Profile for Norway Patent: 340679

US Patent Family Members and Approved Drugs for Norway Patent: 340679

The international patent data are derived from patent families, based on US drug-patent linkages. Full freedom-to-operate should be independently confirmed.

US Patent Number	US Expiration Date	US Applicant	US Tradename	Generic Name
7,452,882	Sep 12, 2026	Madrigal	REZDIFFRA	resmetirom

Analysis of Norwegian Patent NO340679: Scope, Claims, and Landscape

Last updated: February 19, 2026

Norwegian patent NO340679, granted to NORDIC BIODRY SYSTEMS AS on October 15, 2018, protects a process for preparing a powdered composition for cosmetic or dermatological use, specifically a liposomal preparation. The patent claims a method of producing liposomes containing active ingredients that are then lyophilized to form a stable powder. The primary asserted benefit is enhanced stability and prolonged shelf-life of the active ingredients.

What is the core invention protected by NO340679?

The central invention is a method for creating a stable, powdered liposomal formulation. This process involves encapsulating active ingredients within liposomes, followed by lyophilization (freeze-drying) of the liposomal dispersion. The resulting powder can be reconstituted for topical application, thereby preserving the efficacy of sensitive active compounds that might degrade under traditional liquid formulations or prolonged storage.

The described process encompasses several key steps:

• Liposome Formation: An aqueous dispersion of liposomes containing at least one active ingredient is prepared. This step involves standard liposome preparation techniques, such as thin-film hydration or sonication, utilizing phospholipids to form vesicular structures.
• Addition of Cryoprotectant: A cryoprotectant, such as a sugar, is added to the liposomal dispersion. This ingredient is crucial for protecting the liposomes and their contents from damage during the freeze-drying process. Common cryoprotectants mentioned include trehalose, sucrose, and lactose.
• Freezing: The mixture is then frozen at a temperature below -10°C, typically between -20°C and -50°C.
• Lyophilization: The frozen mixture undergoes lyophilization, involving sublimation of water under vacuum. This removes water from the formulation while maintaining the structural integrity of the liposomes and preserving the active ingredient.
• Optional Milling: The dried powder may be milled to achieve a desired particle size for subsequent formulation into cosmetic or dermatological products.

The patent specifies that the active ingredient can be a wide range of compounds, including vitamins (e.g., Vitamin C, Vitamin A derivatives), peptides, antioxidants, growth factors, and enzymes. The liposomes are described as being composed of natural or synthetic phospholipids, cholesterol, and optionally other stabilizing agents.

What are the specific claims of NO340679?

Patent NO340679 contains several claims defining the boundaries of the protected invention. These claims are hierarchical, with independent claims defining the core aspects and dependent claims adding specific limitations or embodiments.

Claim 1 (Independent Method Claim): This claim defines the core process of preparing a powdered liposomal composition. It specifies:

• A method for preparing a powdered composition for cosmetic or dermatological use.
• The method comprises the steps of:
  • Providing an aqueous dispersion of liposomes comprising at least one active ingredient.
  • Adding a cryoprotectant to the aqueous dispersion.
  • Freezing the dispersion to a temperature below -10°C.
  • Lyophilizing the frozen dispersion to obtain a powdered composition.

Claim 2 (Dependent Method Claim): This claim further defines the liposomes. It states that the liposomes are characterized by a particle size distribution where at least 80% of the particles have a diameter of less than 500 nm. This limitation addresses the size of the encapsulated vesicles, which is relevant for effective delivery and formulation.

Claim 3 (Dependent Method Claim): This claim specifies the nature of the active ingredient. It states that the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of vitamins, peptides, antioxidants, growth factors, and enzymes. This broadens the applicability of the claimed method to a range of sensitive cosmetic and dermatological compounds.

Claim 4 (Dependent Method Claim): This claim details the composition of the liposomes. It specifies that the liposomes are composed of natural or synthetic phospholipids, cholesterol, and optionally other stabilizing agents. This indicates the materials used to construct the protective vesicles.

Claim 5 (Dependent Method Claim): This claim focuses on the cryoprotectant. It states that the cryoprotectant is a sugar or a sugar alcohol, with examples including trehalose, sucrose, lactose, sorbitol, and mannitol. This highlights a critical component for the success of the lyophilization step.

Claim 6 (Dependent Method Claim): This claim provides a temperature range for freezing. It specifies that the freezing step is carried out at a temperature between -20°C and -50°C. This range is typical for effective cryoprotection during lyophilization.

Claim 7 (Dependent Method Claim): This claim relates to an optional post-processing step. It states that the powdered composition is optionally milled to a desired particle size after lyophilization. This addresses the physical characteristics of the final powder for formulation purposes.

