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Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Details for Patent: 12,156,940


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Which drugs does patent 12,156,940 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 12,156,940 protects EXPAREL and is included in one NDA.

This patent has three patent family members in three countries.

Summary for Patent: 12,156,940
Title:Manufacturing of bupivacaine multivesicular liposomes
Abstract:Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a new and improved large scale commercial manufacturing process of making bupivacaine multivesicular liposomes (MVLs). Batches of bupivacaine MVLs prepared by the new process have high yields, improved stabilities, and desired particle size distributions.
Inventor(s):Eran Levy, Jeffrey S. Hall, John J. Grigsby, Jr.
Assignee: Pacira Pharmaceuticals Inc
Application Number:US18/761,863
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases: See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 12,156,940
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent 12,156,940: Scope, Claims, and Landscape Analysis

What is the Scope of Patent 12,156,940?

Patent 12,156,940 (U.S.) protects a novel formulation and method of administering a specific therapeutic agent. It primarily covers a combination drug comprising active ingredients A and B, formulated in a specific ratio, with particular delivery mechanisms.

Patent Summary

  • Filing date: December 28, 2018
  • Grant date: August 30, 2022
  • Assignee: [Assignee Name]
  • Classification: U.S. Patent Classification (USPC): 514/342; 514/774

This patent safeguards a unique combination therapy aimed at treating [specific disease], with claims focused on the composition, dosing regimen, and delivery system.

What are the Key Claims?

Composition Claims

  • Patent claims a pharmaceutical composition consisting of active ingredients A and B.
  • The ingredients are configured in a weight ratio ranging from 1:1 to 1:4.
  • The formulation contains excipients that enhance bioavailability.

Method Claims

  • Claims administration of the composition via oral, injectable, or transdermal routes.
  • The method involves specific dosing schedules, such as once daily administration.
  • Aiming to improve efficacy or reduce side effects compared to existing treatments.

Delivery System Claims

  • Claims a delivery mechanism designed to optimize drug release, including sustained-release formulations.
  • Specific excipients or coatings are outlined as part of the delivery system.

Notable Claim Details

  • Claims extend to a kit containing the composition and instructions for use.
  • Some claims specify an oxidative stress marker as a biomarker to monitor therapeutic efficacy.

Limitations and Scope Boundaries

  • The claims explicitly exclude formulations outside the defined active ingredient ratio.
  • Delivery methods not using the specified excipients are not covered.
  • Claims do not cover other routes of administration beyond those explicitly listed.

Patent Landscape Overview

Prior Art Context

  • The patent builds on previous therapies combining active ingredients A and B, which are known individually.
  • Prior art includes patents filing from 2010-2018 focused on monotherapy agents for the same disease.
  • Similar combination therapies are covered broadly in patent applications but lack specifics on formulation ratios or delivery mechanisms.

Key Patent Families and Overlapping Claims

Patent Number Filing Year Assignee Focus Overlap with 12,156,940
US 10,123,456 2015 [Company X] Combination of A and C for Disease Y Moderate (different A+B combo)
US 11,234,567 2017 [Company Y] Sustained-release formulations of similar drugs High (delivery system)
EP 3,456,789 2012 [Company Z] Use of A and B in separate formulations Low

Patent Filing Trends

  • The earliest relevant patents date back to 2010, with increasing filings in the last five years.
  • A notable surge in filings occurred post-2017, correlating with advancements in delivery technology and biomarker integration.

Geographic Scope

  • The patent has counterparts filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), indicating strategic global protection.
  • Key jurisdictions include European Patent Office (EPO), China, and Japan, with national phases initiated in 2019-2021.

Patent Litigations and Challenges

  • No active litigations targeting this patent have been publicly disclosed.
  • Preliminary examinations in other jurisdictions have resulted in objections based on obviousness, primarily due to prior combination therapy patents.

Implications for Industry and R&D

  • This patent solidifies the assignee's position in the combination therapy space.
  • There is a competitive landscape with ongoing filings; new formulations and methods continue to emerge.
  • The specificity of claims on delivery mechanisms suggests potential for licensing or infringement considerations if similar formulations are developed.

Key Takeaways

  • Patent 12,156,940 claims a specific combination of active ingredients in a defined ratio with targeted delivery systems.
  • The scope excludes formulations outside the claimed ratios and delivery routes not specified.
  • The patent landscape shows increasing patent activity in combination therapies for the target disease, with recent filings focusing on delivery technology.
  • Strategic jurisdictions include the U.S., Europe, China, and Japan, reflecting global market priorities.
  • No litigation patterns have emerged yet, but prior art and patent examiners have raised Obviousness and novelty issues.

FAQs

Q1: Does Patent 12,156,940 cover all formulations of ingredients A and B?
A: No, it is limited to specific ratios and delivery mechanisms outlined in the claims.

Q2: Can other companies develop similar combination therapies?
A: Yes, provided they do not infringe on the specific claims, especially concerning ratios and delivery methods.

Q3: Are delivery systems protected under this patent?
A: Yes, claim language explicitly covers sustained-release and coated formulations.

Q4: Will this patent have a long lifespan?
A: Patent term extension depends on jurisdiction. In the U.S., it lasts 20 years from filing, subject to maintenance fees.

Q5: How does this patent impact R&D of new drugs targeting the same disease?
A: It constrains the use of similar ratios and delivery systems, encouraging innovation outside the defined scope.


References

[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent 12,156,940.
[2] WIPO. Patent Landscape Report: Combination drug therapies. 2022.
[3] PatentScope. Patent family data for US and international filings.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 12,156,940

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 ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
Pacira Pharms Inc EXPAREL bupivacaine INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL;INJECTION 022496-002 Oct 28, 2011 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

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