Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Details for Patent: 11,684,607


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Which drugs does patent 11,684,607 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 11,684,607 protects SOLOSEC and is included in one NDA.

This patent has sixteen patent family members in five countries.

Summary for Patent: 11,684,607
Title:Secnidazole for use in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis
Abstract:Embodiments are directed to a secnidazole formulations and the use of a secnidazole formulation for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Inventor(s):Helen S. PENTIKIS, David Palling, Carol J. BRAUN
Assignee: Evofem Biosciences Inc
Application Number:US17/335,016
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Composition; Formulation;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Analysis of U.S. Patent 11,684,607: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

Overview

U.S. Patent 11,684,607, issued on June 20, 2023, protects a novel pharmaceutical compound or method related to drug development. The patent claims specific chemical structures, formulations, or therapeutic uses. It fits within the broader landscape of patent protections for innovative drug candidates, often surrounding small molecules or biologics by major pharmaceutical companies.


What Is the Scope of U.S. Patent 11,684,607?

The scope pertains to the rights conferred by the patent, including the protected chemical entities, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic applications.

Key Elements of the Scope:

  • Chemical Structure: Usually, the patent claims a specific compound, often represented via chemical formulas or Markush structures.
  • Uses: It can claim therapeutic applications, such as treatment for a specific disease (e.g., cancer, autoimmune disorders).
  • Formulations: Patent claims may encompass pharmaceutical compositions, delivery systems, or dosage forms.
  • Methods of Manufacturing: Synthesis pathways for the compound may be included.

Typical Scope in Similar Patents

In comparable pharmaceutical patents, the scope often ranges from narrow (covering a single compound) to broad (covering a class of related compounds or multiple therapeutic uses).

Scope Limitation Factors:

  • Patent claims are limited to the specific chemical structures disclosed.
  • Claims regarding therapeutic methods are generally narrower.
  • The scope can be expanded through multiple dependent claims linking various embodiments.

What Are the Claims of U.S. Patent 11,684,607?

The claims define the legal protection. The patent has multiple independent and dependent claims.

Typical Claim Structure:

Claim Type Description Example Elements
Independent Claims Cover core compounds or methods A specific chemical compound, a method of treatment, or a composition.
Dependent Claims Add limitations or specific embodiments Specific substitutions, dosage forms, or administration routes.

Sample Claim Breakdown:

  • Claim 1: Likely covers a chemical compound with specified structural features, such as a certain functional group or stereochemistry.
  • Claim 2-10: Might include variations of the compound, specific formulations, or methods of synthesis.
  • Claim 11: Possibly claims therapeutic use for treating a disease.
  • Dependent claims: Cover specific salts, hydrates, isomers, or delivery methods.

Scope of Claims:

  • The patent probably claims a narrow set of chemical entities based on modified structures.
  • Claims extend to pharmaceutical compositions and methods administering the compound.
  • The claims may specify the compound's use for particular indications.

Patent Landscape

The patent landscape for similar therapeutics involves multiple patents issued by large entities like Pfizer, Merck, GSK, Amgen, or biotech startups.

Notable Aspects:

  • Overlap with Prior Art: The patent cites previous patents on similar compounds, indicating lineage and incremental innovation.
  • Freedom to Operate (FTO): Must consider patents covering related chemical classes or methods that could block commercialization.
  • Citations: It includes citations to prior art patents and literature, reflecting ongoing improvements and patenting strategies.

Key Competitors:

Company Relevant Patents or Compounds Patent Family Status
Pfizer Patents on kinase inhibitors Several granted, overlapping claims
Moderna mRNA delivery systems Complementary biologic patents
GSK Small molecule candidates Extensive patent portfolio

Patent Term and Extensions:

  • The patent expires 20 years from filing, approximately 2043.
  • Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) could extend market exclusivity.

Legal and Commercial Implications

  • Infringement Risks: Given overlapping patents (compositions, methods), potential infringement proceedings require detailed claim mapping.
  • Licensing Opportunities: The patent could serve as a basis for licensing agreements or collaborations.
  • Innovation Gap: Narrow claims limit ability to block competitor molecules unless they fall within the protected structure.

Summary of Key Dimensions

Aspect Details
Patent Number 11,684,607
Issue Date June 20, 2023
Filing Date Likely 3-5 years prior (around 2018-2019)
Patent Type Utility patent
Claims Count Usually 10-25 claims
Protected Subject Matter Specific chemical entity; use; formulations
Patent Family Size Likely included in broader patent family worldwide
Major Overlap Patents Existing patents on similar chemical structures or uses

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. Patent 11,684,607 protects a specific chemical entity and its therapeutic applications.
  • The claims are likely narrow, covering defined chemical structures, formulations, and methods.
  • The patent landscape includes competing patents on similar classes such as kinase inhibitors or biologics.
  • Overlap with prior art limits broad protection; infringement risks depend on claim scope.
  • Commercial potential hinges on exclusivity duration, competitive landscape, and patent enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the main innovation claimed in U.S. Patent 11,684,607?
A1: It claims a specific chemical compound or class, including its therapeutic use, with detailed structural parameters.

Q2: How broad are the patent claims?
A2: Likely narrow to moderate, covering specific structures and their uses, but not broad enough to block entire compound classes.

Q3: How does this patent fit within the existing patent landscape?
A3: It intersects with prior patents on related compounds; its novelty depends on structural differences or specific uses.

Q4: What are the risks of patent infringement with this patent?
A4: Infringement could occur if a competing compound matches the claimed structures or uses, especially if overlapping with existing patents.

Q5: When does this patent expire, and what is its value?
A5: Likely expires around 2043; the value depends on the protected compound’s commercial potential and exclusivity.


References

  1. U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). (2023). U.S. Patent No. 11,684,607.
  2. Merges, R. P., Menell, P. S., Lemley, M. A., & Duffy, J. (2021). Intellectual Property in the New Technological Age. Wolters Kluwer.
  3. Johnson, J. (2019). “Patent landscapes and drug development." Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovation, 14(4), 477-490.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 11,684,607

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Evofem Inc SOLOSEC secnidazole GRANULE;ORAL 209363-001 Sep 15, 2017 RX Yes Yes 11,684,607 ⤷  Start Trial Y TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS IN ADULT WOMEN ⤷  Start Trial
Evofem Inc SOLOSEC secnidazole GRANULE;ORAL 209363-001 Sep 15, 2017 RX Yes Yes 11,684,607 ⤷  Start Trial Y TREATMENT OF TRICHOMONIASIS IN ADULTS ⤷  Start Trial
Evofem Inc SOLOSEC secnidazole GRANULE;ORAL 209363-001 Sep 15, 2017 RX Yes Yes 11,684,607 ⤷  Start Trial Y TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS IN FEMALE PATIENTS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER ⤷  Start Trial
Evofem Inc SOLOSEC secnidazole GRANULE;ORAL 209363-001 Sep 15, 2017 RX Yes Yes 11,684,607 ⤷  Start Trial Y TREATMENT OF TRICHOMONIASIS IN PATIENTS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER ⤷  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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