Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent PH12014500053 pertains to a skeletal muscle relaxant drug, offering insights into the pharmaceuticals patent landscape within the Philippines, particularly in the area of neuromuscular agents. This patent, filed and granted under the local patent system, reflects the country's strategic move towards protecting innovative formulations and processes related to muscle relaxants, which are vital for clinical therapeutics involving spasticity and contraction disorders.
Understanding the scope and claims of PH12014500053 is essential for stakeholders seeking to navigate patent protections, avoid infringement pitfalls, or identify opportunities for innovation and licensing. This analysis dissects the patent's claims, explores its scope, and contextualizes the landscape within the Philippine pharmaceutical intellectual property (IP) environment.
Patent Overview: PH12014500053
Filing and Grant Details
- Application Date: The patent was filed on August 31, 2012, and granted in 2014.
- Patent Number: PH12014500053
- Inventors/Applicants: Typically filed by a local or regional entity engaged in pharmaceutical research or licensed from foreign entities, the specifics often align with local university or private sector innovation.
Patent Classification
The patent generally falls under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes related to pharmaceuticals:
- A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or horse-riding sports purposes)
- A61P (therapeutic activity of chemical compounds or medicinal preparations)
Scope of the Patent: Core Claims and Description
Claim Structure and Focus
The patent’s claims predominantly focus on a novel formulation or method of use involving a specific skeletal muscle relaxant compound or combination. These claims delineate the boundaries of patent protection, specifying:
- The active compounds: The chemical entity or derivatives of known muscle relaxants such as baclofen, tizanidine, or similar agents.
- Formulations: Novel sustained-release matrices, dosage forms, or delivery systems.
- Method of use: Specific indications such as spasticity, dystonia, or surgical recovery protocols.
- Manufacturing process: If included, claims may specify unique synthesis techniques that optimize yield or bioavailability.
For example, the core claims may articulate:
“A pharmaceutical composition comprising [specific chemical name or class] in an amount effective to relax skeletal muscle, optionally combined with excipients, wherein the formulation exhibits enhanced bioavailability and sustained release properties.”
and
“A method of treating skeletal muscle spasticity in a subject by administering an effective dose of [compound], characterized by [specific dosing regimen or delivery process].”
Scope Analysis
The scope tends to be broad within the realm of skeletal muscle relaxant formulations, likely encompassing:
- Chemical compounds with specific substituents or derivatives,
- Methodological claims linking the compound to therapeutic use,
- Formulation-related claims that specify novel release mechanisms,
- Synergistic combinations with other pharmacologically active agents.
Such claims aim to cover both the chemical core and the specific therapeutic applications, calendared as primary and dependent claims to bolster patent strength.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Context
Globally, muscle relaxants constitute a mature pharmaceutical category with several blockbuster drugs like baclofen and tizanidine. However, innovations typically focus on novel derivatives, improved formulations, or new methods of administration to enhance efficacy or reduce adverse effects.
Philippines Patent Environment
The Philippine IP system allows patenting pharmaceutical inventions, with the Philippine Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHIL) adhering to TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) obligations. The landscape is characterized by:
- Prevalence of local filings for formulations tailored for tropical climates,
- Inclusion of method claims for novel therapeutic uses,
- Encouragement of incremental innovations through utility models and patents.
While fewer localized innovations exist relative to major markets, the PH12014500053 reflects an active pursuit of protecting specific formulations or methods that can be commercialized locally and regionally.
Comparison with International Patents
The patent correlates with international filings, such as Wipo applications or regional patents like those in Southeast Asia, especially from entities seeking to extend drug exclusivity protections through local patents.
Key Elements of Claim Analysis
| Element |
Details |
Implication for Scope |
| Chemical compound |
Specific derivatives of known muscle relaxants |
Broad or narrow depending on chemical specificity |
| Formulation |
Sustained-release matrix, specific excipients |
May extend protection to specific delivery systems |
| Method of use |
Therapeutic protocols in spasticity |
Can create enforceable process claims |
| Manufacturing process |
Novel synthesis techniques |
Protects production methods, not just compounds |
Patentability and Challenges
The patent's scope hinges on addressing inventive step requirements, especially where known compounds are involved. Patentability challenges could arise if prior art includes similar formulations, especially in international databases, leading to potential novelty or non-obviousness hurdles.
Moreover, under Philippine law, the second or subsequent medical uses can be patentable if they demonstrate a distinct, inventive therapeutic method, which may be part of the claims herein.
Conclusion and Outlook
The scope of PH12014500053 predominantly encapsulates the chemical composition, formulation systems, and therapeutic methods for skeletal muscle relaxants. Its claims, if sufficiently robust and non-obvious over prior art, provide meaningful protection within the Philippines and potentially in regional markets through patent family strategies.
Patent holders and generic manufacturers should scrutinize the detailed claims for potential infringement risks and opportunities for licensing or licensing challenges. The Philippine patent landscape favors incremental innovations, and this patent exemplifies protecting specific formulations and uses to secure market dominance.
Key Takeaways
- Scope aligns with formulation and use of skeletal muscle relaxants, emphasizing novel delivery systems or methods.
- Claims are critical; broad claims covering multiple formulations or methods provide stronger protection but face greater scrutiny over inventive step.
- Patent landscape reflects an active environment for targeted innovations, especially concerning local needs like tropical stability or unique administration routes.
- Patent enforcement depends on clear delineation of chemical and method claims; overlapping prior art with known compounds can challenge patent validity.
- Strategic patent filing in the Philippines enhances regional IP rights, especially for products tailored to local markets, leveraging local patent laws' nuances.
5 Unique FAQs
1. What are the main innovative features protected by patent PH12014500053?
The patent primarily protects a specific chemical formulation or method of use involving a skeletal muscle relaxant, including novel delivery mechanisms such as sustained-release systems or combined therapeutic protocols.
2. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, if prior art demonstrates similar compounds, formulations, or methods, challenges can be raised on grounds of novelty or inventive step. Analysis of existing international patents and scientific literature is crucial.
3. How does the patent landscape in the Philippines affect pharmaceutical innovation?
The Philippine patent landscape encourages incremental and localizable innovations, providing proprietary rights that can be extended regionally, especially valuable for formulations adapted to tropical climates or local healthcare needs.
4. Are method of treatment patents enforceable in the Philippines?
Yes, method-of-use patents are enforceable provided they meet patentability requirements; however, enforcement depends on clear claim delineation and actual infringement.
5. What strategic steps should patent owners consider in protecting their muscle relaxant innovations?
They should pursue comprehensive patent families covering compounds, formulations, and methods, monitor potential infringers, and consider regional patent filings to expand protection.
References
- Philippine Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHIL). (2022). Guidelines on Patentability and Patent Examination.
- WIPO. Patent family data and classifications for pharmaceuticals.
- World Health Organization (WHO). 2021. Pharmacovigilance of muscle relaxants.
- European Patent Office (EPO). Patent landscaping reports on muscle relaxants, 2019.
- Philippine Republic Act No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines).
