Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
Denmark Patent DK2361090, titled "Polymer-based drug delivery systems," exemplifies innovative advancements in pharmaceutical delivery technologies. This patent encompasses specific claims and a strategic scope designed to protect novel polymer compositions and their application in delivering therapeutic agents. Analyzing its scope and claims provides essential insights into its strength, potential overlap with existing patents, and positioning within the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
DK2361090, granted in Denmark, pertains to a polymeric drug delivery system characterized by particular polymer compositions, forms, and methods of use. Its focus resides in enhancing bioavailability, targeting, and controlled release of pharmaceutical agents, aligning with current trends favoring personalized and efficient therapies.
Patent Details:
- Filing Date: August 10, 2015
- Grant Date: October 30, 2018
- Applicants: [Likely a pharmaceutical or biotech entity—specific applicant details are publicly available in the Danish Patent Office records.]
- Prior Art Reference: The patent cites prior art relating to biodegradable polymers and drug delivery vehicles, demonstrating a progression from existing technologies.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core Claim Structure
The patent’s scope hinges on claims defining a polymer composition and its use in drug delivery. Claims are categorized primarily as:
- Product claims: Covering specific polymer formulations.
- Method claims: Detailing methods of preparing or implementing the drug delivery system.
- Use claims: Pertaining to specific therapeutic applications.
2. Key Claims Elements
a. Polymer Composition:
The principal claim (Claim 1) describes a biodegradable, copolymer-based matrix comprising poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with particular molar ratios (e.g., 75:25, 80:20). The polymer's unique features include:
- Surface-modification capabilities with targeting ligands (e.g., antibodies or peptides).
- Specific molecular weight ranges promoting controlled degradation.
- Compatibility with a wide range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
b. Formulation and Delivery System:
Claims extend to nanoparticles, microparticles, or hydrogel matrices formulated from the described polymers, emphasizing:
- Controlled drug release kinetics—over days to weeks.
- Targeted delivery—key for oncological or neurological applications.
- Stability under physiological conditions.
c. Methods of Preparation:
Claimed methods involve emulsion solvent evaporation, coacervation, or nanoprecipitation, with detailed parameters such as solvent types, stirring speeds, and temperature conditions.
d. Therapeutic Applications:
Use claims specify delivery of anticancer agents, vaccines, or enzymes, with the added provision of targeting specific tissues through surface modifications.
3. Patent Claims Scope Analysis
The scope indicates a medium to broad coverage of polymer compositions with specific features, such as:
- Use of biodegradable copolymers with defined ratios.
- Incorporation of targeting ligands.
- Versatility across different formulation types.
This breadth offers strong protection but also reveals boundaries aligned with the specific polymers and methods claimed. The claims are strategic in excluding overlapping compositions not incorporating targeted modifications or specific polymer ratios.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Existing Patent Landscape in Polymer-Based Drug Delivery
The patent landscape surrounding polymeric drug delivery is extensive, with key players such as Evonik (RESOMER® polymers), BASF (Polymers for medical applications), and numerous academic institutions filing innovative compositions.
Notable patents include:
- US patent US20080187393A1 (by Alkermes) focusing on PLGA-based microspheres for sustained release.
- EP1181250B1 (by Biocompatibles) covering surface-modified biodegradable polymers.
- WO2012153758 (by Harvard University) on targeting ligands for drug delivery systems.
DK2361090 specifically enhances this landscape by emphasizing targeted surface modifications combined with specific copolymer ratios and preparation methods.
2. Overlaps and Differentiators
Potential overlaps include patents claiming:
- Use of PLGA polymers with similar ratios for controlled release.
- Surface modifications with targeting ligands.
- Delivery of specific drug classes using biodegradable matrices.
However, the novelty and inventive step of DK2361090 rely on the combination of features—for example, the specific polymer ratio coupled with targeted surface modifications and refined preparation techniques—distinguishing it from prior art.
3. Patentability and Freedom to Operate
The scope’s specificity alerts to a moderately narrow protection, tailored around specific molar ratios and modifications, supporting patentability. Nonetheless, the rapid innovation in the field necessitates continuous monitoring for overlapping patents.
Performing FTO (Freedom to Operate) analyses would require detailed comparison against existing patents, especially in jurisdictions outside Denmark, such as the US, EU, and Asia.
Strategic Implications and Market Positioning
DK2361090 appears well-positioned in the niche of targeted, biodegradable drug delivery systems, especially for oncology and neurological applications where controlled and targeted release are critical.
Its strong claims on surface modification strategies give it competitive leverage, notably if the applicant demonstrates superior targeting efficiency or stability. Its alignment with major trends—personalized medicine and minimally invasive delivery—supports commercial potential.
To maximize value, licensees should focus on applications compatible with the composition's claims while exploring hybrid technologies that avoid infringement.
Key Takeaways
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Scope & Claims: Focused on specific copolymer ratios, surface modifications, and formulations that offer targeted, controlled drug delivery. The claims balance breadth with specificity, protecting innovative combinations of features.
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Patent Landscape: The patent sits within a dense field of biodegradable polymer patents but offers distinguishing features through its particular surface modifications and preparation techniques, supporting its novelty.
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Strategic Position: Positioned for therapeutic applications demanding targeting and controlled release, especially in oncology and neurology, where surface ligand modifications provide a competitive edge.
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Potential Challenges: Overlapping patents in controlled-release polymers and surface modifications necessitate diligent patent landscape analysis and FTO assessments for commercialization.
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Future Outlook: Aligns with ongoing R&D trends emphasizing precision medicine, with opportunities for licensing, collaborative development, or further patent filings to expand its coverage.
FAQs
1. What are the key features that distinguish DK2361090 from prior biodegradable polymer patents?
The patent emphasizes a specific copolymer ratio (e.g., 75:25 PLGA), surface modification with targeting ligands, and particular formulation methods, creating a unique combination not explicitly disclosed in prior art.
2. How broad is the scope of DK2361090’s claims?
While covering a range of polymer compositions and formulations, the claims are sufficiently specific regarding the polymer ratios and surface modifications, providing a balanced scope that offers protection against close competitors while avoiding overly broad claims prone to invalidation.
3. Can this patent be easily worked around?
Potential workarounds include changing the polymer ratios, using different biodegradable polymers, or avoiding specific surface modifications claimed. However, such modifications must achieve comparable therapeutic performance without infringing the specific claims.
4. What are the main challenges in enforcing DK2361090?
Due to the extensive prior art in biodegradable drug delivery systems, enforcement hinges on demonstrating the unique combination of features—copolymer ratio, surface modifications, and methods—that are not obvious or anticipated by existing patents.
5. How could this patent impact the development of targeted drug delivery therapies?
It provides a robust platform for developing targeted, biodegradable delivery systems, especially for transformative therapies in oncology and neurology, potentially attracting licensing deals or collaborations from pharmaceutical innovators seeking to leverage its protected technology.
References
- Danish Patent DK2361090. (2018). Polymer-based drug delivery systems.
- US patent US20080187393A1. (2008). Microspheres for sustained drug release.
- EP1181250B1. (2004). Surface-modified biodegradable polymers.
- WO2012153758. (2012). Targeted drug delivery using biodegradable polymers.
Note: Further patent landscape scans and legal analyses are advisable for organizations considering licensing or developing similar technologies.
