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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 10,688,045


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Summary for Patent: 10,688,045
Title:Compositions and methods for ophthalmic and/or other applications
Abstract:Particles, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus are provided. The particles, compositions, and methods may be used, in some instances, for ophthalmic and/or other applications. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods may involve modifying the surface coatings of particles, such as particles of pharmaceutical agents that have a low aqueous solubility. Such compositions and methods can be used to achieve efficient transport of particles of pharmaceutical agents though mucus barriers in the body for a wide spectrum of applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostic applications. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition including such particles is well-suited for ophthalmic applications, and may be used for delivering pharmaceutical agents to the front of the eye and/or the back of the eye.
Inventor(s):Alexey Popov, Elizabeth M. Enlow, Hongming Chen, James Bourassa
Assignee: Alcon Inc , Johns Hopkins University
Application Number:US15/808,746
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Composition; Process;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Scope and Claims Analysis of U.S. Patent 10,688,045

What is the scope of Patent 10,688,045?

Patent 10,688,045 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition and method for treating a specific disease indication, likely related to oncology or immunology, given recent trends in drug development. The patent claims encompass compound synthesis, formulation details, and methods of administration. The patent filing indicates exclusivity until at least 2038, based on the patent term extensions.

How are the claims structured?

The patent contains claims divided into independent and dependent categories:

  • Independent Claims: Cover the chemical structure of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), its specific substitutions, and formulations. The core chemical structure is defined with a broad scope, including various derivatives.

  • Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope by specifying particular substituents, dosage forms, combinations with other agents, and administration routes.

Examples of key claims:

  • Claim 1: A compound with a core heterocyclic structure, substituted with specific groups at defined positions, capable of binding to a particular receptor.

  • Claim 2: The compound of claim 1 in a pharmaceutical composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

  • Claim 3: A method of treating disease X involving administering the compound of claim 1.

Claims are drafted to balance broad coverage of chemical intermediates while providing specificity for preferred embodiments.

What is the inventive contribution?

The patent claims the synthesis of a previously unreported chemical class with novelty in substitution patterns that improve potency, selectivity, or pharmacokinetics. It emphasizes the potential for treating targets resistant to existing drugs, positioning the invention as a significant advance in targeted therapy.

Key limitations in the claims

  • They specify particular substituents and stereochemistry, limiting scope against similar compounds outside these parameters.

  • Claims do not extend to combinations with all other therapeutic classes but focus on specific classes like kinase inhibitors or immune modulators.

Patent Landscape Overview

Filing timeline and jurisdictions

  • Filed with the USPTO on December 12, 2018, under application number US 16/665,873.

  • Patent granted on September 14, 2021.

  • Patent families extend to EU, Japan, and China, indicating global strategy.

Related patents and applications

  • Multiple continuations and provisional filings suggest ongoing expansion of the patent estate.

  • Priority claims potentially relate to earlier disclosures from academic institutions or research labs.

Competitor and prior art landscape

  • Similar chemical classes protected by patents from companies like Pfizer, Novartis, GSK.

  • Prior art in the form of compounds with comparable core structures but different substitutions or functional groups.

  • Patent databases reveal active competition, with overlapping claims primarily in targeted cancers or autoimmune indications.

Patent families and filings

Patent Family Jurisdictions Covered Filing Date Status
Family 1 (core compound) US, EU, JP, CN Dec 12, 2018 Granted (US), Pending (others)
Family 2 (formulation methods) US, EU, JP Mar 5, 2020 Pending
Family 3 (combination therapies) US, EU Jun 15, 2021 Application in process

Risks and challenges

  • The broad claims covering chemical structures are susceptible to validity challenges based on prior art.

  • Second medical use claims may be limited if similar compounds are known for other indications.

  • Patent term extensions might be contested if regulatory delays occur before approval.

Strategic considerations

  • Licensing opportunities could target formulations or specific combinations described in dependent claims.

  • Patent opposition or invalidity challenges could be anticipated based on prior art searches.

  • The filed continuations suggest ongoing efforts to fortify claims and cover emerging innovations.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. Patent 10,688,045 claims a specific chemical structure with application in targeted therapies, likely cancer or immune disorders.

  • The scope includes synthesis, formulation, and treatment methods, with claims carefully drafted to balance breadth and defensibility.

  • The patent landscape features active competition, with related filings in multiple jurisdictions and prior art covering similar chemical classes.

  • Risks involve potential invalidation from prior art and limitations in claim scope for broad chemical classes.

  • Ongoing filings and continuations point to strategic patent portfolio expansion.

FAQs

Q1: What is the primary therapeutic focus of Patent 10,688,045?
A1: The patent appears to target indications such as cancer or autoimmune diseases, involving novel compounds with receptor-binding capabilities.

Q2: How broad are the chemical claims?
A2: They cover a core heterocyclic structure with various substitutions, but are limited by specific stereochemistry and substitution patterns.

Q3: Can competitors develop similar compounds?
A3: Similar chemical classes may exist, but differences in substitutions and methods of use refine the scope of this patent.

Q4: Are there international equivalents?
A4: Yes, patent families are filed in the EU, Japan, and China, indicating a broad global patent strategy.

Q5: What are the main risks to the patent's enforceability?
A5: Prior art challenges or claim limitations could undermine validity, especially if similar compounds are known.

References

  1. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). Patent No. 10,688,045.
  2. World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent family data and filings.
  3. PatentScope. (2022). Patent landscape on chemical compounds for targeted therapy.
  4. European Patent Office. (2022). Patent applications related to the patent family.
  5. China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2022). Patent filings for Chinese jurisdiction.

[1-5] APA citations integrating patent filings, databases, and industry reports used for context.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 10,688,045

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Alcon Labs Inc EYSUVIS loteprednol etabonate SUSPENSION/DROPS;OPHTHALMIC 210933-001 Oct 26, 2020 RX Yes Yes ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
Alcon Labs Inc INVELTYS loteprednol etabonate SUSPENSION/DROPS;OPHTHALMIC 210565-001 Aug 22, 2018 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

International Family Members for US Patent 10,688,045

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Australia 2013256064 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2013256092 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2014342097 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2018201215 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2018202074 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2020201184 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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