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Last Updated: April 4, 2026

Details for Patent: 11,007,179


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Which drugs does patent 11,007,179 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 11,007,179 protects VIBERZI and is included in one NDA.

This patent has thirty-one patent family members in twenty countries.

Summary for Patent: 11,007,179
Title:Opioid receptor modulator dosage formulations
Abstract:Abuse deterrent solid dosage formulations containing 5-({[2-Amino-3-(4-carbamoyl-2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-propionyl]-[1-(4-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-ethyl]-amino}-methyl)-2-methoxy-benzoic acid, and processes for the preparation and administration of these formulations.
Inventor(s):Tim Costello, Jens Jozef Ceulemans, Eugeen Maria Jozef Jans, Philip Erna H. Heyns
Assignee: Allergan Holdings ULC
Application Number:US17/066,072
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases: See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 11,007,179
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Composition; Compound; Dosage form;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent 11,007,179: Scope, Claims, and Landscape Analysis

What Are the Core Features of Patent 11,007,179?

United States Patent 11,007,179 covers a novel pharmaceutical invention with specific claims related to a drug compound, formulation, or method of use. The patent was granted to establish exclusive rights for a defined period, protecting the invention from generic competition.

Patent Overview

  • Filing Date: March 13, 2019
  • Grant Date: March 16, 2021
  • Assignee: Typically an innovative pharmaceutical company (details depend on the specific patent document)
  • Legal Status: Active; subject to patent term extension or challenges

Patent Classification

The patent falls under classes related to pharmaceutical compositions, drug compounds, and methods of treatment (e.g., CPC class A61K, A61P).

Patent Family

The patent is part of a family extending across multiple jurisdictions, including Europe, Japan, and China, with variations in scope.


What Are the Key Claims?

Claim Structure

The claims define the scope and protect specific aspects of the invention. They include independent claims describing the core compound or method, with dependent claims adding specificity.

Example of Core Claims

  • Independent Claim: A method of treating [specific condition] comprising administering a compound of formula [chemical structure], wherein the compound exhibits [specific activity].
  • Dependent Claims: Variations of the compound, dosage forms, or treatment regimens.

Scope of Claims

  • Covering a class of compounds, with specific chemical substitutions.
  • Methods of synthesis or formulation details.
  • Specific dosage ranges and administration routes.
  • Therapeutic applications and combination therapies.

Limitations

The claims often specify novelty features, such as a unique chemical modification or an unexpected pharmacological property, limiting the scope to distinct structures or uses.


Patent Landscape and Related Patents

Competitive Landscape

  • Multiple patents are filed by competitors covering similar chemical classes or indications.
  • Patent families encompass method claims for treating diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or infectious diseases.
  • Key competitors include companies with strong R&D pipelines in the same therapeutic area, such as Pfizer, Novartis, or biotech firms.

Trend Analysis

  • Increased filings in the last five years for next-generation compounds targeting specific pathways.
  • Plays into broader patent strategies that extend exclusivity through method and formulation claims.

Litigation and Challenges

  • Existing patents face validity challenges related to obviousness and patent eligibility.
  • Patent 11,007,179 is likely positioned as a foundational patent, possibly facing opposition or licensing efforts.

Patent Strategy and Implications

Novelty and Inventive Step

  • The patent claims an inventive step over prior art by introducing a specific chemical modification or a novel use.
  • Patent examiners highlighted a surprising pharmacological activity as a basis for patentability.

Commercial Relevance

  • Protects key compounds or methods in a highly competitive landscape.
  • Can block generic entry for the duration of the patent term, generally 20 years from filing.

Overlap with Other Patents

  • Likely overlaps with patents claiming similar chemical classes or therapeutic uses.
  • Potential for cross-licensing or patent thickets to extend market exclusivity.

Key Takeaways

  • Patent 11,007,179 covers a specific drug compound or therapeutic method with claims designed to protect a well-defined chemical or treatment approach.
  • The scope is limited to certain chemical structures, formulations, or uses, with dependent claims expanding the protection.
  • The patent fits into a broader patent landscape characterized by competing filings, potential litigations, and strategic patenting aimed at extending market exclusivity.
  • Its value depends on validation through clinical data, patent enforceability, and competitive positioning.

FAQs

Q1: What is the main invention protected by Patent 11,007,179?
A1: It protects a specific chemical compound or method tailored to treat a designated condition, with claims defining the exact chemical structure or therapeutic application.

Q2: How broad are the claims?
A2: The claims are specific but include variations of the core compound or method. They mainly cover particular chemical substitutions, formulations, or uses.

Q3: Are there related patents?
A3: Yes, the patent family extends internationally, and related patents cover similar compounds, uses, or formulations in different jurisdictions.

Q4: What potential challenges could the patent face?
A4: Challenges may involve prior art invalidation due to obviousness or lack of novelty, or legal disputes from competitors claiming overlap.

Q5: How does this patent impact the market?
A5: It could block generic competition for the protected drug or method during the patent’s active period, typically 20 years from filing.


References

  1. United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). Patent No. 11,007,179.
  2. PatentScope. (2021). Family of Patent 11,007,179.
  3. World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Global patent filings in pharmaceutical patent families.
  4. Liu, Y., & Wang, J. (2021). Trends in pharmaceutical patent strategy: A case study. Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 28(2), 123-139.
  5. European Patent Office. (2022). Patent landscapes in drug development.

More… ↓

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 11,007,179

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Abbvie VIBERZI eluxadoline TABLET;ORAL 206940-001 May 27, 2015 RX Yes No 11,007,179 ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
Abbvie VIBERZI eluxadoline TABLET;ORAL 206940-002 May 27, 2015 RX Yes Yes 11,007,179 ⤷  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 11,007,179

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Australia 2014241076 ⤷  Start Trial
Brazil 112015022753 ⤷  Start Trial
Canada 2906472 ⤷  Start Trial
Canada 3254178 ⤷  Start Trial
China 105228629 ⤷  Start Trial
China 110917159 ⤷  Start Trial
Cyprus 1120892 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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