United States Patent 11,096,937: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 11,096,937, titled "Bupropion as a modulator of drug activity," is a significant patent that delves into the use of bupropion in modifying the activity of other drugs, particularly dextromethorphan. This analysis will explore the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent, issued to the inventors, describes dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and methods related to the sustained release of dextromethorphan and the improvement of its therapeutic effects through the use of bupropion. Bupropion, commonly known for its use in treating depression and smoking cessation, is here utilized as a modulator to enhance the efficacy and duration of action of dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant and central nervous system stimulant[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is broad and encompasses several key aspects:
Dosage Forms
The patent includes various dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and other oral formulations that combine bupropion and dextromethorphan. These forms are designed to provide sustained release of the active ingredients, ensuring a prolonged therapeutic effect[4].
Drug Delivery Systems
The invention also covers drug delivery systems that are engineered to release the drugs in a controlled manner. This could include matrix systems, reservoir systems, or other technologies that ensure the drugs are delivered over an extended period[4].
Methods of Use
The patent describes methods for using bupropion to modulate the activity of dextromethorphan. This includes administering the combination to treat various conditions such as anxiety, major depressive disorder, and musculoskeletal pain[4].
Claims Analysis
The claims of the patent are crucial as they define the legal boundaries of the invention.
Independent Claims
The independent claims typically define the broadest scope of the invention. For example, Claim 1 might describe a pharmaceutical composition comprising bupropion and dextromethorphan, along with a sustained-release formulation. These claims set the foundation for the patent's protection[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding additional limitations to the independent claims. For instance, a dependent claim might specify a particular dosage range or a specific type of sustained-release mechanism. These claims provide additional protection by covering specific embodiments of the invention[4].
Prior Art and Patent Landscape
Understanding the prior art and the broader patent landscape is essential for assessing the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention.
Global Dossier and International Patent Offices
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This can help in identifying prior art and understanding how similar inventions have been treated globally[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The CCD application consolidates prior art citations from multiple IP offices, making it easier to visualize the global patent landscape for a specific invention. This tool can be particularly useful in identifying potential prior art that may impact the validity of the patent[1].
Searchable Databases
Databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) offer comprehensive searches of international patent applications. These resources can help in identifying similar patents and understanding the competitive landscape[1].
Economic and Market Impact
The economic and market impact of this patent can be significant, especially in the pharmaceutical industry.
Market Domination
By providing a novel method for enhancing the therapeutic effects of dextromethorphan, this patent could give the patent holder a competitive edge in the market. The sustained-release formulations and drug delivery systems described could lead to improved patient compliance and outcomes, potentially increasing market share[4].
Licensing and Collaboration
The patent could also be a valuable asset for licensing or collaboration. Pharmaceutical companies may be interested in licensing the technology to incorporate into their own product lines, which could generate significant revenue for the patent holder[4].
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent covers dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and methods for using bupropion to modulate dextromethorphan.
- Claims Analysis: Independent and dependent claims define the scope of protection, with a focus on pharmaceutical compositions and sustained-release formulations.
- Prior Art and Landscape: Tools like Global Dossier and CCD help in understanding the global patent landscape and identifying prior art.
- Economic Impact: The patent has the potential to dominate the market by offering improved therapeutic effects and could be a valuable asset for licensing.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 11,096,937?
The main focus of this patent is on the use of bupropion as a modulator to enhance the therapeutic effects and sustained release of dextromethorphan.
How does the patent describe the dosage forms?
The patent describes various dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and other oral formulations designed for sustained release of the active ingredients.
What are the potential therapeutic applications of this invention?
The invention is intended to treat conditions such as anxiety, major depressive disorder, and musculoskeletal pain by combining bupropion and dextromethorphan.
How can one search for similar patents globally?
One can use tools like the Global Dossier, Common Citation Document (CCD), and searchable databases from international patent offices such as the EPO, JPO, and WIPO.
What is the economic significance of this patent?
The patent could give the patent holder a competitive edge in the market, improve patient compliance and outcomes, and be a valuable asset for licensing or collaboration.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) - USAGov: https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- US11096937B2 - Bupropion as a modulator of drug activity - Google Patents: https://patents.google.com/patent/US11096937B2/en
