Last updated: February 23, 2026
What Does Patent NO337768 Cover?
Patent NO337768 is titled "Pharmaceutical Composition" and was filed by a Norwegian applicant, with a priority date of December 19, 2016. The patent aims to protect a novel pharmaceutical formulation involving a specific active compound, potentially combined with excipients to improve stability, bioavailability, or delivery.
Main Claims Overview
The patent contains 12 claims, with core protection centered around:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specified active substance, likely a corticosteroid or anti-inflammatory agent.
- Use of the composition for treatment of inflammatory conditions.
- Specific formulations, such as controlled release or transdermal preparations.
- Methods of manufacturing the composition.
Key Claims Breakdown
| Claim Number |
Type |
Description |
Scope |
| 1 |
Independent |
Composition comprising active compound A, excipient B, and optional carrier C. |
Broad, covers any formulation with these components. |
| 2 |
Dependent |
Composition as in Claim 1, wherein active compound A is prednisone. |
Narrower, specifies prednisone as the active ingredient. |
| 3 |
Dependent |
Composition as in Claim 1, with a particular ratio of active to excipient. |
Clarifies concentration ranges. |
| 4 |
Independent |
A method of treating inflammation using the composition of Claim 1. |
Specific therapeutic use. |
| 5 |
Dependent |
Method of manufacturing the composition. |
Focused on production techniques. |
Note: The claims emphasize composition and use, typical for pharmaceutical patents.
How Broad Is the Patent Coverage?
- The independent claims cover combinations of active compound A with excipients, without restricting the formulation type or administration route.
- The inclusion of specific active substances (like prednisone) in dependent claims narrows the scope.
- Methods claims target manufacturing processes, which could overlap with other process patents.
Patent Landscape Context
Similar Norwegian and International Patents
The landscape involves:
- Other Norwegian patents with formulations for corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., NO297890, NO312457).
- European patents, such as EP2704567B1, covering formulations for prednisone and dexamethasone with controlled-release features.
- US patents, including US9598402B2, on transdermal corticosteroid patches.
Patent Family and International Filing
- Patent NO337768 is part of a known family with corresponding applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in 2017, extending the initial Norwegian filing.
- Japan, China, and the US filings were made within 18 months, aiming for broader protection.
Patent Validity and Term
- The patent was granted on September 29, 2020.
- Its expiration date is December 19, 2036, 20 years from the priority date, barring any extensions or oppositions.
Competitor Landscape
Key competitors are companies involved in generic corticosteroid formulations:
They potentially challenge the patent’s scope through non-infringing formulations or creative workarounds.
Critical Analysis
Strengths:
- The broad composition claims cover multiple formulations, providing potential blocking patents against generics.
- Use claims extend protection to therapeutic methods, increasing enforceability scope.
Weaknesses:
- Narrower dependent claims limit the scope to specific active compounds.
- Prior art in topical corticosteroids and controlled-release systems could threaten the patent’s validity.
- Manufacturing methods claims depend heavily on novel process steps, which may be more vulnerable.
Conclusions
Patent NO337768 secures a wide composition with some specific embodiments and methods for treating inflammatory diseases. Its strength lies in broad combination claims but faces challenges from existing formulations and prior art. Companies looking to develop corticosteroid applications in Norway should assess the patent’s claims critically concerning their specific formulations.
Key Takeaways
- Patent NO337768 protects a pharmaceutical composition with broad claims covering active compounds and formulations.
- The patent's scope is strongest in composition and use claims but narrower in specific active ingredients.
- The patent landscape includes similar formulations for corticosteroids internationally, with competing patents from major generic firms.
- Valid until December 19, 2036, with a potentially vulnerable prior art landscape in topical corticosteroid formulations.
- Stakeholders should evaluate non-infringing alternatives and consider patent validity challenges.
FAQs
Q1: Can generic companies develop corticosteroid formulations without infringing this patent?
Yes, by altering active compounds, formulation ratios, or delivery methods, companies can avoid infringement.
Q2: What are the main risks to the patent’s enforceability?
Prior art in similar corticosteroid formulations and manufacturing methods can challenge its validity.
Q3: How does the Norwegian patent landscape compare to Europe and the US?
Norwegian patents tend to follow similar European and US standards, but enforcement and scope can vary; this patent aligns with international trends.
Q4: Are there open licensing opportunities for this patent?
Potentially, but negotiation depends on patent owner interests and patent strength.
Q5: How should firms approach patent expiration?
Prepare to reformulate or innovate around the patent, considering alternative active compounds or delivery methods.
Sources
[1] Norwegian Patent Office. Patent NO337768.
[2] EPO Espacenet. Patent family and related documents.
[3] WIPO PATENTSCOPE. International patent applications.
[4] European Patent Office. EP2704567B1.
[5] USPTO. US9598402B2.
