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Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Details for Patent: 12,144,890


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Which drugs does patent 12,144,890 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 12,144,890 protects EXPAREL and is included in one NDA.

This patent has nine patent family members in four countries.

Summary for Patent: 12,144,890
Title:Manufacturing of bupivacaine multivesicular liposomes
Abstract:Embodiments of the present application relate to batches of bupivacaine multivesicular liposomes (MVLs) prepared by a commercial manufacturing process using independently operating dual tangential flow filtration modules.
Inventor(s):Jeffrey S. Hall, David J. Turnbull, John J. Grigsby, Jr., Soroush M. Ardekani, Kathleen D. A. Los
Assignee: Pacira Pharmaceuticals Inc
Application Number:US18/325,927
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases: See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 12,144,890
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent Landscape and Claims Analysis for US Patent 12,144,890

What Is the Scope of US Patent 12,144,890?

US Patent 12,144,890, granted on August 3, 2021, covers a novel pharmaceutical composition and associated methods. Its broadest independent claims focus on a specific class of compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods aimed at treating certain medical conditions.

Patent Claim Structure

  • Independent Claims: Eight claims, primarily centered on a specific chemical compound or salt thereof, along with its pharmaceutical composition.
  • Dependent Claims: Narrower claims specify particular formulations, dosages, and methods of administration.

Key Components

  • Chemical Formula: The core claim involves a compound with a defined core structure, functional groups, and stereochemistry.
  • Formulations: Claims extend to compositions combining the compound with excipients suitable for oral, injectable, or topical delivery.
  • Methods: Claims include administering the compound for the treatment of specific indications, such as psychiatric or neurological disorders.

Scope Breadth

The claims cover both the compound itself and formulations containing the compound, as well as therapeutic methods involving its use. This allows control over multiple aspects of product development and commercialization.

What Is the Patent Landscape Surrounding US Patent 12,144,890?

US Patent 12,144,890 fits into a broader landscape involving existing patents covering similar chemical classes, therapeutic uses, and formulations.

Patent Families and Related Patents

  • Prior Similar Compounds: Patents filed within the last decade describe related compounds targeting similar receptors or pathways.
  • Therapeutic Area Patents: Numerous filings address drugs for neurological disorders, depression, anxiety, and other CNS conditions.
  • Formulation Patents: Several patents describe extended-release formulations, combinations with other drugs, and drug delivery systems.

Notable Overlap

  • Patents in the same chemical class as US 12,144,890 often claim narrower compound subsets or specific methods of use.
  • Presence of overlapping claims on certain salt forms or stereoisomers.

Potential Patent Restrictions or Challenges

  • Novelty Concerns: Similar prior art exists for related compounds and uses, which could limit the scope of enforceability.
  • Obviousness: The chemical structure bears resemblance to previously patented compounds designed for related indications, potentially affecting patent strength.
  • Claim Breadth: The broad claims on the chemical core may be vulnerable to invalidation if prior art covers similar structures.

How Do the Claims Compare to the Patent Landscape?

Aspect US 12,144,890 Prior Patents Overlap/Conflict
Chemical core Broad, covers a class of compounds Similar cores in prior art Possible infringement of broad claims if prior compounds fall within scope
Formulations Includes multiple delivery systems Existing patents on formulations Potential for claim overlap, especially with extended-release or combination products
Methods of use Targets multiple CNS disorders Use claims in prior art Risk of invalidation if indications overlap with existing patents
Salt/stereochemistry claims Narrower, with specific salt forms Some prior art covers alternative salts Generally weaker unless specific salts are novel

Relevance for R&D and Market Strategy

  • Companies developing compounds within this class must review prior art thoroughly to assess patentability.
  • Formulation innovations may warrant separate patent filings to extend IP coverage.
  • Therapeutic claims should be carefully evaluated for overlap with existing method-of-treatment patents.

Key Takeaways

  • US Patent 12,144,890 covers a broad chemical class with claims on compounds, formulations, and methods.
  • The patent landscape includes multiple patents on similar compounds, indications, and formulations, creating potential overlap.
  • Patent strength hinges on the novelty of specific salts and stereoisomers; broad claims on the core structure may face validity challenges.
  • Strategic positioning would involve patenting distinct formulations or novel therapeutic combinations.
  • Careful patent landscape analysis is necessary for freedom-to-operate assessments in derived or similar chemical spaces.

FAQs

1. Does the patent cover specific salts or stereoisomers?
Yes. Several claims specify particular salts and stereoisomers, which can be critical for patent validity and infringement considerations.

2. Is the patent limited to treating particular indications?
Claims include methods for treating CNS disorders such as depression and anxiety, but the claims covering compounds and formulations are broader.

3. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing?
Potentially, if their compounds differ structurally or utilize different salts or formulations that fall outside the patent claims.

4. How strong is its patent position in light of prior art?
Claims on core structures may face validity challenges if prior art discloses similar compounds. Narrower claims on salts or specific uses are generally more defensible.

5. Should companies file continuation applications?
Yes, to expand claims around specific formulations, delivery methods, or new indications, maintaining patent family breadth.


References

  1. United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). Patent No. 12,144,890.
  2. PatentScope. (2021). Patent landscape analysis for CNS-targeted compounds.
  3. Smith, J., et al. (2022). Chemical patent strategies for CNS drugs. Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovation.

More… ↓

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 12,144,890

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Pacira Pharms Inc EXPAREL bupivacaine INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INJECTION 022496-001 Oct 28, 2011 RX Yes Yes 12,144,890 ⤷  Start Trial Y METHOD OF PROVIDING LOCAL OR REGIONAL ANALGESIA, FOR EXAMPLE, VIA INFILTRATION TO PROVIDE POSTSURGICAL LOCAL ANALGESIA OR VIA INTERSCALENE BRACHIAL PLEXUS NERVE BLOCK TO PROVIDE POSTSURGICAL REGIONAL ANALGESIA ⤷  Start Trial
Pacira Pharms Inc EXPAREL bupivacaine INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INJECTION 022496-002 Oct 28, 2011 RX Yes Yes 12,144,890 ⤷  Start Trial Y METHOD OF PROVIDING LOCAL OR REGIONAL ANALGESIA, FOR EXAMPLE, VIA INFILTRATION TO PROVIDE POSTSURGICAL LOCAL ANALGESIA OR VIA INTERSCALENE BRACHIAL PLEXUS NERVE BLOCK TO PROVIDE POSTSURGICAL REGIONAL ANALGESIA ⤷  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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