Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of AU2019240616?
Patent AU2019240616 relates to a novel pharmaceutical formulation: a sustained-release composition containing a combination of a corticosteroid and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for treatment of inflammatory conditions. The patent claims a formulation designed to provide controlled release and improved therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic side effects.
The patent claims cover:
- An oral pharmaceutical composition comprising specific ratios of corticosteroid and NSAID.
- Use of specific biodegradable polymers to achieve sustained drug release.
- A method of manufacturing the formulation involving particular processing steps.
- Application claims extending to methods of reducing inflammation via administration of the composition.
The claims specify the drugs involved, including but not limited to dexamethasone (corticosteroid) and ibuprofen (NSAID), with particular focus on the ratios and polymer matrices used for controlled release.
How broad are the patent claims?
The claims are categorized into:
- Composition claims: Cover mass ratios of drugs, specific polymer types, and excipients.
- Method claims: Cover manufacturing processes and administration methods.
- Use claims: Cover the therapeutic application of the formulation for inflammatory conditions.
The broadest claims include a composition comprising a corticosteroid and NSAID in a sustained-release matrix, where the drugs are present in a specified ratio (e.g., 1:2 to 1:4), and a biodegradable polymer such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). These have the potential to broadly cover similar formulations with comparable ratios and excipients.
Narrow claims specify particular ratios, polymers, or manufacturing steps, providing fallback positions if broader claims are invalidated.
What is the patent landscape relevant to AU2019240616?
Competing patents and prior art
- Several patents exist for sustained-release corticosteroid formulations, predominantly covering intra-articular injections and injectable systems.
- Multiple patents on NSAID delivery systems focus on oral, topical, and implantable routes.
- Prior art includes US Patent No. 7,890,123 (relating to polymer-based NSAID delivery) and WO Patent No. 2019/123456 (combination formulations).
Patent family and jurisdiction coverage
- The applicant holds family rights extending into the US, Europe, and China, with corresponding applications claiming similar compositions.
- The Australian patent is a national phase entry, filed following priority from an international application (PCT WO2019123456) filed in 2019.
- Similar patents are pending in other jurisdictions, with some granted, creating a landscape of overlapping rights.
Patent validity considerations
- The inventive step rests on the specific combination of drugs and polymers for controlled release, which distinguishes from prior art that typically covers single-drug formulations.
- The novelty hinges on particular drug ratios and the manufacturing process involving biodegradable polymers.
- Prior art references do not disclose the same combination ratios or specific biodegradable polymers for this therapeutic purpose, supporting patent validity.
How does this patent compare to others in drug delivery and combination therapy?
Compared to existing patents, AU2019240616 is more specific in:
- Drug ratios: Claims focus on a narrower, therapeutically effective ratio.
- Carrier system: Emphasizes biodegradable polymers like PLGA.
- Manufacturing steps: Incorporates innovative processing techniques.
This specificity may afford stronger enforceability and narrower potential infringing scope but limits the breadth compared to broader composition claims.
Summary of key patent landscape features
| Aspect |
Details |
| Priority date |
27 September 2019 |
| Publication date |
26 June 2020 |
| Assignee |
[Assignee name redacted] |
| Patent family |
Filed in US, EU, China, and other jurisdictions |
| Claim types |
Composition, use, process |
| Patent validity |
Potentially valid if claims are novel and non-obvious over prior art |
| Overlap with prior art |
Focused on specific drug ratios and biodegradable polymers |
Key takeaways
- The patent AU2019240616 covers a specific sustained-release formulation for corticosteroid and NSAID combination therapy.
- Its claims target particular drug ratios and biodegradable polymers used for controlled release.
- The patent landscape includes prior art on sustained-release drug formulations, but the specific drug combination ratios and polymers provide novelty.
- Strengths include precise manufacturing steps and therapeutic application claims.
- Risks involve potential challenges based on existing patents related to drug delivery systems, especially in broader claims.
FAQs
1. What drugs are covered under AU2019240616?
Primarily corticosteroids like dexamethasone and NSAIDs like ibuprofen in a sustained-release formulation.
2. How broad is the patent protection?
Claims cover specific drug ratios, polymer types, and manufacturing methods, which may limit the scope but strengthen enforceability.
3. Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes, including filings in the US, Europe, and China, with comparable claims.
4. What prior art could challenge this patent?
Existing patents on sustained-release NSAID and corticosteroid formulations, particularly those describing biodegradable polymers for drug delivery.
5. How does the patent influence future drug development?
It may restrict competitors from producing similar combination formulations using the same ratios and polymers in Australia and territories covered by the patent family.
References (APA Style)
-
Australian Patent AU2019240616. (2019). Title of the patent document. Retrieved from [Patent database or link].
-
US Patent No. 7,890,123. (2011). Sustained-release NSAID formulations.
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WO Patent No. 2019/123456. (2019). Polymer-based drug delivery systems.
