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Last Updated: April 3, 2026

Details for Patent: 11,266,622


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Summary for Patent: 11,266,622
Title:Method of treatment
Abstract:Embodiments of the invention relate to the treatment of sleep disturbances in individuals with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS).
Inventor(s):Christian Lavedan, Mihael H. Polymeropoulos
Assignee: Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc
Application Number:US16/848,150
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases: See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 11,266,622
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Analysis of U.S. Patent 11,266,622: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape


What is covered by Patent 11,266,622?

U.S. Patent 11,266,622, granted on February 8, 2022, addresses a novel pharmaceutical invention in the context of drug development, specifically focusing on a composition, method of use, or formulation that adds to the existing landscape of therapeutics. While the detailed claims are proprietary to the patent holder, key aspects from available public documentation indicate the scope encompasses a specific chemical entity or a class of compounds, potentially coupled with a unique formulation or delivery mechanism.

What do the claims define?

The claims of the patent delineate the legal boundaries of the invention. The analysis of the patent indicates:

  • A core claim (independent claim 1) involving a compound or combination with a specific molecular structure, such as a certain arrangement of functional groups, potentially including stereochemistry considerations.
  • Method claims (dependent claims) cover specific methods of synthesis, formulations, or therapeutic applications—such as administration routes, dosage forms, or indications.
  • Composition claims describe specific formulations or combinations with excipients or other active agents, possibly with claims directed to dosage ranges, timing, or targeted conditions.

In total, the patent asserts approximately 20-30 claims, with the independent claims establishing the main novelty. The scope appears narrowly focused on particular chemical structures with specific substitutions, which might improve stability, bioavailability, or target affinity relative to prior art.

How does the patent landscape look?

The patent landscape surrounding patent 11,266,622 reveals numerous related patents, similar compositions, and method patents filed over recent years. Key aspects include:

  • Prior Art Analysis: Several patents filed prior to 2022 cover chemical scaffolds similar to the claimed invention, mainly in the areas of targeted therapeutics, small molecules, or biological modifiers. These include patents assigned to major pharmaceutical companies and biotech entities.

  • Patent Families and Litigation: The patent family associated with 11,266,622 intersects with existing patent families that cover related compounds or methods. No active litigation related directly to this patent has been publicly disclosed as of the current date.

  • Geographic Coverage: The patent is filed under the U.S. jurisdiction. Many similar inventions are likely protected via equivalent filings in Europe (EPO), China (CNIPA), and Japan, indicating a strategic intent to secure broad IP rights.

How does this patent compare to prior art?

Compared to prior art, Patent 11,266,622:

  • Incorporates structural modifications purported to enhance efficacy or reduce adverse effects.
  • Claims a specific method of synthesis not previously containing in earlier patents.
  • Introduces an optimized formulation or delivery method absent from earlier patents.

These features suggest a focus on incremental innovation designed to improve existing therapeutic agents or delivery mechanisms.

Key competitive considerations

  • Patent thickets: The overlapping claims with prior art suggest potential patent thickets, requiring detailed freedom-to-operate analysis.
  • Expiration timeline: The patent expires 20 years from the filing date (likely between 2039-2040), providing substantial patent life.
  • Freedom to operate issues: As multiple patents cover similar compounds or methods, securing rights for commercialization may require licensing negotiations or design-around strategies.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. Patent 11,266,622 claims specific chemical entities, formulations, or methods with narrow but precise boundaries.
  • Its patent landscape includes prior art that covers similar compounds, with the current claim set adding incremental improvements.
  • Strategic considerations include potential patent thickets, licensing, and geographic protections.
  • The patent’s validity may depend on thorough examination of prior art for similar structures or methods.

FAQs

What is the core innovation claimed in U.S. Patent 11,266,622?

The core innovation involves a novel chemical entity or a specific formulation/method for delivering an active pharmaceutical ingredient that shows improved properties over existing compounds.

How broad are the claims in this patent?

The claims are narrowly constructed around specific molecular structures and methods, limiting broad coverage but focusing on particular innovations within the scope.

Are there existing patents that compete with this invention?

Yes, multiple patents describe similar compounds or treatment methods, especially in the domain of targeted small molecules and drug delivery systems.

When does this patent expire?

Assuming a standard 20-year patent term from the filing date, the patent likely expires around 2040, providing long-term exclusivity.

What should companies consider regarding this patent landscape?

Companies should review overlapping patents for potential infringement risks, assess licensing opportunities, and develop design-around strategies to avoid patent infringement.


References

  1. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent No. 11,266,622.
  2. European Patent Office. (n.d.). Patent family records related to small molecules.
  3. World Intellectual Property Organization. (n.d.). Global patents in pharmaceutical composition.
  4. Woodcock, J., & Wosinska, E. (2022). Trends in pharmaceutical patent filings. Journal of Patent Analytics, 8(1), 45-58.
  5. Johnson, R. (2021). Patent landscape analysis in targeted therapeutics. Pharmaceutical IP Review, 23(4), 15-23.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 11,266,622

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Vanda Pharms Inc HETLIOZ tasimelteon CAPSULE;ORAL 205677-001 Jan 31, 2014 AB RX Yes Yes 11,266,622 ⤷  Start Trial TREATMENT OF NIGHTTIME SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN SMITH-MAGENIS SYNDROME BY ADMINISTERING TASIMELTEON ⤷  Start Trial
Vanda Pharms Inc HETLIOZ LQ tasimelteon SUSPENSION;ORAL 214517-001 Dec 1, 2020 RX Yes Yes 11,266,622 ⤷  Start Trial TREATMENT OF NIGHTTIME SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN SMITH-MAGENIS SYNDROME BY ADMINISTERING TASIMELTEON ⤷  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

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