United States Patent 10,646,484: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Overview of the Patent
The United States Patent 10,646,484, titled "Methods to treat opioid use disorder," is a significant contribution to the field of medical treatment, particularly in addressing the opioid crisis. This patent outlines various methods for treating opioid use disorder, reducing opioid craving, and eliminating opioid craving.
Background and Context
Opioid use disorder is a serious health issue that has plagued many countries, including the United States. The need for effective treatments has driven innovation in medical research and pharmaceutical development. This patent is part of the broader effort to find comprehensive solutions to this problem.
Key Claims and Scope
Methods for Treating Opioid Use Disorder
The patent describes several methods for treating opioid use disorder, which include the use of specific formulations and delivery systems. Here are some key aspects:
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Buprenorphine Formulations: The patent emphasizes the use of buprenorphine, a well-known medication for opioid use disorder, in various formulations. Buprenorphine is highlighted for its efficacy in reducing opioid cravings and managing withdrawal symptoms[1].
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Delivery Systems: The methods include different delivery systems such as injections, which are designed to provide sustained release of the medication. This ensures a consistent and controlled delivery of buprenorphine, enhancing its therapeutic effects[1].
Reducing and Eliminating Opioid Craving
The patent also details methods aimed at reducing and eliminating opioid craving, which are crucial steps in the recovery process.
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Combination Therapies: The methods may involve combination therapies where buprenorphine is used in conjunction with other medications or behavioral interventions to enhance its effectiveness in reducing cravings[1].
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Dosing Regimens: Specific dosing regimens are outlined to optimize the therapeutic outcomes. These regimens are designed to minimize side effects while maximizing the reduction in opioid cravings[1].
Technical Details
Formulations and Mixtures
The patent describes the composition of the formulations and mixtures used in the treatment methods. This includes the chemical structure of buprenorphine and how it is combined with other substances to create effective formulations[1].
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Chemical Structure: The chemical structure of buprenorphine is detailed, highlighting its pharmacological properties that make it suitable for treating opioid use disorder[1].
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Mixture Composition: The patent specifies the mixture composition, including the proportions of buprenorphine and other components, which are critical for the efficacy and safety of the treatment[1].
Delivery Mechanisms
The delivery mechanisms are a key aspect of the patent, ensuring that the medication is delivered in a way that maximizes its therapeutic effects.
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Sustained Release: The sustained release delivery system is designed to provide a steady and prolonged release of buprenorphine, which helps in maintaining consistent therapeutic levels in the patient's system[2].
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Injection Methods: The patent includes methods for administering buprenorphine via injection, which can be more effective for certain patients compared to oral or sublingual forms[1].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape for opioid use disorder treatments is extensive, with numerous patents and research studies focused on various aspects of treatment.
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Prior Art: The patent references prior art related to opioid use disorder treatments, including other formulations and delivery systems. This indicates a continuous evolution in treatment methods and a build-up on existing knowledge[1].
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Related Patents: Other patents, such as US-9498432-B2, also focus on sustained release delivery systems for buprenorphine, highlighting the ongoing innovation in this area[2].
Economic and Social Impact
Addressing the Opioid Crisis
The methods described in this patent have significant economic and social implications, particularly in addressing the opioid crisis.
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Public Health: Effective treatments for opioid use disorder can reduce the burden on public health systems, decrease healthcare costs, and improve the quality of life for individuals and their families[1].
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Economic Benefits: By providing more effective treatment options, this patent can contribute to reducing the economic costs associated with opioid addiction, such as lost productivity and healthcare expenditures.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Patent Protection and Enforcement
The patent protection for these methods is crucial for ensuring that the intellectual property rights of the inventors are safeguarded.
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Claim Coverage: The patent claims are detailed and specific, ensuring that the inventors have broad protection for their methods. This includes protection for the formulations, delivery systems, and dosing regimens[1].
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Regulatory Compliance: The patent complies with regulatory requirements, ensuring that the treatments are safe and effective. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA would need to approve these treatments before they can be widely used[1].
Future Directions and Opportunities
Continuous Innovation
The field of opioid use disorder treatment is continuously evolving, with new research and innovations emerging regularly.
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Future Research: Future research could focus on improving the delivery systems, exploring new formulations, and combining buprenorphine with other therapies to enhance treatment outcomes[1].
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Market Opportunities: The patent opens up market opportunities for pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers to develop and offer these treatments, potentially expanding the range of available therapies for opioid use disorder.
Key Takeaways
- The patent describes methods for treating opioid use disorder using buprenorphine in various formulations and delivery systems.
- The methods include sustained release delivery systems and specific dosing regimens to reduce and eliminate opioid cravings.
- The patent has significant economic and social implications in addressing the opioid crisis.
- Continuous innovation in this field is expected, with opportunities for improving treatments and expanding market offerings.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 10,646,484?
The main focus of this patent is on methods for treating opioid use disorder, particularly using buprenorphine in various formulations and delivery systems.
What are the key components of the treatment methods described in the patent?
The key components include buprenorphine formulations, sustained release delivery systems, and specific dosing regimens aimed at reducing and eliminating opioid cravings.
How does the patent contribute to addressing the opioid crisis?
The patent contributes by providing effective treatment methods that can reduce the burden on public health systems, decrease healthcare costs, and improve the quality of life for individuals and their families.
What are the legal and regulatory considerations for this patent?
The patent ensures that the intellectual property rights of the inventors are safeguarded through detailed and specific claims. It also complies with regulatory requirements to ensure the treatments are safe and effective.
What are the future directions and opportunities in this field?
Future research could focus on improving delivery systems, exploring new formulations, and combining buprenorphine with other therapies. The patent also opens up market opportunities for pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers.
Sources
- US10646484B2 - Methods to treat opioid use disorder - Google Patents
- US-9498432-B2 - Unified Patents Portal
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Search for patents - USPTO
- Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law - SLWIP
