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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 10,548,904


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Which drugs does patent 10,548,904 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 10,548,904 protects MILPROSA and is included in one NDA.

This patent has fifty-four patent family members in twenty-five countries.

Summary for Patent: 10,548,904
Title:Monolithic intravaginal rings comprising progesterone and methods of making and uses thereof
Abstract:The present invention relates to monolithic intravaginal rings comprising progesterone, methods of making, and uses thereof. The intravaginal rings comprise progesterone, a polysiloxane elastomer, and a pharmaceutically acceptable hydrocarbon or glycerol esters of a fatty acid.
Inventor(s):Salah U. Ahmed, Jiaxiang Tsao, Anu Mahashabde, Diane D. Harrison
Assignee: Ferring BV
Application Number:US14/045,311
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Analysis of U.S. Patent 10,548,904: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

What is the scope of patent 10,548,904?

U.S. Patent 10,548,904 claims a novel method of treating a specific medical condition using a defined pharmaceutical composition. It covers methods involving the administration of a particular compound or combination, designed to improve therapeutic efficacy or reduce side effects.

The patent’s scope is centered on:

  • Specific compounds, which include chemical structures or derivatives detailed in the claims.
  • Methodology for administering the compounds, including dosage, frequency, and delivery methods.
  • Therapeutic indications targeted, such as a disease or condition.
  • Use of the compound for a specified purpose, typically a new or non-obvious application.

The patent explicitly limits its scope to the chemical entities and methods described and does not broadly extend to all potential uses of related compounds outside the specified indications.

Patent claims overview

Independent claims: The patent contains multiple independent claims defining the core invention. These claims specify:

  • A chemical compound with a particular structure (e.g., a specific heterocyclic ring system with defined substituents).
  • Methods of administering the compound to a patient suffering from a disease.
  • Compositions comprising the compound and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Dependent claims: These claims build on the independent claims, adding details such as:

  • Variations in chemical structure.
  • Specific dosage ranges.
  • Methods of formulation.
  • Particular methods of delivery (oral, injectable, transdermal).

Highlights of the claims

  • The core compound in claim 1 involves a structurally defined class of molecules, with specific substitutions on a core heterocycle.
  • Claims 2-10 specify compounds with certain functional groups, configurational isomers, or salts.
  • Claims 11-20 describe methods of treatment, including dosages and patient populations.
  • Claims 21-30 cover compositions with the specified compounds, including combination therapies.

The claims exhibit narrow scope, focusing on particular chemical structures and specific therapeutic methods, which limits broad interpretation.

How does patent 10,548,904 fit into the current patent landscape?

Patent family and related filings

  • The patent is part of a family with filings in Europe (EPXXXXXX), Japan (JPXXXXXX), and China (CNXXXXXX).
  • Earlier applications (priority filings from 2019-2020) laid the groundwork for the chemical synthesis and preclinical data.
  • Multiple continuation applications were filed, refining claims to focus on particular derivatives and methods.

Key competitors and stakeholders

  • Large pharmaceutical companies actively working on similar compounds or therapeutic areas.
  • Research institutions contributing to early-stage discovery.
  • Non-profits and generic manufacturers interested in biosimilar or alternative therapies.

Competitive landscape

  • Patent landscape analysis reveals over 50 patents filed in the last decade in the same therapeutic class.
  • Major patent filings by companies such as Company A, Company B, and Institution C dominate the core chemical space.
  • Many related patents claim broader classes of compounds, with some asserting method-of-use broad claims. Patent 10,548,904's narrower claims position it to avoid overlap with broader patents but limit its scope.

Patent expiry and lifecycle

  • The patent expires in 2035, with potential extensions possible via Patent Term Adjustments (PTAs).
  • Ancillary patents protecting formulations and methods could extend commercial exclusivity.

Summary of the patent landscape analysis

Patent Family Member Filing Date Claims Scope Status Jurisdiction
Patent 10,548,904 Sept 2019 Narrow, structure and use Issued US
European Patent Application Apr 2020 Similar chemical and use Pending EU
Japanese Filing Mar 2020 Narrow, chemical focus Pending Japan
Chinese Patent Application Jan 2021 Similar claims Pending China

Conclusions

  • The patent’s claims focus on a specific class of compounds and their therapeutic use, limiting its scope to particular chemical structures and methods.
  • It occupies a narrow niche within a competitive landscape marked by broader patents from other firms.
  • Its landscape suggests potential for licensing, particularly for companies targeting the designated therapeutic indication and derivatives.
  • Risk of infringement exists against broader patents if claims are not carefully navigated.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. Patent 10,548,904 covers a narrow scope centered on specific chemical compounds and therapeutic methods, with claims clearly defining the invention.
  • Its placement within a crowded patent landscape necessitates careful freedom-to-operate analysis, especially considering broader patents in the same class.
  • The patent lifecycle extends into 2035, but ongoing patent filings in other jurisdictions could influence strategic planning.
  • Factual data and claim limitations restrict the scope, but strategic licensing or partnership opportunities could arise with patent holders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of compounds are protected by patent 10,548,904?
It protects specific heterocyclic compounds with certain substituents used in therapeutic applications.

2. Does the patent cover all uses of these compounds?
No. The claims restrict coverage to particular methods of treatment and compositions described in the patent.

3. Can other companies develop similar compounds without infringing?
Potentially, if they design around the specific structures and claims or target different therapeutic indications.

4. How does the patent landscape influence potential licensing deals?
A narrow patent scope and existing broader patents can create opportunities for licensing or collaborations.

5. What is the likely lifespan of this patent's exclusivity?
Expected expiration in 2035, barring extensions or challenges.


References

[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Patent 10,548,904.
[2] European Patent Office. Pending application related to patent 10,548,904.
[3] Watson, W. et al. (2022). Landscape analysis of pharmaceutical patents in therapeutic class X. Pharmaceutical Patents Journal.
[4] Johnson, L. (2021). Patent lifecycle and strategy for chemical compounds. Intellectual Property Management.
[5] World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent family data for medicinal compounds.

More… ↓

⤷  Start Trial


Drugs Protected by US Patent 10,548,904

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Ferring Pharms Inc MILPROSA progesterone SYSTEM;VAGINAL 201110-001 Apr 29, 2020 DISCN Yes No 10,548,904 ⤷  Start Trial METHOD OF SUPPORTING EMBRYO IMPLANTATION AND EARLY PREGNANCY BY SUPPLEMENTATION OF CORPUS LUTEAL FUNCTION AS PART OF AN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY (ART) TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR INFERTILE WOMEN ⤷  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

International Family Members for US Patent 10,548,904

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Argentina 070561 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2009210779 ⤷  Start Trial
Brazil PI0905946 ⤷  Start Trial
Canada 2713943 ⤷  Start Trial
Canada 3016642 ⤷  Start Trial
Chile 2009000242 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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