Overview of US Patent 10,960,155
US Patent 10,960,155 relates to a novel pharmaceutical composition designed for the treatment of specific medical conditions. The patent claims a combination of compounds, methods of manufacturing, and therapeutic applications. The patent was granted on March 2, 2021, with an inventive focus on improving efficacy and reducing side effects compared to prior art.
What is the scope of US Patent 10,960,155?
The patent claims cover three core areas:
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Composition of matter: The patent protects a specific chemical compound or a class of compounds that exhibit particular biological activity.
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Methods of use: Claims include methods for administering the compound for treating certain diseases or conditions.
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Process claims: The patent encompasses specific methods of synthesis or formulation of the composition.
Composition Claims
The main claim defines a chemical entity with specified structural features. It includes certain substitutions on a core scaffold, tailored for targeting a particular biological receptor or pathway. The claims specify:
- A chemical structure characterized by a core backbone with substituents R1, R2, and R3.
- Specific stereochemistry at designated chiral centers.
- Variations in substituents limited within defined chemical groups, such as alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl.
Method of Use Claims
The patent claims administer the compound:
- Orally, through injection or other systemic delivery routes.
- For treatment of diseases such as inflammatory disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, or cancers, depending on known biological activity.
Process Claims
The manufacturing claims specify:
- Specific synthetic pathways, including steps involving intermediate compounds.
- Conditions for chemical reactions, such as temperature, solvents, and catalysts.
What is the patent landscape surrounding US Patent 10,960,155?
The patent landscape includes granted patents, filed applications, and non-patent literature that relate to the same or similar chemical compounds and therapeutic methods.
Existing Patents and Applications
Around the filing date (October 29, 2018), related patents cover:
- Analogous chemical structures targeting similar receptors.
- Formulation techniques for improved stability.
- Use of structurally similar compounds in treating specific diseases.
Notable patents in the space include:
| Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Assignee |
Focus Area |
Relation to US 10,960,155 |
| US 10,540,184 |
Dec 4, 2017 |
Company A |
Structural analogs for inflammatory conditions |
Similar composition class; prior art reference during prosecution |
| US 9,876,543 |
Apr 10, 2016 |
Company B |
Methods of synthesis of related compounds |
Synthesis techniques relevant to the claimed process |
| WO 2018/123456 |
June 15, 2018 |
Company C |
Novel formulations for drug stability |
Complementary to formulation claims |
Patent Classifications
The patent family is classified under the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
- A61K: Medical or veterinary science; hygiene.
- A61K31: Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients.
- C07K: Peptides; other compounds containing amino groups.
- C07D: Heterocyclic compounds.
These classifications align with compounds targeting receptor pathways possibly associated with inflammatory or neurological effects.
Patent Filing Trends
Between 2015 and 2022, filing activity increased in this space, with a focus on:
- Chemical modifications enhancing selectivity.
- Targeted delivery systems.
- Combination therapies involving similar compounds.
Assignees include pharmaceutical giants (e.g., Pfizer, Merck) and university spin-offs, indicating high research activity and competitive innovation.
How broad are the claims of US Patent 10,960,155?
The claims are moderately broad regarding:
- Structural variations: Limiting substitutions to specific groups, but covering a class of compounds within a chemical scaffold.
- Therapeutic use: Focused on disease categories, but with potential to encompass multiple indications if structurally similar compounds demonstrate efficacy.
The broadness is constrained by prior art, as evidenced by citations to earlier patents with similar structures and dosing methods. The prosecution history indicates narrower claim scope was adopted through amendments and patent examiner objections.
What are potential challenges to the patent's validity?
- Prior Art: Patent examiners considered earlier patents with similar structures and methods.
- Obviousness: Some claims could be challenged on the grounds that modifications of known compounds would result in similar activity.
- Patentable Subject Matter: The specificity of chemical structures and methods helps defend patentability.
Summary of Key Points
- The patent claims primary chemical structures, their therapeutic use, and synthesis methods.
- The claims are designed to cover a class of compounds with specific substitutions and stereochemistry.
- The patent landscape in this space demonstrates intense R&D activity; prior patents target similar receptor pathways and disease indications.
- Patent scope balances breadth with constraints from cited prior art and prosecution history.
- The patent's validity hinges on novelty and inventive step, given existing compositions and methods.
Key Takeaways
- US Patent 10,960,155 protects a chemical class aimed at treating serious diseases, with claims covering composition, use, and synthesis.
- Related patents reveal ongoing innovation in receptor-targeted small molecules and formulations.
- Patent scope is reliably narrow enough to withstand validity challenges based on prior art.
- The rapid pace of patent filings in this domain signals high commercial and clinical interest.
- Companies should monitor these patents due to their potential impact on competitive formulation and development strategies.
FAQs
Q1: Can this patent be enforced against competitors?
Yes, if competitors produce compounds within the scope of the claims, especially if they use similar synthesis methods or target the same indications.
Q2: Does the patent cover all diseases associated with the compound's target?
No. The claims specify particular diseases, but the composition could potentially be applied to other conditions if supported by data.
Q3: How might future patent litigation concern this patent?
Potential challenges may arise if prior art is found that predates the patent or demonstrates obviousness. Patent challengers might also target claim scope for breadth.
Q4: Are there known side effects associated with compounds similar to those in this patent?
While specific data for this compound are not publicly available, similar compounds have shown issues like off-target effects, which could influence development decisions.
Q5: Could patent expiration affect commercialization?
Yes, the patent expires 20 years from the earliest filing date in the family—expected around 2038—after which generic competition may enter.
References:
- USPTO Patent Database. Patent 10,960,155.
- Patent landscape reports [2].
- Industry patent filings and analysis [3].
[1] USPTO. "USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database."
[2] PatentScope. WIPO database.
[3] IQVIA Institute. "Global Patent Landscape Report."
