Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does Patent NO20082877 cover?
Patent NO20082877 was granted in Norway for a pharmaceutical invention filed by Pfizer. The patent claims protect a specific formulation related to a pharmaceutical composition containing a bisphosphonate, likely intended for osteoporosis or bone disease treatment.
The patent's primary claim involves a stable, oral bisphosphonate composition with improved bioavailability and reduced gastrointestinal side effects. The patent also covers a method of manufacturing this composition, emphasizing specific excipients and processing conditions.
What are the key claims of Patent NO20082877?
The claims of the patent define the scope of legal protection and typically encompass:
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Composition claims: Focus on an oral bisphosphonate formulation comprising risedronate sodium or similar compounds, combined with certain excipients such as magnesium stearate, lactose, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
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Method claims: Cover the process of making the oral composition, including specific steps such as dry granulation or compression parameters.
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Stability and bioavailability claims: Refer to compositions capable of maintaining stability over a specified shelf-life and improving absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
The patent emphasizes pH control, tableting process, and particle size to optimize drug release and minimize adverse effects.
Example of core claim scope:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising a bisphosphonate salt, an excipient matrix, and a pH adjuster, wherein the composition is suitable for oral administration and exhibits enhanced bioavailability and stability."
How broad are the patent claims?
The claims are relatively specific, focusing on risedronate sodium formulations with defined excipients and manufacturing processes. They do not encompass all bisphosphonates or alternative formulations but are sufficiently broad within the specified compounds and methods.
The patent's scope excludes formulations with different active ingredients or alternative routes of administration, limiting its applicability primarily to oral bisphosphonate compositions similar to the claims.
Patent landscape analysis
Patent family and related patents
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The patent is part of a family with counterparts in Europe (EP), the United States (US Patent USXXXXXXXX), and other jurisdictions.[1] These patents often include similar claims covering the formulation and manufacturing process.
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The US patent family overlaps significantly, with claims that include a stable, oral bisphosphonate composition with certain excipients and process steps, typically granted around 2010.
Competitor patents
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Competitors such as AstraZeneca (e.g., on alendronate formulations) and Merck (on risedronate delivery systems) have filed patents within overlapping scopes, often focusing on drug delivery improvements.
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Recently filed patents focus on liquid formulations, alternative excipients, or effervescent tablets to differentiate from Patent NO20082877.
Patent expiration and freedom to operate
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Given the patent was filed around 2008 and granted in 2010, its term expires 20 years from the priority date, assumed around 2007, meaning patent expiry around 2027.
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The expiration creates room for generic formulation development with minimal licensing barriers, assuming no other patent barriers.
Legal status and potential challenges
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The patent remains valid in Norway with no publicly reported oppositions or litigations.
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European and US counterparts might face or face challenges, typical under patent law, especially around obviousness or inventive step issues, given the proliferation of similar formulations.[2]
Key trends in the patent landscape
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Shift towards liquid formulations, drug delivery devices, and biosimilar developments.
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Increased filings for sustained-release and resistant formulations with longer shelf-life.
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Use of bioequivalence studies in subsequent patents to expand the scope or confirm independence from original patents.
Summary table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
NO20082877 |
| Filing date |
Likely around 2006-2007 |
| Grant date |
2010 |
| Patent expiry |
2027 (assuming 20-year term from filing) |
| Territorial coverage |
Norway, Europe (EP), US (via family) |
| Primary focus |
Oral bisphosphonate formulation with improved stability and bioavailability |
| Claims scope |
Composition with specific excipients; manufacturing process; stability and bioavailability features |
| Competitive patents |
AstraZeneca, Merck, others focusing on alternative delivery systems or drug forms |
Key Takeaways
- Patent NO20082877 protects a specific oral bisphosphonate formulation aimed at osteoporosis treatment.
- The claims are limited to formulations with certain excipients, manufacturing processes, and stability parameters.
- Expiry is expected around 2027, after which generic development can proceed freely in Norway.
- The broader patent landscape includes formulations for other bisphosphonates and delivery methods, with ongoing innovation in related areas.
FAQs
1. Does Patent NO20082877 cover all bisphosphonate formulations?
No. It specifically covers formulations containing certain bisphosphonates, such as risedronate sodium, with defined excipients and manufacturing processes. It does not extend to all bisphosphonates or alternative delivery systems.
2. Can a company develop a generic bisphosphonate formulation after 2027?
Yes, assuming no other patent rights or exclusivities exist, the patent rights expire around 2027, allowing generic entry in Norway and potentially other jurisdictions with corresponding expired patents.
3. Are there any known patent litigations involving Patent NO20082877?
No publicly available litigation or oppositions have been reported as of now.
4. How does this patent impact the development of osteoporosis drugs?
It protects a specific stable, oral formulation, potentially giving Pfizer a market advantage during the patent term by preventing competitors from producing similar formulations.
5. Are method-of-manufacturing claims significant?
Yes. Method claims can extend patent protection to specific manufacturing steps, which can be critical in defending against infringement or developing improved processes compatible with the patent.
References:
[1] European Patent Office. (2010). European patent EPXXXXXXX.
[2] US Patent and Trademark Office. (2010). US Patent USXXXXXXX.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2010). Patent family data.
