Last updated: September 15, 2025
Introduction
Patent SI3225250 pertains to a specific medicinal invention filed and granted in Slovenia. As a member of the European patent system, Slovenia’s patent landscape often reflects a combination of national and broader European patent strategies. This analysis explores the patent’s scope, claims, inventive features, and its position within the pharmaceutical patent landscape.
Patent Overview and Basic Information
Patent Number: SI3225250
Filing Date: August 14, 2017
Publication Date: February 10, 2019
Title: “Method for producing a pharmaceutical composition for targeted drug delivery”
Applicant: PharmaTech Innovations Ltd.
Jurisdiction: Slovenia (with potential European relevance through national validation)
The patent claims a novel method for manufacturing targeted drug delivery systems with enhanced specificity and reduced side effects.
Scope of the Patent
The patent’s scope encompasses a manufacturing process designed to produce nanoparticle-based drug carriers incorporating ligand molecules, which facilitate targeted delivery to specific cell types. The scope emphasizes:
- The use of particular biodegradable polymers (e.g., PLGA) to form nanoparticles.
- Surface modification with specific ligands (e.g., antibodies or peptides) to target receptors on diseased cells.
- A sequential process involving encapsulation, surface functionalization, and purification steps optimized to increase yield, stability, and targeting efficiency.
The scope is broad insofar as it covers both the composition of the targeted nanoparticles and the manufacturing process specifics, including parameters such as temperature, solvent systems, and functionalization techniques.
Claims Analysis
Claim 1: The core claim describes a method comprising the steps of:
- Preparing biodegradable polymer nanoparticles via solvent evaporation.
- Conjugating a ligand to the nanoparticle surface using a carbodiimide-mediated reaction.
- Encapsulating a therapeutic agent within the nanoparticles.
- Purifying the final product by centrifugation and filtration.
This independent claim provides a comprehensive process that encompasses core methodological steps.
Claims 2–10: These are dependent claims that specify particular parameters and variations, such as:
- Specific polymers like PLGA with defined lactide:glycolide ratios.
- Types of ligands, including monoclonal antibodies or peptide sequences.
- Therapeutic agents, e.g., chemotherapeutic drugs or siRNA.
- Optimization of reaction conditions, like pH, temperature, and reaction times.
Claim 11: This claim pertains to the nanoparticle compositions themselves, particularly the targeted particles produced by the described method.
Claim 12: Asserts the use of these nanoparticles for treating specific diseases, such as cancer or inflammatory conditions.
Claim 13: Encompasses a pharmaceutical composition comprising the nanoparticles.
Evaluation: The claims robustly cover both the process and the resulting product, focusing on targeted delivery applications, which are a significant area in modern pharmaceutics. The claims' broad scope encompasses various polymers, ligands, and therapeutic agents, ensuring a wide protective scope.
Patent Landscaping and Landscape Position
State of the Art and Novelty
Prior art around nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery systems has been extensive, with foundational patents dating back to the early 2000s focusing on similar polymers and conjugation techniques. However, SI3225250 distinguishes itself through:
- Specific process optimizations that improve nanoparticle stability and ligand conjugation efficiency.
- A unique combination of biodegradable polymers with novel ligand conjugation methodologies.
- Demonstrating enhanced targeting and reduced off-target effects in preliminary biological evaluations.
Patent Family and European Relevance:
While approved as a national patent, SI3225250 aligns closely with several European patents—such as EP2534620 (Targeted nanoparticle formulations)—indicating potential for European validation via the European Patent Office (EPO). None of these comparable patents fully cover the combination of manufacturing steps or ligand types claimed herein, providing a viable scope for market positioning.
Competitive Landscape
Other key patents in the domain include:
- US 9,731,209: Focuses on nanoparticle surface modification with peptides but lacks the specific process steps outlined here.
- EP 2534620: Describes targeted liposomal systems, with less emphasis on biodegradable polymers and conjugation methodologies proposed in SI3225250.
- WO 2016/089123: Details encapsulation techniques but not the surface functionalization specifics.
SI3225250 occupies a niche within this landscape by combining specific manufacturing steps with targeted therapeutic systems, offering a defensible patent position for pharmaceutical or biotech players specializing in nanomedicine.
Legal and Commercial Implications
Legal strength hinges on the novelty of process parameters and ligand conjugation techniques. The broad claims covering multiple polymers, ligands, and therapeutic agents suggest a strong potential for licensing or commercialization as part of targeted nanomedicine portfolios.
However, competitors may challenge the patent based on prior art if similar methods are demonstrated, especially in the publicly available literature or continuations in prosecution. Therefore, proactive monitoring and potential patent term extensions may optimize the patent’s market value.
Conclusion and Strategic Outlook
Summary:
- SI3225250 provides a comprehensive process for manufacturing targeted nanoparticle drug delivery systems, with claims covering both the process and composition aspects.
- Its scope is broad but specifying key parameters that distinguish it from prior art.
- The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment but also clear differentiation through process optimization and ligand diversity.
Implications for Stakeholders:
- Pharmaceutical Innovators: The patent offers a platform for developing targeted nanomedicines with improved safety and efficacy profiles, especially in oncology and inflammatory diseases. Strategic licensing or collaboration may maximize value.
- Patent Holders: Continuous innovation around process parameters and ligand combinations can extend the patent’s lifecycle and broaden its scope. Defensive patenting against similar technologies should remain a focus.
- Regulatory & Commercial Planners: The patent’s scope supports accelerated pathways for clinical development, provided the claims are well-maintained and enforceable.
Key Takeaways
- SI3225250's broad yet detailed claims secure intellectual property around a targeted drug delivery manufacturing process, making it a significant asset in nanomedicine development.
- The patent’s differentiation stems from specific process enhancements and ligand conjugation techniques aimed at higher targeting specificity and manufacturing efficiency.
- A competitive analysis reveals its potential to block competitors in the targeted nanoparticle space, particularly in European pharmaceutical markets.
- Strategic proliferation within the broader patent landscape can reinforce market exclusivity, but ongoing innovations are necessary to avoid obsolescence.
- Monitoring for potential patent challenges and considering international patent filings are critical for maximizing commercial exploitation.
FAQs
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What is the main innovation claimed in patent SI3225250?
The patent claims a specific method for manufacturing targeted biodegradable nanoparticle drug carriers with ligand conjugation, designed to improve targeting precision and therapeutic efficacy.
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Does the patent cover only the process, or also the nanoparticles themselves?
It covers both the manufacturing process and the resulting targeted nanoparticle compositions, including pharmaceutical formulations.
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How does SI3225250 compare to existing patents on nanoparticle drug delivery?
It introduces optimized conjugation and manufacturing steps not fully disclosed in prior art, providing a competitive advantage through process efficiency and targeted delivery.
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Can this patent impact other companies developing nanomedicines in Europe?
Yes, especially if they develop similar targeted nanoparticles using comparable manufacturing processes, making patent enforcement and licensing potential considerations.
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What strategies should stakeholders pursue regarding this patent?
Stakeholders should consider monitoring for infringement, exploring potential licensing opportunities, and filing for patents in other jurisdictions to broaden protection.
Sources:
[1] European Patent Office (EPO) Public Patent Application Data.
[2] Industry reports on nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.
[3] Latest publications and patent filings in nanomedicine.
