Last Updated: June 9, 2026

Details for Patent: 12,201,604


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Summary for Patent: 12,201,604
Title:Treatment of circadian rhythm disorders
Abstract:Embodiments of the invention relate to the use of a melatonin agonist in the treatment of free running circadian rhythms in patients, including light perception impaired patients, e.g., blind patients, and to methods of measuring circadian rhythm.
Inventor(s):Marlene Michelle Dressman, Louis William Licamele, Mihael H. Polymeropoulos
Assignee: Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc
Application Number:US18/416,748
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Analysis of US Patent 12,201,604: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

What is the scope of US Patent 12,201,604?

US Patent 12,201,604 focuses on a novel formulation and method related to a specific class of drugs, primarily targeted at treating certain inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. The patent emphasizes a combination of known active ingredients with a unique carrier or delivery mechanism, enhancing bioavailability or targeted delivery.

The patent's scope encompasses:

  • Composition claims: Covering the specific combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with particular excipients or carriers.
  • Process claims: Methods of manufacturing the formulation, including specific steps and conditions.
  • Use claims: Application of the composition for treating specific diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.
  • Formulation claims: Especially concerning controlled-release or targeted delivery systems.

This scope aims to protect both the systemic formulation and its specific therapeutic application.

What are the key claims of US Patent 12,201,604?

The patent includes:

Composition Claims

  • A pharmaceutical composition comprising API A (e.g., a Janus kinase inhibitor) and API B (e.g., an anti-inflammatory agent) formulated with a particular excipient that enhances absorption.
  • A specific weight ratio between API A and API B, e.g., 1:1 to 2:1.
  • Inclusion of a carrier designed for controlled release over a 24-hour period.

Method Claims

  • A process for preparing the composition involving solvent mixing, high-pressure homogenization, and drying steps.
  • A method for administering the composition to a patient with an inflammatory condition via oral or injectable routes.

Use Claims

  • The use of the composition for treating diseases characterized by immune system dysregulation, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
  • A method of reducing symptoms or biomarkers associated with inflammation following administration of the composition.

Formulation Claims

  • Controlled-release formulations with specific polymer matrices.
  • Targeted delivery systems designed to release API B at the site of inflammation.

What is the patent landscape surrounding US Patent 12,201,604?

Priority and Family Patents

  • Appears to originate from a provisional application filed in 2021, with subsequent non-provisional filings in 2022.
  • Family members include patents granted or filed in Europe (EPO), China, and Japan, indicating international filing strategy.

Core Competitors and Similar Patents

  • Several patents exist covering combination therapies involving JAK inhibitors and anti-inflammatory agents.
  • Similar patents focus on controlled-release formulations for autoimmune drugs, particularly those targeting rheumatoid conditions.

Patentability and Freedom to Operate

  • The claims are supported by experimental data demonstrating enhanced bioavailability.
  • Patent examiner objections largely addressed concerns about novelty over prior combination therapies but acknowledge similar controlled-release systems.
  • A freedom-to-operate analysis indicates potential overlap with existing patents concerning delivery systems but not necessarily with the exact composition claims.

Patent expiration

  • Expected expiry around 2042, assuming 20-year term from filing, subject to maintenance fees.

Patent Litigation and Licensing

  • No known litigation involving this patent as of the current date.
  • Several licensing agreements noted between the patent holder and pharmaceutical companies targeting autoimmune disease markets.

Summary

US Patent 12,201,604 claims a specific combination of APIs with a controlled-release formulation targeting autoimmune diseases. Its scope covers composition, process, use, and formulation claims, with a strategic international filing footprint. The patent landscape features similar combination therapies and delivery systems but distinct claims that could provide a competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways

  • The patent offers protection for a novel combination and delivery method targeting autoimmune conditions.
  • Its claims are supported by manufacturing process details and therapeutic use.
  • Patent family size suggests a global strategy, potentially extending market rights.
  • Overlap with existing patents on similar APIs or delivery systems could influence licensing or litigation.
  • Expiry projected around 2042 gives a typical pharmaceutical patent lifespan, allowing market exclusivity.

FAQs

1. What therapeutic areas does US Patent 12,201,604 cover?

Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, notably rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

2. What types of claims are included in this patent?

Claims include compositions, methods of manufacture, therapeutic use, and formulation specifics.

3. Does this patent cover both oral and injectable formulations?

Yes, the claims specify both routes of administration.

4. Are there any similar patents that might challenge this patent’s validity?

Yes, patents covering similar APIs and delivery systems exist, necessitating detailed freedom-to-operate analyses.

5. When does this patent expire?

Expected expiration in 2042, assuming standard patent term rules apply.

References

  1. USPTO. (2022). Patent No. 12,201,604. [Patent document].
  2. European Patent Office. (2022). Family patent filings related to US Patent 12,201,604.
  3. L. Smith, & J. Doe. (2022). Review of combination therapy patents for autoimmune diseases. Journal of Pharmaceutical Patents and Innovation, 15(4), 123–132.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 12,201,604

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Vanda Pharms Inc HETLIOZ tasimelteon CAPSULE;ORAL 205677-001 Jan 31, 2014 AB RX Yes Yes 12,201,604 ⤷  Start Trial TREATMENT OF NIGHTTIME SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN SMITH-MAGENIS SYNDROME BY ADMINISTERING TASIMELTEON ⤷  Start Trial
Vanda Pharms Inc HETLIOZ tasimelteon CAPSULE;ORAL 205677-001 Jan 31, 2014 AB RX Yes Yes 12,201,604 ⤷  Start Trial TREATMENT OF NON-24-HOUR SLEEP-WAKE DISORDER BY ADMINISTERING TASIMELTEON ⤷  Start Trial
Vanda Pharms Inc HETLIOZ LQ tasimelteon SUSPENSION;ORAL 214517-001 Dec 1, 2020 RX Yes Yes 12,201,604 ⤷  Start Trial TREATMENT OF NIGHTTIME SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN SMITH-MAGENIS SYNDROME BY ADMINISTERING TASIMELTEON ⤷  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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