United States Patent 10,646,437: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 10,646,437, titled "Compositions and methods for ophthalmic and/or other applications," is a significant patent in the field of medical science, particularly in ophthalmology. This patent, assigned to Alcon Inc. and Johns Hopkins University, outlines innovative compositions and methods for treating ophthalmic conditions. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Status
The patent number is US10,646,437B2, with a publication date and a priority date of May 3, 2012. The patent is currently active, indicating its legal status as a granted patent[4].
Inventors and Assignees
The inventors listed are Alexey Popov, Elizabeth M. Enlow, Hongming Chen, and James Bourassa. The assignees are Alcon Inc. and Johns Hopkins University, reflecting a collaboration between industry and academia[4].
Scope of the Patent
Technical Field
The patent pertains to the field of medical science, specifically ophthalmology. It describes compositions and methods for administering pharmaceuticals to the eye, addressing various ophthalmic conditions.
Summary of the Invention
The patent details a method involving the administration of a pharmaceutical composition to an eye. This composition includes coated particles, such as microcapsules or nanoparticles, containing active pharmaceutical ingredients. The coating enhances the delivery and efficacy of the drug, providing a controlled release mechanism[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims cover the pharmaceutical composition, the method of administration, and the specific characteristics of the coated particles. For example, Claim 1 describes a pharmaceutical composition comprising coated particles with a core particle and a coating layer, designed for ophthalmic use[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the independent claims. These include the types of active pharmaceutical ingredients, the materials used for the coating, and the methods of preparing the compositions. For instance, dependent claims might specify the use of loteprednol etabonate as an active ingredient and the process of encapsulating it within microspheres[4].
Classification and Prior Art
International Classification
The patent is classified under the International Patent Classification (IPC) system, specifically under A61K, which pertains to medical, dental, or toiletry preparations. More precisely, it falls under A61K9/48, A61K9/50, and A61K9/51, which cover preparations in capsules, microcapsules, and nanoparticles, respectively[4].
Prior Art
The patent cites prior art related to pharmaceutical compositions and delivery systems. It distinguishes itself by introducing a novel coating layer and a specific method of administration that enhances the efficacy and safety of the treatment. The Common Citation Document (CCD) would be useful in consolidating prior art citations from various patent offices, ensuring that the invention is novel and non-obvious over the existing prior art[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals is dense, with numerous patents covering various aspects of drug delivery and composition. For example, other patents by Alcon Inc. and Johns Hopkins University may cover related methods or compositions, indicating a broader research and development effort in this area[5].
Global Dossier
Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the global patent family and the status of similar applications in other jurisdictions[1].
Search International Patent Offices
To fully understand the patent landscape, it is crucial to search international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). These databases offer insights into similar inventions and prior art globally[1].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide valuable insights into the scope and trends of patent claims in the medical field. This dataset, which includes claims from US patents granted between 1976 and 2014, can help in analyzing the breadth and depth of patent protection in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals[3].
Industry Impact
The patent has significant implications for the ophthalmic pharmaceutical industry. It represents an advancement in drug delivery systems, which can lead to improved treatment outcomes and patient compliance. The collaboration between Alcon Inc. and Johns Hopkins University underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in driving innovation.
Practical Applications
Clinical Use
The compositions and methods described in the patent are designed for clinical use in treating ophthalmic conditions. The controlled release mechanism of the coated particles can enhance the efficacy of the treatment and reduce side effects.
Manufacturing and Development
The patent provides detailed descriptions of the manufacturing process, which can be crucial for companies looking to develop similar products. The specifications on coating materials and encapsulation methods are particularly important for ensuring the quality and consistency of the pharmaceutical compositions.
Legal Considerations
Patent Enforcement
The active status of the patent means that any infringement could result in legal action. Companies and researchers must ensure that their work does not infringe on the claims of this patent. The Patent Assignment Search and Patent Examination Data System (PEDS) can be useful tools in tracking ownership and legal status changes[1].
Licensing and Collaboration
Given the collaborative nature of the patent, there may be opportunities for licensing or further collaboration. The Global Dossier and other international patent databases can facilitate this by providing a comprehensive view of the patent's global status and related applications.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Composition: The patent introduces a novel pharmaceutical composition with coated particles for ophthalmic use.
- Method of Administration: The method involves administering the composition to the eye, enhancing drug delivery and efficacy.
- Classification: The patent is classified under A61K, specifically covering preparations in capsules, microcapsules, and nanoparticles.
- Global Landscape: The patent is part of a broader global landscape, with related applications and prior art that need to be considered.
- Economic Implications: The patent has significant economic implications for the ophthalmic pharmaceutical industry, representing an advancement in drug delivery systems.
- Practical Applications: The patent has direct clinical and manufacturing applications, with detailed descriptions of the composition and method of administration.
FAQs
What is the main innovation of United States Patent 10,646,437?
The main innovation is the development of a pharmaceutical composition with coated particles for ophthalmic use, enhancing drug delivery and efficacy.
Who are the assignees of this patent?
The assignees are Alcon Inc. and Johns Hopkins University.
How can one search for related patents globally?
One can use the Global Dossier service and search international patent databases such as those provided by the EPO, JPO, and WIPO.
What is the significance of the Common Citation Document (CCD) in this context?
The CCD consolidates prior art citations from various patent offices, ensuring the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention.
How can the Patent Claims Research Dataset be useful in analyzing this patent?
The dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents, helping in analyzing the scope and trends of patent claims in the medical field.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO
- PubChem: Compositions and methods for ophthalmic and/or other applications
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset
- Google Patents: US10646437B2 - Compositions and methods for ophthalmic and/or other applications
- Unified Patents Portal: US-20080306039-A1 - Unified Patents Portal