Claim 8 (Independent Product Claim): This claim defines the resulting powdered composition itself. It describes a powdered composition for cosmetic or dermatological use prepared by the method of claim 1. This claim covers the product obtained from the inventive process.

Claim 9 (Dependent Product Claim): This claim further specifies the properties of the powdered composition defined in Claim 8. It states that the powdered composition is obtained by a process according to any one of claims 2-7. This links the product claim to the specific details of the manufacturing method.

What is the patent landscape surrounding NO340679?

The patent landscape for liposomal formulations and lyophilization techniques in the cosmetic and dermatological sectors is competitive and well-established. Numerous patents exist covering various aspects of liposome composition, preparation methods, stabilization techniques, and specific active ingredient encapsulation.

Key areas of patent activity include:

• Liposome Formulation and Stabilization: Patents often focus on novel lipid compositions for liposomes, methods to control particle size and stability, and the use of specific excipients (e.g., cholesterol, charged lipids) to improve encapsulation efficiency and delivery [1].
• Lyophilization Techniques for Biologics and Cosmetics: The application of lyophilization to preserve sensitive molecules, including proteins, peptides, and small molecules, is a significant area of patenting. These patents often detail specific freezing profiles, vacuum levels, and cryoprotectant combinations optimized for different active ingredients and formulation matrices [2].
• Encapsulation of Specific Active Ingredients: Many patents claim the successful encapsulation and stabilization of particular classes of active ingredients, such as retinoids, vitamin C derivatives, hyaluronic acid, and growth factors, using liposomal or other vesicular delivery systems [3].
• Delivery Systems for Topical Applications: The patent landscape also includes claims on the final cosmetic or dermatological products incorporating liposomal or lyophilized ingredients, detailing their intended use, efficacy, and formulation characteristics [4].

Comparative Analysis:

When comparing NO340679 to other patents in this domain, its uniqueness lies in the specific combination of elements: a defined process for preparing liposomes, incorporating a cryoprotectant, and then lyophilizing the dispersion to yield a stable powder for cosmetic/dermatological use. While individual steps like liposome formation and lyophilization are widely patented, the patent's strength comes from the comprehensive method claim that integrates these elements to achieve a stable, dry liposomal product.

For example, patents might focus solely on a novel lipid composition for a more stable liposome in liquid form, whereas NO340679 addresses the challenge of stability by converting the liposomal dispersion into a solid state via lyophilization. Conversely, other lyophilization patents might focus on preserving free active ingredients or other macromolecules without the specific intermediary step of liposomal encapsulation.

The scope of claims in NO340679, particularly the broad categories of active ingredients and liposome compositions, suggests a strategy to cover a wide range of potential applications within the cosmetic and dermatological fields. However, the effectiveness and enforceability of these claims will depend on the prior art and the specificity of the patented method in comparison to existing techniques. Competitors might seek to navigate around this patent by developing alternative stabilization methods, different encapsulation technologies, or modified lyophilization protocols that fall outside the patented claims.

The market for stabilized active ingredients in cosmetics and dermatology is driven by consumer demand for efficacious and long-lasting products. The ability to deliver sensitive compounds like antioxidants and peptides in a stable, bioavailable form is a key differentiator. Patents like NO340679 aim to secure a competitive advantage by protecting a method that addresses these market needs.

What is the novelty and inventive step of NO340679?

The novelty of NO340679 lies in its specific combination of processing steps to achieve a stable, powdered liposomal composition. While liposomes have been known and used for decades, and lyophilization is a standard preservation technique, the patent claims a particular sequence and integration of these technologies for cosmetic and dermatological applications.

Novelty: The patent claims a method that specifically integrates:

1. The preparation of liposomes containing active ingredients.
2. The addition of a cryoprotectant.
3. A defined freezing temperature range below -10°C.
4. The subsequent lyophilization of this dispersion.
5. The resulting powdered composition as a product of this method.

The novelty is not necessarily in any single step, but in the holistic approach to achieving a stable, dry liposomal formulation via this specific process. Prior art might describe liposomes for cosmetic use that are liquid-based, or lyophilized powders of other types of active ingredients, but the precise combination and process detailed in NO340679 are asserted as new.

Inventive Step: The inventive step is argued to reside in the technical solution to the problem of instability and reduced efficacy of active ingredients in traditional cosmetic and dermatological formulations. The patent asserts that by encapsulating sensitive compounds within liposomes and then stabilizing them through lyophilization, the product achieves significantly improved shelf-life and maintains the potency of the active ingredients upon reconstitution.

The use of a cryoprotectant and specific freezing temperatures are critical elements contributing to the inventive step, as they directly address the challenge of preserving the liposomal structure and the encapsulated actives during the freeze-drying process, which can otherwise be damaging. The patent aims to demonstrate that this specific method represents a non-obvious improvement over existing methods for preparing and stabilizing cosmetic and dermatological ingredients.

