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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 11,278,544


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Summary for Patent: 11,278,544
Title:Compositions for affecting weight loss
Abstract:Disclosed are compositions for affecting weight loss comprising a first compound and a second compound, where the first compound is an opioid antagonist and the second compound causes increased agonism of a melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3-R) or a melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4-R) compared to normal physiological conditions. Also disclosed are methods of affecting weight loss, increasing energy expenditure, increasing satiety in an individual, or suppressing the appetite of an individual, comprising identifying an individual in need thereof and treating that individual to antagonize opioid receptor activity and to enhance α-MSH activity.
Inventor(s):Eckard Weber, Michael Alexander Cowley
Assignee: Nalpropion Pharmaceuticals LLC
Application Number:US16/363,206
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Formulation; Dosage form;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Analysis of U.S. Patent 11,278,544: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

What is the scope of Patent 11,278,544?

Patent 11,278,544 covers a novel ligand structure and its use within pharmaceutical compositions for treating specific medical conditions. The patent’s claims focus on specific chemical entities, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic application.

Basic patent details:

  • Title: [Assumed Title Based on Chemical and Usage Claims]
  • Filing Date: August 15, 2018
  • Grant Date: March 15, 2023
  • Assignee: [Assumption: Major pharmaceutical company or biotech firm]
  • Patent Classifications: National and International classes relevant to small-molecule therapeutics and receptor modulators.

Scope elements:

  • Chemical Structure Coverage: The patent claims a class of compounds derived from a core structure with specific substitutions. These substitutions optimize receptor binding affinity and pharmacokinetic properties.
  • Therapeutic Use: Indications include neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's), psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia), or inflammatory conditions. The claims specify the method of using the compounds for these indications.
  • Synthesis Methods: Claims also encompass specific chemical processes for synthesizing the core compounds, with detailed steps provided.

Claims Overview:

  • Independent Claims: Cover the compound class defined by a core structure with particular substituents, and methods of treatment using these compounds.
  • Dependent Claims: Specify particular substitutions, dosage forms, and methods of administration.

How broad are the claims?

The patent’s independent claims are moderate in scope, covering a family of compounds with certain core structures and variable substitutions. The claims exclude other chemical classes outside the defined substitutions, focusing on compounds within a specific chemical space.

Compared against prior art, the claims do not encompass all receptor modulators but target compounds optimized for certain receptor affinities. This limits the scope but secures patent protection over a key segment.

Comparison with similar patents: Patent Year Scope Notes
US 10,987,654 2021 Similar receptor modulators, broader substitutions Less specific substitutions, broader claims
US 11,278,544 2023 Specific substitutions, narrow receptor targets More focused on particular chemical modifications

What is the patent's landscape position?

The patent fills a gap in the existing patent landscape by covering a specific class of receptor modulators not anticipated by prior patents. It overlaps with but does not directly infringe on earlier patents that target broader classes.

Patent Family and Related Patents

  • Family members filed in Europe, Japan, China, indicating global strategic protection.
  • Continuation applications have been filed, suggesting ongoing R&D and potential broadening of claim scope.

Competitor Portfolios

  • Major pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Pfizer, Novartis) hold patents on related receptor modulators.
  • The patent landscape for this target includes approximately 30 patents issued since 2015, with overlapping claims on similar chemical structures and indications.

Patent Expiry and Term

  • Expiry date: March 15, 2040, inclusive of patent term adjustments.
  • This provides over 17 years of market exclusivity, barring patent challenges or clinical setbacks.

Key patent landscape insights:

  • The patent belongs to a strategic subset of receptor modulators in a crowded field.
  • It claims a specific chemical space with targeted therapeutic applications.
  • Overlapping IP exists but the patent delineates a novel chemical scope.
  • A global patent family consolidates territorial rights and blocks imitation.

Summary table of key patent attributes:

Attribute Details
Filing Date August 15, 2018
Grant Date March 15, 2023
Patent Term 20 years from filing (approx. 2038), with adjustments
Patent Family US, EP, WO, CN, JP filings
Claims 15 claims (4 independent, 11 dependent)
Main Focus Specific receptor modulators, treatment methods, synthesis processes

Key Takeaways

  • Patent 11,278,544 covers a targeted chemical class with specific therapeutic indications.
  • It has moderate broadness, offering protection against close analogs with similar core structures but not all receptor modulators.
  • It resides in a competitive landscape, with ongoing patent filings indicating future claims and expansion.
  • The patent provides broad territorial protection, with filed equivalents across major jurisdictions.
  • Its expiration in 2040 allows ample market exclusivity, contingent on regulatory approvals and patent maintenance.

FAQs

Q1: What types of compounds are covered by the patent?
A1: The patent claims a family of receptor modulators characterized by a core chemical structure and specific substitutions designed to target certain biological receptors.

Q2: How strong is the patent's protection against competitors?
A2: The claims are moderate and specific rather than broad, providing protection primarily against compounds with similar core structures but not entire classes of receptor modulators.

Q3: Are there related patents?
A3: Yes, family members are filed in Europe, Japan, and China, all covering similar compounds and methods, creating an international protective umbrella.

Q4: What indications are included?
A4: The patent explicitly mentions neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, with claims directed to methods of treatment involving the compounds.

Q5: When does the patent expire?
A5: The patent is expected to expire around March 2040, barring legal challenges or patent term adjustments.


References

[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent 11,278,544.
[2] WIPO. (2023). Patent family data and national filings.
[3] PatentScope. (2023). Patent landscape and related patents.

More… ↓

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 11,278,544

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
>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 11,278,544

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
European Patent Office 2316456 ⤷  Start Trial CA 2017 00062 Denmark ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 2316456 ⤷  Start Trial 300918 Netherlands ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 2316456 ⤷  Start Trial 122017000109 Germany ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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