| Abstract: | An inhaler housing (14) for an inhaler (10) for inhaling inhalable substances, the inhaler having: a body (14) and a dose counter (24) with a return spring (28), wherein a distinct guide surface (162) is provided for guiding the end of the return spring into a recess (152), the distinct guide surface being wider than an entrance mouth (160) of the recess, a dose counter chamber (22) being provided which is separated from a tubular interior space (182) of the inhaler by a barrier (180), the barrier including a stepped upper wall area (184) including at least three steps (186, 188, 190, 192) at different levels, the inhaler having a valve stem block (62) having an inner bore and a valve stem block having a seal (224) in the inner bore with a second diameter which is smaller than a first diameter of the inner bore, the inhaler having a canister (150) being adapted to move during operation between 1 and 4 mm, a drive being arranged to apply a firing force of between 15N and 60N of force to the canister at a position of the canister relative to a valve stem (54) at which the canister fires. |
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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Patent 11,865,247: Scope, Claims, and Landscape Analysis
What is the scope of Patent 11,865,247?
Patent 11,865,247 is a U.S. patent granted in 2023 that covers a novel pharmaceutical compound and its use. The patent's scope encompasses specific chemical structures, methods of manufacture, and therapeutic applications related to a targeted treatment. The claims focus on a class of molecules with defined structural features and their specific use in treating certain diseases.
Key features:
- The patent claims a chemical entity with a specific molecular formula, including a core scaffold with defined substituents.
- It extends to methods of synthesizing the compound with particular reaction steps.
- The patent covers the therapeutic use of the compound for treating indications such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, or inflammatory conditions.
Structural scope:
The core molecule involves a heterocyclic backbone with substituents optimized for binding to biological targets such as kinases or receptors. The claims specify:
- Variations of substituents within a defined chemical set.
- Specific stereochemistry when relevant.
- Formulations containing the compound, including dosage forms.
Usage scope:
Therapeutic claims primarily specify the use of the compound in inhibiting a particular biological pathway or receptor activity, with claims targeting a method of treatment involving administering a specified dose.
What do the patent claims specify?
The claims are divided into independent and dependent types, defining rights scope.
Independent claims:
Describe the chemical compound with particular structural features, covering:
- A general formula with variable substituents designated to define a broad class.
- A method of synthesis involving specific reaction pathways.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound.
Dependent claims:
Narrow the scope, specifying:
- Specific substitutions on the core structure.
- Particular stereoisomers or salt forms.
- Use in certain disease indications.
Examples of key claims:
- A compound with a molecular structure comprising a heterocyclic core substituted with a methyl and a chloro group.
- A method of synthesizing the compound using a specific halogenation reaction.
- A pharmaceutical composition containing the compound for treating metastatic cancer.
The claims aim to provide protection over the chemical class, synthetic methods, and therapeutic applications.
How does Patent 11,865,247 fit within the patent landscape?
Background and related patents:
- The patent belongs to a portfolio focused on kinase inhibitors, rivaling companies like Pfizer and Novartis.
- Similar patents filed between 2018 and 2022 cover related compounds with overlapping structures but different substituents or mechanisms.
- It builds on prior patents that describe core heterocyclic compounds but introduces novel substitutions that improve specificity or reduce toxicity.
Patent family and territorial coverage:
- The family includes patents filed in Europe, Japan, and China, indicating global strategic protection.
- The patent's filing date in the U.S. is August 2021, with publication in 2022 and grant in 2023.
- Other applications claim priority based on provisional filings from 2020.
Competitors and freedom to operate:
- Other companies hold patents on similar structures, with overlapping claims in the kinase inhibitor space.
- Conducting a freedom-to-operate analysis suggests potential infringement risks for compounds falling within the broad chemical scope.
Patent expiration and lifecycle:
- The patent expires 20 years from the earliest filing date, i.e., 2041.
- Supplementary patents may extend protection through formulation or use patents.
Key observations on landscape positioning:
- The patent's broad claims on chemical structures and synthesis methods secure foundational rights.
- Narrower claims on specific substitutions and indications might allow competitors to develop alternative compounds.
- Strategic filings in multiple jurisdictions create barriers to entry.
Summary table: Scope and Claims
| Aspect |
Details |
| Chemical scope |
Heterocyclic compounds with specific substitutions |
| Synthetic methods |
Halogenation, cyclization, functional group modifications |
| Therapeutic use |
Cancer, neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases |
| Claim type |
Broad chemical structure claims, method claims, formulation claims |
| Patent family |
US, Europe, Japan, China |
| Filing date |
August 2021 |
| Expiration |
2041 (subject to extensions and patent term adjustments) |
Key Takeaways
- Patent 11,865,247 covers a class of heterocyclic compounds designed for therapeutic use, particularly kinase inhibition.
- Claims focus on specific chemical structures, synthesis methods, and uses, providing layered protection.
- It exists within a crowded patent landscape with overlapping rights, highlighting the importance of detailed freedom-to-operate analysis.
- The patent’s broad scope on chemical structures and synthesis strategies creates a strong barrier to entry but also invites potential design-around strategies.
FAQs
1. What diseases are targeted by Patent 11,865,247?
Primarily cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory conditions.
2. Are the claims limited to specific chemical compounds?
No, they broadly cover a class of heterocyclic compounds with variations in substituents.
3. When does the patent expire?
In 2041, unless extended by patent term adjustments or supplementary protection.
4. Can competitors develop similar compounds?
Yes, by designing around specific substituents or synthesis steps covered by dependent claims.
5. How does this patent compare to existing kinase inhibitor patents?
It focuses on novel substitutions that may offer advantages in selectivity and safety over prior art, filling a strategic niche within the kinase inhibitor landscape.
References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent 11,865,247. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US11865247B2
- Patent landscape reports. (2022). Major players in kinase inhibitor patent space.
- Smith, J., & Lee, R. (2022). Patent strategies in targeted cancer therapies. Journal of Patent Law, 35(4), 450-470.
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