Last updated: February 20, 2026
Patent Overview
DK3122426 is a Danish patent filed by Novo Nordisk, published in 2020, concerning a novel formulation related to GLP-1 receptor agonists for treating metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.
Patent Claims Breakdown
Main Claims
The patent contains multiple claims primarily directed at:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a GLP-1 receptor agonist, specifically including semaglutide or analogs, combined with one or more excipients.
- The composition's specific formulation parameters, including concentration ranges and delivery forms.
- The sustained-release or long-acting properties of the formulation, enabling once-weekly or extended dosing intervals.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particular embodiments:
- Use of specific excipients such as polyethyleneglycol, polylactic acid, or biodegradable polymers.
- Delivery routes including subcutaneous injections or implantable devices.
- Stability parameters under certain storage conditions.
- Dosing regimens including weekly or biweekly administration.
Scope of Claims
The core scope covers:
- Drug formulations involving semaglutide with specific excipients.
- Delivery methods aimed at prolonged action.
- Stability and bioavailability enhancements.
The scope does not extend to:
- Other GLP-1 analogs outside the claimed chemical structures.
- Non-pharmaceutical delivery devices not explicitly claimed.
- Combination therapies involving unrelated drug classes.
Patent Landscape Context
Related Patents and Competitors
The landscape includes several patents:
- WO2017/145071 (Novo Nordisk): Focused on weekly GLP-1 formulations, including semaglutide, with similar sustained-release features.
- US patent 10,574,543 (Eli Lilly): Covers long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist formulations with proprietary excipients.
- EP patent 2509802 (Lilly): Emphasizes specific biodegradable polymer formulations for GLP-1 delivery.
These patents generally overlap in formulation technology, particularly sustained-release injections and implantables, with key differentiators being specific excipient combinations and release mechanisms.
Patent Filing Trends
- Rising filings from 2015-2022, focusing on extended-release GLP-1 formulations.
- Emphasis on biodegradable polymers and implantable devices.
- Increasing filings in Scandinavia and Europe, aiming to secure regional exclusivity for novel formulations.
Patent Litigation and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
- No evidence of active patent litigations specifically against DK3122426.
- A detailed FTO analysis indicates high freedom to operate for Novo Nordisk's claims, but close competition exists within overlapping formulation technologies.
Implications and Strategic Position
- The formulation claims solidify Novo Nordisk's position in the extended-release GLP-1 space.
- The use of specific biodegradable polymers and stable formulations addresses patent overlaps, but there remains potential for designaround strategies.
- Broad claims on sustained-release formulations might face challenges if competitors develop alternative polymers or delivery mechanisms.
Summary Timeline
| Year |
Event |
Relevance |
| 2017 |
Filing of related WO2017/145071 |
Foundation for sustained-release GLP-1 formulations |
| 2018-2019 |
Subsequent filings targeting specific polymers |
Expanding formulation IP coverage |
| 2020 |
Publication of DK3122426 |
Establishes regional patent rights |
| 2022 |
Ongoing patent filings and potential litigations |
Continued innovation and enforcement |
Key Takeaways
- DK3122426 protects a specific GLP-1 analog formulation with extended-release properties, primarily targeting once-weekly dosing.
- The patent claims emphasize formulation stability, excipient specificity, and delivery methods, with a primary focus on biodegradable polymer compositions.
- The patent landscape is competitive, with major players like Novo Nordisk and Lilly filing similar formulations.
- The patent's scope could be challenged if alternative release mechanisms or polymers are developed.
- The regional patent strengthens Novo Nordisk’s market exclusivity in Denmark and potentially in other European markets through national filings.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation protected by DK3122426?
It covers specific sustained-release formulations of semaglutide using biodegradable polymers for extended dosing periods.
2. How does DK3122426 compare to prior art?
It adds novel excipient combinations and stability features, differentiating from earlier formulations like WO2017/145071 and Lilly patents.
3. Can competitors develop similar sustained-release GLP-1 drugs without infringing?
Yes, by using different polymers, release mechanisms, or delivery devices not covered by the claims.
4. Is DK3122426 enforceable outside Denmark?
As a Danish patent, enforceability is limited geographically unless corresponding patents are filed or granted in other jurisdictions.
5. What future patent strategies might Novo Nordisk pursue?
Filing claims on alternative polymers, delivery technologies, or combination therapies to broaden IP coverage and block design-arounds.
References
- [1] Novo Nordisk. (2020). DK3122426 patent publication. Danish Patent Office.
- [2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2017). WO2017/145071 patent publication.
- [3] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2020). US10574543B2 patent.
- [4] European Patent Office. (2013). EP2509802B1 patent.
