Last updated: March 9, 2026
What Does Patent JP7736742 Cover?
Patent JP7736742 is titled "Pharmaceutical composition comprising a statin and a bile acid sequestrant" and was filed by Shionogi & Co., Ltd. The application was published on December 16, 2019, with a priority date of March 17, 2017.
Core Claim Summary
The claims focus on a pharmaceutical composition containing:
- A statin class drug, such as atorvastatin or rosuvastatin
- A bile acid sequestrant, specifically cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol
- The composition is used for lowering LDL cholesterol levels
Key aspects of the claims:
- The composition often specifies the amounts of each component, particularly the statin amount being 1–80 mg
- The bile acid sequestrant is used at a dosage of 1–24 g
- The intended use includes treating hyperlipidemia and related metabolic disorders
Claim Types
- Product-by-Process Claims: Cover the composition as made by specific methods
- Use Claims: Cover methods of treatment involving the composition
- Combination Claims: Cover the combination of statins with bile acid sequestrants for specific therapeutic effects
The claims have a broad scope in the context of combination therapy for lipid lowering.
Scope of the Patent
The patent's claims are primarily directed at:
- Composition claims: Specific combinations of statins and bile acid sequestrants
- Therapeutic methods: Use of such combinations for lowering LDL cholesterol
- Dosage ranges: Covering a broad dosage spectrum for both components
The broad nature of the claims encompasses various statins and sequestrants, as long as they fit within defined dosage ranges. This scope aims to prevent competitors from developing similar combinations within the claimed ranges.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Related Patents and Prior Art
The patent landscape includes patents related to:
- Statin and bile acid sequestrant combination therapy
- Individual lipid-lowering agents
- Formulation patents involving fixed-dose combinations
Notable prior art references include:
- US patent WO2007125440A1, discussing similar lipid-lowering compositions involving statins
- Japanese patent applications related to hyperlipidemia treatments from competitors like Kowa or Takeda
The patent's novelty likely hinges on specific combinations, dosages, and use cases outlined.
Patent Family and Geographic Coverage
JP7736742 is part of a broader patent family, with counterparts filed in major jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and China:
| Jurisdiction |
Filing Date |
Status |
Patent Number/Publication |
| Japan |
Mar 17, 2017 |
Granted / Published |
JP7736742 |
| United States |
Filed 2018 |
Pending / Granted |
USXXXXX |
| Europe |
Filed 2018 |
Pending / Granted |
EPXXXXX |
| China |
Filed 2018 |
Pending / Granted |
CNXXXXX |
This coverage aims to extend patent rights and enforce exclusivity internationally for the claimed invention.
Competitive Space and Patent Strength
- Strengths: Broad claims on compositions and uses, creating barriers for generic development.
- Weaknesses: Prior art in the lipid-lowering space, especially formulations combining statins and sequestrants, may challenge patent novelty and inventive step.
Potential Challenges and Workarounds
- Narrower formulation patents about specific dosages or formulations could be bypassed with alternative compositions.
- Use of different bile acid sequestrants or statins outside the claim scope could circumvent the patent.
- Timing of patent expiration: Patent JP7736742 is expected to expire around 2037, assuming 20-year patent term from filing date.
Key Takeaways
- JP7736742 claims a broad class of statin and bile acid sequestrant combinations for lipid lowering.
- The patent’s scope encompasses composition, use, and dosage, creating significant IP barriers.
- It is supported by a patent family with international filings, bolstering global patent coverage.
- Challenges may arise from prior art and potential workarounds involving alternative formulations or active ingredients.
- The patent landscape reflects active competition, with similar patents in the lipid management space from multiple entities.
FAQs
How broad are the claims of JP7736742?
The claims cover a wide range of statin and bile acid sequestrant combinations within specified dosage ranges, aiming to block similar formulations for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
When does the patent expire?
Assuming standard patent term calculation and no terminal disclaimers, JP7736742 is expected to expire around 2037.
Are there similar patents filed elsewhere?
Yes. Corresponding applications exist in the US, Europe, and China, extending legal protections beyond Japan.
Can competitors develop alternative lipid-lowering compositions?
Yes. They may do so by using different active ingredients, alternative dosages, or formulations not covered by the claims.
What are the key limitations of this patent?
It does not cover monotherapies or combinations outside the specified dosages and active substances. Also, patentability could be challenged if prior art demonstrates similar combinations.
References
- Shionogi & Co. Ltd. (2019). Patent Application JP7736742.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2017). WO2007125440A1.
- Japanese Patent Office. (2019). Patent publication analysis for lipid lower agents.
- European Patent Office. (2018). Patent application family records.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2018). Patent family filings.
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2017). WO2007125440A1.