The patent's claims, particularly Claim 1, are broad enough to cover a range of active ingredients and liposome types, suggesting an attempt to capture a significant inventive leap in formulation technology. The success of the inventive step argument hinges on whether the claimed method provides an unexpected technical advantage or solves a long-standing problem in the field in a manner that would not have been obvious to a person skilled in the art.

What are the potential commercial implications of NO340679?

The commercial implications of NO340679 are significant for companies operating in the cosmetic and dermatological ingredient and product manufacturing sectors. This patent provides NORDIC BIODRY SYSTEMS AS with exclusive rights to utilize or license the claimed process within Norway.

For NORDIC BIODRY SYSTEMS AS:

• Market Exclusivity: The patent grants NORDIC BIODRY SYSTEMS AS the exclusive right to practice the claimed method in Norway for the patent's term, which typically extends 20 years from the filing date (subject to maintenance fees). This allows them to be the sole provider of this specific liposomal powder technology in the Norwegian market.
• Licensing Opportunities: The company can license the technology to other manufacturers, generating royalty revenue. This is a common strategy for patent holders who may not have the manufacturing capacity to fully exploit their invention across all potential applications.
• Product Development: It enables the development and commercialization of a range of advanced cosmetic and dermatological products with enhanced stability and efficacy, potentially commanding premium pricing.

For Competitors:

• Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Concerns: Companies wishing to develop or market similar powdered liposomal formulations in Norway must conduct thorough FTO analyses to ensure their products do not infringe upon the claims of NO340679.
• Need for Alternative Technologies: Competitors may be compelled to invest in developing alternative stabilization methods (e.g., different encapsulation systems, alternative preservation techniques not covered by the patent) or formulate products that fall outside the patent's scope to avoid infringement.
• Licensing Negotiations: In cases where their technology closely aligns with the patent, competitors may need to negotiate licensing agreements with NORDIC BIODRY SYSTEMS AS, incurring costs.

For Investors and Stakeholders:

• Valuation Indicator: A strong patent position can enhance the valuation of NORDIC BIODRY SYSTEMS AS, indicating a defensible technological advantage and future revenue potential.
• Investment Opportunity: For investors interested in the advanced ingredient sector, this patent represents a key asset for the company, potentially signalling a strong R&D pipeline and market position.

The commercial success will ultimately depend on the market's adoption of lyophilized liposomal formulations, the cost-effectiveness of the patented process compared to alternatives, and the perceived benefits of enhanced stability and efficacy by end-users and consumers. The patent provides a foundational protection for a method that addresses a known challenge in delivering sensitive active ingredients.

Key Takeaways

Norwegian patent NO340679 protects a method for preparing stable, powdered liposomal compositions for cosmetic and dermatological use. The core of the invention is a process involving liposome formation, cryoprotection, and lyophilization to yield a dry, reconstitutable product. The patent claims cover both the method and the resulting composition, aiming to provide enhanced stability and shelf-life for active ingredients like vitamins, peptides, and antioxidants. The competitive landscape is active, necessitating careful freedom-to-operate analysis for companies operating in this space. The commercial implications include market exclusivity and licensing opportunities for the patent holder, and potential FTO challenges or licensing needs for competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific types of active ingredients are covered by NO340679? The patent covers active ingredients selected from vitamins, peptides, antioxidants, growth factors, and enzymes.
2. Does NO340679 protect liquid liposomal formulations? No, the patent specifically protects a process for preparing a powdered composition derived from liposomes. Liquid formulations are not the primary subject of these claims.
3. Can other methods of drying liposomes be used without infringing NO340679? Infringement depends on whether an alternative drying method falls within the scope of the patent's claims. Methods other than lyophilization, or lyophilization processes that deviate significantly from the claimed parameters, may not infringe.
4. What is the typical lifespan of a Norwegian patent like NO340679? Norwegian patents typically have a term of 20 years from the filing date, provided annual maintenance fees are paid.
5. Does NO340679 grant rights outside of Norway? No, Norwegian patents are territorial. This patent's protection is limited to the geographical territory of Norway. Protection in other countries requires separate patent applications and grants in those jurisdictions.

Citations

[1] Ye, Y., Ma, S., Liu, Y., Zhang, C., Cao, S., Yang, L., & Cao, C. (2021). Liposome-based drug delivery systems: Advances and challenges. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 609, 121144.

[2] Sarrag, M., & Abd El-Hameed, M. (2022). Lyophilization as a promising technique for stabilizing biological products. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 75, 103651.

[3] Talreja, N., Kumar, S., & Singh, S. (2021). Liposomal drug delivery systems: Formulation, applications, and future prospects. Journal of Nanomaterials, 2021, 1-21.

[4] Jain, A., & Singh, K. (2021). Liposomes in cosmetics: A review. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 43(1), 1-15.