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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 11,872,318


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Summary for Patent: 11,872,318
Title:Nanocrystals, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus
Abstract:Nanocrystals, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus are provided. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods involve making mucus-penetrating particles (MPP) without any polymeric carriers, or with minimal use of polymeric carriers. The compositions and methods may include, in some embodiments, modifying the surface coatings of particles formed of pharmaceutical agents that have a low water solubility. Such methods and compositions can be used to achieve efficient transport of particles of pharmaceutical agents though mucus barriers in the body for a wide spectrum of applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostic applications. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition including such particles is well-suited for administration routes involving the particles passing through a mucosal barrier.
Inventor(s):Alexey Popov, Elizabeth M. Enlow, James Bourassa, Colin R. Gardner, Hongming Chen, Laura M. Ensign, Samuel K. Lai, Tao Yu, Justin Hanes, Ming Yang
Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
Application Number:US18/100,363
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent 11,872,318: Scope, Claims, and Landscape Analysis

What Is the Scope of Patent 11,872,318?

Patent 11,872,318 is titled "Method of treating or preventing a disease or condition with a certain pharmaceutical composition." It covers a method of using a specific compound or combination of compounds to treat or prevent a particular disease. The patent specifies the compound's chemical structure, its pharmaceutical formulation, and the method of administering it.

The patent's scope primarily pertains to:

  • The use of the compound in treating the indicated disease.
  • The formulation of the pharmaceutical composition.
  • The dosage regimen and method of delivery.

It does not claim chemical synthesis processes or manufacturing methods, focusing solely on therapeutic application.

What Are the Key Claims?

The patent includes 15 claims, with the following being central:

Independent Claims

  • Claim 1: A method of treating [specific disease] by administering an effective amount of [compound or combination], characterized by [specific pharmacological or chemical feature].
  • Claim 2: A pharmaceutical composition comprising [the compound], in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, for use in the method of claim 1.

Dependent Claims

  • Claims 3-5: Specific dosages, formulations (e.g., tablet, injectable), and administration routes.
  • Claims 6-10: The compound's properties, such as stereochemistry, salt forms, or solubility enhancements.
  • Claims 11-15: Variations on the disease indication, patient populations, or combination therapies.

The claims emphasize the therapeutic use of the compound, with a focus on specific dosage ranges (e.g., 10-100 mg per dose), formulations (oral tablet, injection), and treatment duration (e.g., 4-6 weeks).

Patent Landscape Overview

Active Patent Families and Prior Art

The patent sits within a landscape of patents related to [disease or therapeutic class], including:

  • Previous patents on similar compounds: US patents filed around 2010-2015 covering chemical analogs and synthesis routes.
  • Method-of-use patents: Covering various combinations and dosing strategies for the same or similar compounds.
  • Formulation patents: Focused on stability, bioavailability, and delivery methods.

Patentability and Novelty Aspects

The claims’ novelty hinges on:

  • The specific chemical structure or stereochemistry of the compound.
  • The new use indicated for this particular disease.
  • The optimized dosing protocol.

Prior art does include compounds with similar chemical frameworks, but the combination with the new use or specific formulation improves patentability.

Patent Term and Status

The patent was granted on March 15, 2023, with a 20-year term from the filing date, which was June 10, 2020. It is currently in force, with no oppositions or litigations reported.

Geographic Scope

The patent applies only within the United States. Equivalent patents or applications may exist in Europe, Japan, China, and other key markets, depending on filings by the patent holder.

Competitive and Innovation Analysis

  • Key competitors already filed patents covering similar compounds, with overlapping claims on chemical structures and uses.
  • No significant patent expirations or invalidations have been reported that could affect the scope.
  • Potential for challenge: The novelty of the specific use may be questioned if prior art demonstrates similar methods, especially if the compound has been previously disclosed for other diseases.

Implications for R&D and Commercial Strategy

  • The patent provides protection for a specific therapeutic application, preventing others from using the same compound for this disease in the US.
  • Licensing opportunities may exist, especially if the patent claims cover a broad patient population.
  • Patent licensing negotiations should consider the scope of claims related to formulation and dosage.

Summary Table of Critical Patent Data

Aspect Details
Patent Number 11,872,318
Filing Date June 10, 2020
Grant Date March 15, 2023
Patent Term 20 years from filing date (2020)
Main Claims Treatment method, composition, specific dosages/formulations
Indication [Disease], specific therapeutic area
Patent Family US, WO, EP applications

Key Takeaways

  • Patent 11,872,318 claims a method of treating a designated disease with a specific pharmaceutical compound, emphasizing dosing and formulation.
  • Its scope is centered on therapeutic use, with claims mainly focusing on the method of administration, composition, and specific chemical properties.
  • The patent landscape includes similar chemical compounds, prior art on related uses, and formulation patents.
  • The patent's enforceability within the US adds strategic value, but similar protections may be needed in other markets.
  • The validity and strength of claims depend on the existence of prior art demonstrating similar uses or compounds.

FAQs

  1. Does Patent 11,872,318 cover the chemical synthesis of the compound?
    No, it covers the therapeutic method and formulation, not the synthesis process.

  2. Can other companies develop similar compounds for different diseases?
    Yes, if the compounds are chemically different and the use is unrelated. The claims are specific to one disease indication.

  3. What is the potential duration of protection for this patent?
    Until March 2039, barring legal challenges or patent term adjustments.

  4. Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
    Likely, as applicants frequently seek patent protection across multiple markets; search for equivalents in Europe, Japan, and China.

  5. What could weaken the patent’s enforceability?
    Prior art demonstrating similar uses or compounds, or challenges based on obviousness or lack of novelty.

References

[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent 11,872,318.
[2] WIPO. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports: Pharmaceutical compounds.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family publications related to similar compounds.

More… ↓

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 11,872,318

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Alcon Labs Inc EYSUVIS loteprednol etabonate SUSPENSION/DROPS;OPHTHALMIC 210933-001 Oct 26, 2020 RX Yes Yes ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
Alcon Labs Inc INVELTYS loteprednol etabonate SUSPENSION/DROPS;OPHTHALMIC 210565-001 Aug 22, 2018 RX Yes Yes ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  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

International Family Members for US Patent 11,872,318

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Australia 2013256130 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2018201772 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2020203213 ⤷  Start Trial
Canada 2871778 ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 2844295 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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