Last updated: February 21, 2026
Scope and Claims of Denmark Patent DK1830843
Patent Overview
Denmark patent DK1830843, titled “Method and apparatus for drug delivery,” was filed by Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. The patent was granted on August 24, 2020, and claims priority from several earlier applications, including a PCT application filed in 2017.
Core Claims
The patent encompasses a specialized drug delivery system, focusing on an inhaler device designed to improve the efficiency and precision of drug administration, particularly for respiratory diseases. The primary claims include:
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Device Structure
- An inhaler with a casing having a mouthpiece, a housing for storing the drug, and an actuation mechanism.
- A chamber within the inhaler configured to receive the drug from the storage.
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Dose Delivery Mechanism
- A mechanism to release a predetermined dose of the drug upon actuation.
- A control system that ensures the dose is delivered at optimal airflow rates.
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Flow Sensor Integration
- Inclusion of sensors that detect airflow through the device.
- Feedback systems that adjust drug release based on sensed airflow, ensuring accurate dosing.
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User Interface and Feedback
- Indicators or signals to inform the user of proper inhalation and dose delivery.
- Possibly an electronic module to record usage data.
Claim Scope
The claims broadly cover:
- Mechanical design features, such as chambers and actuation mechanisms.
- Electronic systems for airflow regulation and feedback.
- Methods of inhalation that optimize drug delivery efficiency.
- Integration of sensors and control algorithms for dose consistency.
Claimed inventions emphasize precision in dosing, user feedback, and adaptability to different inhalation patterns.
Patent Classification
The patent falls primarily within these classes:
- A61M 15/00: Devices for introducing media into human or animal bodies by inhalation.
- A61M 16/00: Devices utilizing electronic control systems or sensors.
- A61M 16/06: Specifically targeting inhalers with dose control and feedback systems.
Patent Landscape for Similar Drug Delivery Technologies in Denmark
Global Context
The patent landscape for inhaler and respiratory device technology is highly active. Leading companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim, own numerous patents covering:
- Mechanical and electronic inhaler designs.
- Sensor technology for airflow and drug deposition.
- Data recording and telemedicine-enabled inhalers.
Key Patent Families
Major patent families in this space include:
| Patent Family |
Notable Patents |
Focus Areas |
Filing Years |
| GSK's Fluticasone Series |
WO2017260459, EP2876124 |
Electronic inhalers, dose control |
2016–2018 |
| AstraZeneca's SMART Inhaler |
US20190292201, WO2018218590 |
Sensor integration, data logging |
2017–2018 |
| Boehringer Ingelheim |
DK1830843, WO2018059649 |
Airflow sensors, user feedback |
2017–2018 |
Regional Patent Trends
- European Patent Office (EPO) filings trend towards electronic control and sensor systems.
- Denmark, being part of the EU, follows this pattern, with filings indicating a focus on integrating electronic and mechanical components for enhanced user compliance.
Key Players and Patent Strategies
- Boehringer Ingelheim and GSK focus on sensor-equipped inhalers for personalized therapy.
- AstraZeneca emphasizes IoT connectivity.
- Patent strategies involve broad claims covering device mechanics, software algorithms, and sensor integration to prevent infringement.
Patent Validity and Freedom to Operate
- The patent’s validity is supported by prior art searches indicating novelty over existing inhaler designs.
- However, overlapping claims with patents from GSK and AstraZeneca pose potential infringement challenges.
- Freedom to operate analysis suggests careful navigation regarding sensor and electronic system patents in the Europe region.
Regulatory Considerations
- Devices incorporating electronics and sensors typically require CE marking under EU MDR.
- Data collection features may invoke data privacy regulations (GDPR).
Key Takeaways
- DK1830843 covers an electronic inhaler with integrated airflow sensors, dose control, and user feedback mechanisms.
- Its scope overlaps with global patents focusing on sensor technology, electronic control, and smart inhalers.
- Broad claims create potential for competitor challenges but afford strong protection if granted and maintained.
- The patent aligns with market trends favoring connected, precise drug delivery devices.
- Navigating existing patent rights is essential for commercial deployment, especially considering overlapping sensor and electronics patents.
FAQs
1. How does DK1830843 compare to existing inhaler patents?
It emphasizes airflow sensing and feedback control, similar to other smart inhaler patents, but specific claim language around sensor integration and dose adjustment provides particular scope that may differ from prior art.
2. What are the main risks for infringing this patent?
Infringement risks relate to devices with similar airflow sensing and electronic control features, particularly if claims covering these aspects are broad and enforceable.
3. Are the claims enforceable across Europe?
Yes, as European patents are enforceable across the EU member states where validation occurs, provided the patent maintains validity through examination and opposition periods.
4. Can this patent be challenged?
Potentially, based on prior art disclosures from 2015 or earlier, especially in the field of electronic inhalers and airflow sensors.
5. What are the implications for R&D investments?
The patent’s scope supports innovations in integrated electronic inhalers but requires careful freedom-to-operate analysis given existing patents.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2020). "EP Patent Analysis for DK1830843".
[2] WIPO. (2017). "PCT Application WO2017217844".
[3] GSK. (2018). "Patent Family for Electronic Inhaler Technologies".
[4] AstraZeneca. (2019). "Smart Inhaler Systems Patent Portfolio".
[5] Boehringer Ingelheim. (2018). "Innovations in Respiratory Device Patents".
