United States Patent 10,548,904: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 10,548,904, titled "MONOLITHIC INTRAVAGINAL RINGS COMPRISING PROGESTERONE AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USES THEREOF," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Inventors and Assignee
The patent was granted to Ferring B.V., with inventors Salah U. Ahmed, Jiaxiang Tsao, Anu Mahashabde, and Diane D. Harrison[4].
Filing and Grant Dates
The application was filed on October 3, 2013, and the patent was granted on February 4, 2020[4].
Scope of the Invention
Description of the Invention
The patent describes monolithic intravaginal rings that comprise progesterone, a polysiloxane elastomer, and a pharmaceutically acceptable hydrocarbon or glycerol esters of a fatty acid. These rings are designed for the delivery of progesterone, a hormone used in various medical treatments, including contraception and hormone replacement therapy[4][5].
Methods of Making
The patent details the methods of manufacturing these intravaginal rings, including the formulation of the progesterone and elastomer mixture, and the process of shaping and curing the rings[4].
Uses of the Invention
The intravaginal rings are intended for various medical uses, such as contraception, treatment of menstrual disorders, and hormone replacement therapy. The monolithic design ensures a consistent release of progesterone over an extended period[4][5].
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes multiple claims, both independent and dependent. Independent claims define the broad scope of the invention, while dependent claims specify additional features or limitations that further define the invention.
- Independent Claims: These claims outline the core components of the intravaginal rings, including the composition of progesterone, polysiloxane elastomer, and pharmaceutically acceptable hydrocarbons or glycerol esters of a fatty acid[4].
- Dependent Claims: These claims provide additional details such as the specific ratios of the components, the method of manufacture, and the intended uses of the rings[4].
Claim Analysis
The claims are structured to provide broad protection for the invention while also allowing for specific variations. For example, Claim 1 describes the basic composition of the intravaginal ring, while subsequent claims detail specific formulations and manufacturing processes[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and References
The patent cites numerous prior art documents, including U.S. patents and international publications. These references indicate the evolution of intravaginal ring technology and the advancements made by the current invention[4].
International Classification
The patent is classified under various international classifications, including A61K 31/57, A61F 6/08, and A61K 47/34, among others. These classifications help in understanding the broader category of medical devices and pharmaceuticals that this invention falls under[4].
Global Patent Family
The patent is part of a global patent family, with related applications filed in participating IP Offices through the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO. This allows for a unified view of the patent family across different jurisdictions[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
To conduct a thorough analysis of this patent, one can use various resources provided by the USPTO, such as the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS). These tools offer detailed information on the patent's file history, citations, and related applications[1].
International Databases
For a global perspective, databases like the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, the Japan Patent Office's database, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE can be utilized to search for similar patents and understand the international patent landscape[1].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide insights into the scope and trends of patent claims, including those related to medical devices and pharmaceuticals. This dataset can help in understanding the broader economic and research implications of patents like 10,548,904[3].
Industry Impact
The invention of monolithic intravaginal rings comprising progesterone can have significant implications for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. It can lead to new products and treatments, influencing market dynamics and patient care[4].
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent covers monolithic intravaginal rings with progesterone, a polysiloxane elastomer, and pharmaceutically acceptable hydrocarbons or glycerol esters of a fatty acid.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the composition, method of manufacture, and uses of the intravaginal rings.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a global patent family and is classified under various international classifications.
- Search and Analysis: Utilize USPTO resources and international databases to conduct a thorough analysis of the patent.
- Economic and Research Implications: The patent can have significant economic and research implications for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
FAQs
Q: Who are the inventors of United States Patent 10,548,904?
A: The inventors are Salah U. Ahmed, Jiaxiang Tsao, Anu Mahashabde, and Diane D. Harrison.
Q: What is the primary composition of the intravaginal rings described in the patent?
A: The intravaginal rings comprise progesterone, a polysiloxane elastomer, and a pharmaceutically acceptable hydrocarbon or glycerol esters of a fatty acid.
Q: How can one search for related patents globally?
A: One can use the Global Dossier service, international databases like esp@cenet, and PATENTSCOPE to search for related patents globally.
Q: What are the potential uses of the intravaginal rings?
A: The intravaginal rings are intended for contraception, treatment of menstrual disorders, and hormone replacement therapy.
Q: Where can one find detailed information on the patent's file history and citations?
A: Detailed information can be found using the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool and the Global Dossier service.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) | USAGov. Retrieved from https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- United States Patent - googleapis.com. Retrieved from https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/69/fd/9f/9d0afaeafd27a8/US10548904.pdf
- Drugs covered by patent 10,548,904. Claims, international patent .... Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent/10548904
