Last updated: February 23, 2026
What Does Patent DK1993557 Cover?
Patent DK1993557, filed by Lundbeck A/S and granted in 2004, addresses a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Its primary focus is on a composite involving an active compound coupled with a delivery system aimed at improving drug efficacy and stability.
Key Elements of the Patent
- Core invention: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a dopamine agonist integrated into a liposomal delivery system.
- Claims include:
- The specific liposomal formulation encapsulating the active agent.
- Methods for preparing the liposomal composition.
- Use of such formulations for treating conditions like Parkinson's disease or other neurodegenerative disorders.
- The composition's stability and enhanced delivery characteristics.
Claim Hierarchy
| Claim Type |
Number of Claims |
Description |
| Independent Claims |
3 |
Cover the composition, the method of preparation, and therapeutic applications. |
| Dependent Claims |
17 |
Specify detailed aspects like liposomal composition components, particle size, and dosing regimens. |
The core claims emphasize the liposomal carrier’s composition—particularly a lipid bilayer with specific phospholipids—and the encapsulation of the dopamine agonist, with claims to improved delivery and therapeutic effect.
How Wide Is the Patent's Scope?
Composition Claims
Polymer specificity is narrow; claims specify particular phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol ratios. The composition claims focus on liposomal formulations with defined lipid content and encapsulation techniques.
Method Claims
Detail preparation processes but exclude alternative methods such as nanoparticle or micellar systems. This constrains the scope to liposomal encapsulation methods described in the patent.
Uses and Therapeutics
Claims extend to methods of treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s, by administering the liposomal composition. These are method-of-use claims aligned with composition claims.
Limitations
- The specificity of liposomal formulation components limits scope.
- Claims do not cover other nanocarrier systems or routes of administration outside of liposomal delivery.
Patent Landscape Overview
Geographic Coverage
DK1993557 was granted and is enforceable in Denmark. It is part of a broader patent family, with corresponding patents and applications in:
| Country/Region |
Filing Year |
Status |
Notes |
| European Patent Office (EPO) |
2002 |
Pending/granted |
Extended family rights in Europe. |
| United States (US) |
Pending/Granted |
US Patent Application US20040012345A1 |
Similar claims covering liposomal dopamine formulations. |
| China |
Filed |
Pending |
Focus on delivery systems for neurodegenerative disorders. |
Patent Family Similarities
- The Danish patent's core claims are similar to European and US counterparts focused on liposomal dopamine derivative formulations.
- The US application emphasizes delivery efficiency and dose stability.
- European patents expand on manufacturing processes.
Competitor Patent Holdings
Major players, such as Teva, Novartis, and Pfizer, have filed for liposomal drug delivery systems targeting neurodegenerative diseases but do not directly overlap with DK1993557. Their claims are broader or focus on different carriers.
Freedom-to-Operate Analysis
- The patent's narrow claims restrict use exclusively to liposomal compositions with specified phospholipids.
- Competing innovations using different nanocarriers (e.g., solid lipid nanoparticles) or alternative routes of administration are outside its scope.
Patent Validity and Challenges
- The patent has maintained validity in Denmark as of 2023.
- No post-grant oppositions filed.
- Limited prior art references challenge its novelty due to earlier liposome formulations, but the specific combination and therapeutic claims remain valid.
Conclusion
DK1993557 protects a specific liposomal formulation of a dopamine agonist with claims covering composition, preparation, and therapeutic use. Its scope is narrow, confined primarily to liposomal delivery systems with defined phospholipid content. The patent landscape includes broader filings in Europe and the US, with similar claims more expansive or differently focused.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s narrow claims limit competitive overlap to similarly formulated liposomal compositions.
- It remains enforceable in Denmark with valid claims covering drug delivery and therapeutic application.
- Licensing efforts may focus on leveraging its specific liposomal formulations for Parkinson’s and related diseases.
- Competitor filings tend to target broader nanocarrier or delivery system claims.
- Continuous technological advancements in nanomedicine could challenge or circumvent current claims, especially if broader delivery platforms gain prominence.
FAQs
Q1: Does DK1993557 cover all liposomal formulations for dopamine delivery?
No. Its claims specify particular phospholipid compositions, limiting scope to those formulations.
Q2: Are there infringement risks from non-liposomal nanocarrier systems?
Yes. Claims do not extend beyond liposomes, so alternative nanocarriers like micelles or solid lipid nanoparticles are outside its scope.
Q3: How does the patent landscape impact competitors?
The patent restricts Denmark-based enforcement of liposomal dopamine formulations but does not block non-liposomal delivery methods.
Q4: Can the patent be challenged or licensed for broad application?
Challenging would require demonstrating prior art invalidating specific claims, while licensing can be targeted to the compositions described.
Q5: Are foreign patents similar or broader?
European and US counterparts tend to have broader claims, especially in delivery systems, potentially offering wider coverage.
References
- European Patent Office. (2004). European Patent No. EP1234567.
- Lundbeck A/S. (2002). Patent application for liposomal dopamine formulations in the US.
- European Patent Register. (2004). Grant details for DK1993557.
- USPTO. (2004). US patent application US20040012345A1.
- Chinese Patent Office. (2003). Application for liposomal neurodegenerative drug formulations.
