Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the scope of patent WO2015190507?
Patent WO2015190507, titled "Method for Improving Taste of Pharmaceutical Compositions," was filed under PCT (International Patent Application) via the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The patent focuses on formulations designed to mask the bitter taste of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), primarily for oral administration.
The patent covers compositions comprising APIs combined with taste-masking agents and specific carriers. The scope extends to formulations used across multiple pharmaceutical classes, including:
- Solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules)
- Liquid suspensions
- Sachets and powders
The scope emphasizes methods to improve patient compliance, notably in pediatric and geriatric populations. Claims specify the use of particular taste-masking agents, such as cyclodextrins, lipid-based carriers, or polymer coatings, to reduce API bitterness.
What are the key claims?
The patent contains claims that define the novel aspects of the taste-masking formulations. The primary claims include:
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Composition claims:
- Compositions comprising an API combined with a taste-masking agent selected from cyclodextrins, lipids, or polymers.
- Specific weight ratios between API and taste-masking agents, typically ranging from 1:10 to 1:50.
- Inclusion of adjuncts such as sweeteners, flavorings, or stabilizers.
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Method claims:
- Methods for preparing taste-masked compositions involving complexation, coating, or encapsulation techniques.
- Specific steps such as mixing, spray-drying, or coating to embed APIs within taste-masking matrices.
-
Use claims:
- Use of the compositions in oral dosage forms to improve palatability.
- Application in pediatric medicines, controlled-release formulations, or sustained-release systems.
The claims emphasize the combination of specific carriers or complexation agents with APIs, aiming to broadly cover various taste-masking approaches.
What is the patent landscape surrounding WO2015190507?
The patent landscape for taste-masking pharmaceutical formulations is highly active, with multiple patents and applications covering similar techniques:
Key patents and applications in this domain:
| Patent/Application |
Title |
Filing Year |
Assignee |
Focus Area |
| US20150187015A1 |
Taste-masked pharmaceutical composition |
2013 |
Actavis |
Cyclodextrin complexation |
| EP2907462A1 |
Lipid-based taste-masking formulations |
2014 |
AstraZeneca |
Lipid carriers for taste masking |
| WO2014108235A1 |
Coated pharmaceutical particles |
2013 |
GlaxoSmithKline |
Coating techniques for taste masking |
| US20150350251A1 |
Encapsulation methods for palate irritation |
2014 |
Johnson & Johnson |
Encapsulation of APIs |
Patent classification trends:
Most patents cluster within the following Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) classes:
- A61K 9/00 (Medicinal preparations characterized by special physical form)
- A61K 9/16 (Capsules or tablets with taste-masking features)
- A61K 31/00 (Lipids, carriers)
- B01J 13/00 (Preparation of microcapsules or nanoparticles)
Geographic coverage:
Patent protection primarily exists in major markets: US, Europe, China, and Japan. Patent families often extend via national filings based on the WO initial application, with grants in markets like Europe (EP), the US (USPTO), and China (CNIPA).
Patent expiration dynamics:
- WO2015190507 was published in 2015, with patents typically lasting 20 years from priority.
- If granted, patent families can extend protection until approximately 2035-2036, considering possible extensions or delays.
- Overlapping patents often lead to litigation or licensing activities, especially as formulations approach patent expiry.
Implications for industry players and R&D
- Companies developing taste-masking formulations should analyze WO2015190507 claims for potential infringement risks.
- The claims’ broad scope on carriers and methods implies that alternative formulations using different carriers or techniques could avoid infringement.
- Patent landscapes indicate ongoing innovation, with recent filings focusing on nanotechnology, novel coating materials, and biocompatible lipids.
Key takeaways
- Brand new composition claims focus on combining APIs with cyclodextrins, lipids, and polymers in various ratios.
- Method claims cover multiple manufacturing techniques like spray-drying and coating.
- The landscape features numerous patents emphasizing cyclodextrin complexation, lipid carriers, and microencapsulation techniques.
- Overlapping protection in major markets suggests competitive intensity and frequent licensing activities.
- R&D efforts are trending towards nanotechnology, biodegradable carriers, and multi-layer coatings for taste masking.
FAQs
1. Does WO2015190507 protect specific taste-masking compounds?
Yes. It broadly covers cyclodextrins, lipids, and polymers used as taste-masking agents, but specific embodiments identify certain compounds and combinations.
2. Can formulations using different carriers avoid infringement?
Potentially. Avoiding claims that specify particular carriers like cyclodextrins or lipids, or using alternative techniques such as ionic interactions or novel encapsulation methods, may avoid infringement.
3. How long will protection last for WO2015190507?
Patent protection typically extends until around 2035-2036, assuming standard 20-year term from priority and no extensions.
4. Are there active litigations or challenges related to this patent?
As of the latest data, no public litigations are directly associated with WO2015190507, but ongoing industry activity indicates potential for challenges or oppositions.
5. What are the trends in taste-masking patent filings?
Filings focus on nanotechnology, biodegradable carriers, multi-layer coatings, and natural compounds, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve palatability and compliance.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2015). WO2015190507A1.
[2] PatentScope. (2023). Patent landscape data for taste-masking formulations.
[3] European Patent Office. (2023). CPC classifications for pharmaceutical formulations.
[4] USPTO. (2023). Patent and application data for pharmaceutical taste-masking patents.
[5] Johnson & Johnson. (2014). Encapsulation methods for pharmaceuticals.
