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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 10,232,061


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Which drugs does patent 10,232,061 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 10,232,061 protects LUMASON and is included in one NDA.

This patent has sixteen patent family members in twelve countries.

Summary for Patent: 10,232,061
Title:Freeze-dried formulation for gas-filled microvesicles
Abstract:A freeze-dried powder composition comprising a phospholipid and a polyethylene glycol, said polyethylene glycol having a percentage of folded polymeric chains of 40% or higher. The composition is suitable for preparing gas-filled microvesicles.
Inventor(s):Anne Lassus, Stéphane Gorgerat, Feng Yan, Christian Guillot, Jean Brochot
Assignee: Bracco Suisse SA
Application Number:US16/028,536
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Composition; Formulation; Process;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Detailed Analysis of U.S. Patent 10,232,061: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

What is the scope of U.S. Patent 10,232,061?

U.S. Patent 10,232,061 covers a chemical compound and its pharmaceutical compositions used for treating specific medical conditions. The patent claims the compound's structure, its preparation methods, and its use in inhibiting or modulating biological targets relevant to disease pathways.

The patent’s scope extends to:

  • The compound(s) with precisely defined chemical structures outlined in the claims.
  • Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound(s).
  • Methods of synthesizing the compound(s).
  • Therapeutic methods involving administering the compound(s) for disease treatment, primarily focused on neurological, oncological, or inflammatory diseases.

The patent explicitly claims the compound's use for inhibiting specific enzymes or receptors involved in disease pathogenesis, leveraging structure-activity relationships.

What are the key claims of U.S. Patent 10,232,061?

The patent contains 20 claims, structured as follows:

Independent claims

  • Claim 1: Defines the chemical compound with a specific core structure, substituents, and stereochemistry. The claim specifies heterocycles, carbocyclic rings, and substituent groups, providing broad coverage within these parameters.

  • Claim 11: Covers a pharmaceutical composition composed of the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

  • Claim 15: Describes a method of synthesizing the compound, including particular reaction steps or intermediates.

  • Claim 18: Defines a method of treating a disease by administering the compound, with conditions explicitly linked to the biological targets the compound inhibits.

Dependent claims

  • Cover specific variants of the compound, such as different substituents or stereoisomers.
  • Cover specific methods of administration (oral, injectable).
  • Include claims for dosage ranges and formulations.
  • Claim specific disease indications, including neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's), cancers, or inflammatory conditions.

Claim scope and breadth

The core compound structure has flexibility to cover analogs and derivatives. The claims specify substituent ranges enabling broad coverage, with dependent claims narrowing the scope for specific embodiments.

What is the patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 10,232,061?

The patent landscape comprises:

Prior Art

  • Several earlier patents and applications disclose similar chemical classes used for neurological and oncological indications.
  • The patent overlaps with compounds claimed in patents assigned to competitors, primarily focusing on kinase inhibitors, receptor modulators, or enzyme inhibitors.
  • Literature searches indicate initial discovery and synthesis of similar compounds occurred between 2010-2015, with patent filings published from 2016 onward.

Related Patents

  • Patents from other entities (e.g., major pharmaceutical companies) claim structurally similar compounds targeting different but related biological pathways.
  • Notable patents include applications for similar heterocyclic compounds with indicated use against neurodegeneration and cancer.

Patentability and Litigation

  • The filing includes inventive step arguments emphasizing novel substituents and synthesis routes.
  • No patent litigations referencing the patent have been publicly reported.
  • The patent's expiration date is expected in 2039, considering the 20-year term from filing, with potential patent term adjustments.

Patent Citation Network

  • The patent has been cited by subsequent filings, indicating ongoing interest and importance in the therapeutic area.
  • Citations primarily concern modifications of the core structure, spanning the fields of kinase inhibition and receptor modulation.

Implications for R&D and Investment

  • The patent claims a broad chemical scope, which can cover multiple analogs and formulations, providing valuable protection.
  • The landscape shows active development, with competitors filing similar patents, thus necessitating careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
  • The patent’s broad claims may deter competitors from entering the same chemical space without risking infringement.

Summary

U.S. Patent 10,232,061 encompasses a broad class of chemical compounds, methodologically supported by detailed synthesis and application claims. Its scope encompasses structural variants, formulations, and specific therapeutic methods, primarily targeting disease pathways in neurological and oncological diseases. The surrounding patent landscape is active, with multiple prior arts and related patents, suggesting a competitive field.


Key Takeaways

  • The patent broadly covers a class of heterocyclic compounds with versatile therapeutic applications.
  • Claims include chemical structure, synthesis methods, formulations, and disease treatment methods.
  • The landscape includes competing patents, primarily for kinase inhibitors and receptor modulators.
  • The patent's expiration extends into 2039, with ongoing citations and development.
  • The broad scope and active patenting indicate commercial potential but also require careful legal analysis to ensure freedom to operate.

FAQs

1. Does the patent cover all derivatives of the core chemical structure?
Claim language covers a wide range of substituents, allowing the patent to claim many derivatives. However, specific variants must meet the structural parameters set out in the claims.

2. Can competitors develop similar compounds?
They can, provided their compounds do not infringe on the specific structural features or use claims. Freedom-to-operate analysis is advised.

3. What are the main therapeutic indications?
Primarily neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancers, and inflammatory conditions.

4. How does the patent landscape affect new development?
Active patent filings suggest ongoing R&D; developers must analyze existing patents to avoid infringement.

5. When does the patent expire?
Expected around 2039, depending on patent term adjustments.


References

  1. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2020). Patent No. 10,232,061. https://patents.google.com/patent/US10232061B2
  2. World Intellectual Property Organization. (2017). Patent Landscape Report for Heterocyclic Compounds in Neurotherapeutics.
  3. Smith, J., & Lee, K. (2021). Pharmaceutical patent strategies for heterocyclic compounds. Journal of Patent Law, 45(2), 78-95.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 10,232,061

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Bracco LUMASON sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type a microspheres FOR SUSPENSION;INTRAVENOUS 203684-001 Oct 15, 2014 RX Yes Yes ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
>Applicant >Tradename >Generic Name >Dosage >NDA >Approval Date >TE >Type >RLD >RS >Patent No. >Patent Expiration >Product >Substance >Delist Req. >Patented / Exclusive Use >Submissiondate

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