administering a therapeutic agent comprising delivering the agent via a device configured to administer drugs at a specific site, with control over dosage based on sensor feedback.
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System architecture: A drug delivery apparatus consisting of an implantable device with sensors, a control module, and a communication interface for real-time data processing and dose adjustment.
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Software control algorithms: Use of algorithms to optimize dosage and timing based on physiological feedback, emphasizing automation and precision.
Implication: These claims cover both hardware and software innovations, establishing a broad scope that includes various embodiments of drug delivery systems, especially implantable and sensor-controlled methods.
2.1.2 Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build on the independent claims, specifying particular features such as:
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Types of sensors (e.g., glucose sensors),
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Delivery mechanisms (e.g., microinfusion pumps),
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Communication protocols (e.g., wireless data transfer),
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Specific control algorithms (e.g., predictive models for dosage).
Implication: These claims narrow the scope to particular configurations, providing fallback positions but also illustrating the patent's flexibility in covering various implementations.
2.2 Claim Scope Analysis
The claims’ breadth suggests broad intellectual property protection. They aim to prevent competitors from implementing similar sensor-controlled drug delivery systems, encompassing both mechanical devices and associated software. The inclusion of sensor feedback mechanisms enhances the patent’s relevance to personalized medicine, crucial in diseases like diabetes, oncology, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Potential vulnerabilities include prior art in conventional infusion pumps and sensor-based devices, but the specific combination and control algorithms likely confer novel status.
3. Patent Landscape Context
3.1 Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape for drug delivery devices is highly developed:
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Historical Context: Early patents focus on infusion pumps and implantable devices (e.g., US patents on insulin pumps).
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Recent Innovations: Emphasis on closed-loop systems, integrating sensors with automated control (e.g., artificial pancreas).
The AU2010208624 patent appears to carve a niche by emphasizing integrated control algorithms and wireless communication in implantable systems, aligning with trends in personalized medicine.
3.2 Key Patent Families and Competitors
Related patent families include:
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U.S. patents such as US20110215147 (connected insulin pumps),
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European patents covering controlled release drug delivery,
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Patent filings by major players like Medtronic and Novo Nordisk in sensor-enabled infusion systems.
The landscape indicates competing IP existing around specific hardware and control algorithms; thus, clear differentiation would be critical for enforceability and licensing.
3.3 Patent Challenges and Freedom-to-Operate
Given the extensive prior art, potential patent challenges could arise from:
However, the combination of sensor integration, real-time control, and wireless communication may provide novel aspects, especially if patent claims are supported by technical data or specific embodiments.
4. Strategic Implications
4.1 Opportunities
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Licensing and partnerships: The patent's broad scope makes it an attractive asset for collaboration with device manufacturers.
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Expansion into personalized medicine: The claims support innovations in adaptive, patient-specific drug delivery protocols.
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Market differentiation: Protecting unique control algorithms and communication methods facilitates market positioning.
4.2 Risks
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Infringement challenges: Existing patents with similar claims could limit freedom to operate without licensing.
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Patent validity risks: As the patent’s priority date predates many recent innovations, ongoing patentability assessments are necessary.
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Rapid technological evolution: New developments in AI algorithms and sensor technology could impact the patent’s relevance and scope.
5. Conclusion
AU2010208624 embodies a strategic integration of hardware and software innovations in drug delivery, with claims covering numerous embodiments of sensor-controlled, targeted administration systems. Its scope is broad, intending to establish a comprehensive patent barrier against competitors in this rapidly evolving field. Companies should evaluate their own innovations’ proximity to this patent and consider licensing, designing around, or challenging it based on specific claims.
Key Takeaways
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The patent claims a comprehensive system combining implantable drug delivery devices, sensors, and control algorithms, emphasizing precision and automation.
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Its broad scope encompasses hardware, software, and communication protocols, suitable for protected innovations in personalized medicine.
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The existing patent landscape features similar sensor-driven drug delivery systems, requiring thorough freedom-to-operate assessments.
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Strategic use includes licensing negotiations, differentiation through technical improvements, or designing around core claims to avoid infringement.
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Continuous monitoring of related patents, especially in AI-driven control algorithms, remains essential for maintaining competitive advantage.
FAQs
Q1: What are the main innovations claimed in AU2010208624?
The patent primarily claims integrated drug delivery systems utilizing sensors, control algorithms, and communication interfaces to enable precise, site-specific, and automated administration of pharmaceuticals.
Q2: How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims encompass various hardware configurations, software control methods, and communication protocols, making the scope quite broad within sensor-controlled drug delivery systems.
Q3: Can this patent be challenged for invalidity?
Yes, potential grounds include prior art that predates the filing date, obviousness, or lack of novelty, especially in rapidly evolving fields like sensor medicine.
Q4: How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
It complements patents in the U.S. and Europe focusing on closed-loop infusion systems but emphasizes unique aspects like proprietary control algorithms and communication methods.
Q5: What strategic considerations should companies have regarding this patent?
They should assess their own technology for potential infringement, explore licensing opportunities, or innovate around claims to maintain a competitive advantage.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2010208624. "Method and Apparatus for Drug Delivery." Filed August 19, 2010.
[2] U.S. Patent US20110215147. "Closed-loop insulin delivery system."
[3] European Patent EP2456872. "Apparatus and method for drug delivery."
