United States Patent 10,940,278: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 10,940,278, titled "Nozzles for nasal drug delivery," was granted on March 9, 2021. This patent addresses a critical issue in the field of pharmaceuticals, specifically the efficient delivery of drugs through nasal administration. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this innovation.
Background and Motivation
Existing nasal drug delivery devices often fail to adequately deposit the drug in the posterior regions of the nasal cavity, which is crucial for effective treatment. This patent aims to overcome this limitation by introducing a novel nozzle design[2].
Scope of the Patent
The patent covers a nozzle designed for the delivery of a mixture of aerosol propellant and drug formulation. Here are the key components and their functions:
Drug Product Inlet
The nozzle includes a drug product inlet configured to receive the mixture of aerosol propellant and drug formulation. This inlet is a critical part of the system, ensuring that the drug is properly mixed and ready for delivery[1][5].
Channels and Outlet Orifices
The nozzle features channels that direct the mixture towards outlet orifices. These channels are designed to optimize the plume characteristics, ensuring that the drug is deposited accurately and efficiently in the nasal cavity[1].
Plume Characteristics
The design of the nozzle focuses on achieving optimal plume characteristics, which include the shape, size, and velocity of the aerosol plume. This is essential for targeting the posterior regions of the nasal cavity effectively[1].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- The nozzle for nasal drug delivery includes a drug product inlet, channels, and outlet orifices.
- The channels are configured to direct the mixture towards the outlet orifices, optimizing the plume characteristics[1].
Dependent Claims
- The nozzle may include additional features such as multiple channels or specific dimensions for the outlet orifices to enhance deposition effects.
- The construction methods for the nozzle are also covered, ensuring that the device can be manufactured with precision[1].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent builds upon existing technologies in nasal drug delivery but addresses a significant gap in the prior art. Previous devices were not as effective in depositing drugs in the posterior nasal regions, highlighting the need for this innovation[2].
Related Patents
The USPTO database and other patent search tools reveal a number of related patents in the field of nasal drug delivery. These patents often focus on different aspects such as drug formulation, delivery mechanisms, and device design. However, the specific focus on optimizing plume characteristics and deposition in the posterior nasal regions sets this patent apart[4].
International Patent Landscape
The global patent landscape for nasal drug delivery devices is diverse, with various countries and organizations contributing to the field. The European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provide access to international patent databases, which can be used to search for similar innovations and understand the global context of this patent[4].
Economic and Market Impact
The innovation represented by this patent has significant economic and market implications:
Market Demand
The demand for effective nasal drug delivery systems is high, particularly for treatments that require precise deposition of drugs in the nasal cavity. This patent could lead to the development of new products that meet this demand, potentially disrupting the market and creating new opportunities for pharmaceutical companies[2].
Competitive Advantage
Companies that adopt this technology could gain a competitive advantage by offering more effective nasal drug delivery solutions. This could lead to increased market share and revenue, as well as improved patient outcomes[2].
Expert Insights
Industry experts highlight the importance of this innovation:
"The ability to deliver drugs effectively to the posterior regions of the nasal cavity is a game-changer for many treatments. This patent addresses a critical need in the field and has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes," - Neelam Sharma, MS, and Hemant N. Joshi, PhD, MBA, Tara Innovations, LLC[2].
Statistical Significance
The impact of this patent can be quantified through various metrics:
- Deposition Efficiency: Studies have shown that the new nozzle design can increase deposition efficiency in the posterior nasal regions by up to 30% compared to existing devices[1].
- Market Growth: The nasal drug delivery market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10% over the next five years, driven in part by innovations like this patent[2].
Future Developments
The future of nasal drug delivery is promising, with ongoing research and development focused on improving delivery systems. This patent sets a precedent for further innovations in nozzle design and drug formulation.
Emerging Trends
Emerging trends include the use of advanced materials and 3D printing technologies to create customized nozzles and drug delivery systems. These trends are expected to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of nasal drug delivery[4].
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Nozzle Design: The patent introduces a novel nozzle design that optimizes plume characteristics for effective drug deposition in the nasal cavity.
- Market Impact: This innovation has significant economic and market implications, potentially disrupting the market and creating new opportunities.
- Global Relevance: The patent is part of a broader global landscape of nasal drug delivery innovations, with international patent databases providing valuable insights.
- Expert Validation: Industry experts recognize the importance of this innovation in improving patient outcomes.
FAQs
What is the main innovation of United States Patent 10,940,278?
The main innovation is a nozzle designed for nasal drug delivery that optimizes plume characteristics to ensure effective deposition of the drug in the posterior regions of the nasal cavity.
How does the nozzle improve drug delivery?
The nozzle features channels and outlet orifices that direct the mixture of aerosol propellant and drug formulation, enhancing the plume characteristics and deposition efficiency.
What is the market potential of this patent?
The market potential is significant, with the nasal drug delivery market projected to grow at a CAGR of 10% over the next five years, driven in part by innovations like this patent.
Are there any related international patents?
Yes, there are related patents globally, accessible through databases such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
How does this patent impact patient outcomes?
This patent has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by ensuring that drugs are delivered more effectively to the target areas in the nasal cavity.
Sources
- US10940278B2 - Nozzles for nasal drug delivery - Google Patents
- APR MayJune 2021 - P.I.N. Points - Nxtbook Media
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Search for patents - USPTO
- Nozzles for nasal drug delivery - Patent US-10940278-B2 - PubChem
