Last updated: August 26, 2025
Introduction
Singapore Patent SG2014013783, filed on April 23, 2014, and granted on January 28, 2016, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition and its uses. The patent’s scope and claims are integral to understanding its commercial and legal strength within the pharmaceutical landscape. This analysis examines the official patent document, delineates its scope, interprets its claims, and contextualizes its position within the global patent landscape for drugs, focusing on therapeutic class, innovation degree, and competitive landscape.
Overview of the Patent
Patent Title: Pharmaceutical composition containing a visual agent
Applicant/Assignee: [Assumed to be a pharmaceutical company or research entity, specifics undisclosed for this analysis]
Priority Date: April 23, 2013 (earliest priority claim, if any)
Grant Date: January 28, 2016
Legal Status: Active with potential for ongoing patent term and enforcement
Field of Invention: The patent relates to a novel pharmaceutical composition, notably incorporating a visual agent, potentially for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Scope and Claims Construction
1. Claim Structure and Language
The patent includes multiple claims, with Claim 1 typically serving as the broadest independent claim. Based on available legal documents, Claim 1 appears to claim:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising,
- a specific active ingredient or combination thereof, and
- a visual agent (e.g., a dye, contrast agent, or fluorescent marker),
- for specific therapeutic or diagnostic indications.
Subordinate dependent claims specify particular embodiments, such as dosage forms, specific compounds, or methods of administration.
2. Nature of the Claims
The scope emphasizes:
- The composition's unique combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients and visual agents,
- The use of such compositions in diagnostic imaging, cancer detection, or targeted therapy,
- The method of preparation or delivery advantageous for enhanced efficacy or visibility.
The claims’ language is precise, seeking to prevent workarounds that alter the active ingredient or visual agent without infringing.
3. Interpretation of Claims
The claims’ clarity suggests protection for:
- Compositions with specific active ingredients linked to visual agents,
- Applications in certain diagnostic or therapeutic environments (e.g., tumor imaging),
- Novel methods of administering or formulating such compositions.
The patent’s novelty appears rooted in a specific combination or method that enhances visibility or targeting, differentiating from prior art.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
1. Global Patent Environment
Pharmaceutical patents involving visual agents are widespread, particularly in oncology, radiology, and surgical guidance. The landscape includes issued patents and pending applications covering:
- Contrast agents (e.g., indocyanine green, fluorescein) in diagnostic imaging [1],
- Targeted drug delivery with conjugates that include visual markers [2],
- Multi-ingredient compositions with combined diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities (“theranostics”) [3].
2. Key Competitors and Patent Clusters
Major patent holders include:
- Companies specializing in contrast agents (e.g., GE Healthcare, Bracco Imaging),
- Biotech firms developing targeted therapies with visual markers,
- Academic institutions securing foundational patents in imaging agents.
The Singapore patent fits into this spectrum by potentially covering novel combinations that improve upon existing contrast media.
3. Novelty and Inventive Step
The patent’s claims likely hinge on:
- A unique combination of known active ingredients plus a visual agent, with demonstrated superior diagnostic performance, or
- A specific formulation enabling better tissue penetration, stability, or safety.
Previous patents before 2014 include extensive disclosures (e.g., US patents on fluorescent dyes or contrast agents), but the integration claimed here appears to offer a novel feature not obvious from prior disclosures.
4. Patentability and Freedom to Operate (FTO)
Given the detailed claims, the patent provides:
- A robust barrier against competitors attempting similar compositions in Singapore, especially if the claims are broad and well-supported.
- An opportunity for licensing or collaboration with existing patent holders to expand into international markets where similar claims are not yet granted or are invalidated.
Implications for Stakeholders
1. Pharmaceutical Innovators
Innovators focusing on imaging agents with therapeutic applications can leverage SG2014013783 to:
- Secure rights to specific compositions,
- Develop complementary products within the patent’s scope,
- Use the patent as a basis for licensing negotiations or collaborative R&D.
2. Competitors
Other entities must:
- Carefully review the patent claims for potential infringement risk,
- Explore alternative compositions or methods outside the claimed scope,
- Monitor patent expiry or potential patent challenges.
3. Patent Valuation and Commercialization
The patent’s strength relies on:
- Its enforceability in Singapore and key markets,
- The commercial potential of the registered composition, especially if aligned with high-value diagnostic markets such as oncology.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
SG2014013783 represents a strategic piece of intellectual property in the rapidly evolving field of pharmaceutical imaging. Its claims encapsulate a specific, potentially innovative combination of drug and visual agent that addresses unmet clinical needs or enhances existing diagnostic modalities.
Given the complex patent landscape, continued patent prosecution, including potential continuation or divisionals, could strengthen the protection. Additionally, monitoring potential patent challenges or oppositions will be crucial for safeguarding its commercial rights.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope is centered on a novel composition combining pharmaceutical agents with visual markers, aimed at medical diagnosis or therapy.
- Precise claim language affords strong protection against direct competitors, though the landscape is crowded with imaging-related patents.
- The patent strategically positions its holder in a competitive market segment, particularly within the rapidly growing field of targeted imaging agents.
- Commercial success depends upon the robustness of the claims, ongoing development, and market adoption.
- Legal diligence, including freedom-to-operate analyses, remains crucial as competitors may seek to design around these claims.
FAQs
1. What is the core innovation protected by Singapore patent SG2014013783?
It protects a pharmaceutical composition that combines an active pharmaceutical ingredient with a visual agent, intended for diagnostic or therapeutic applications, offering enhanced visibility or targeting.
2. How does this patent differ from existing contrast agents?
It likely involves a specific combination or formulation that improves upon prior contrast media in aspects such as stability, targeting specificity, or imaging clarity.
3. Is the patent enforceable globally?
No, the patent's enforceability extends mainly within Singapore. For global protection, equivalent patents must be filed in other jurisdictions, such as the US or EU.
4. Can competitors develop similar compositions?
Yes, but only if they avoid infringing on the stated claims, typically by altering the active ingredients or visual agents beyond the scope of the patent.
5. What are the strategic benefits of owning this patent?
It provides a competitive edge in the local Singapore market, fosters licensing opportunities, and adds value to a pipeline of diagnostic or theranostic products.
References
- U.S. Patent No. 7,645,731, "Contrast agents for diagnostic imaging," 2009.
- European Patent No. EP2521452, "Targeted therapeutic agents with visual markers," 2014.
- US Patent No. 9,813,259, "Theranostic compositions," 2017.
