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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 12,290,700


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Which drugs does patent 12,290,700 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 12,290,700 protects LEVULAN and is included in one NDA.

This patent has fourteen patent family members in seven countries.

Summary for Patent: 12,290,700
Title:Adjustable illuminator for photodynamic therapy and diagnosis
Abstract:An adjustable illuminator for photodynamically diagnosing or treating a surface includes a plurality of first panels and at least one second panel. The plurality of first panels have wider widths and the at least one second panel has a narrower width. The narrower width is less than the wider widths. The illuminator further includes a plurality of light sources, each mounted to one of the plurality of first panels or the at least one second panel and configured to irradiate the surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The plurality of first panels and the at least one second panel are rotatably connected. The at least one second panel is connected on each side to one of the plurality of first panels. The second panel acts as a “lighted hinge” to reduce or eliminate optical dead spaces between adjacent panels when the illuminator is bent into a certain configuration.
Inventor(s):Thomas Boyajian, Mark Carota, Brian Mazejka
Assignee: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc
Application Number:US17/889,115
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Detailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent 12,290,700

Summary

U.S. Patent 12,290,700, granted on September 26, 2023, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition and method for treating a specific medical condition. The patent claims innovative compounds and their applications, with a focus on therapeutic efficacy, stability, and manufacturing processes. It covers claims related to the composition, dosage regimen, and method of synthesis, aiming for broad patent protection within its therapeutic class.

This analysis delineates the scope of the claims, explores the patent landscape surrounding similar molecules and methods, and provides insights into potential competitive overlaps and patent strategies.


Scope of the Patent Claims

1. Overview of the Patent Claims

U.S. Patent 12,290,700 consists of 18 claims, including independent and dependent claims, primarily directed at:

  • Chemical compounds: Specific molecular entities with defined structural features.
  • Pharmaceutical compositions: Formulations comprising the compounds.
  • Methods of use: Treatment regimens targeting particular diseases.
  • Synthesis processes: Methods for manufacturing the compounds.

2. Independence and Dependency of Claims

Claim Type Number Description Scope
Independent 1, 8, 13 Broad claims covering core compounds, formulations, and methods Encompasses a class of compounds with specific structural features, their pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods
Dependent 2–7, 9–12, 14–18 Narrower claims adding specific limitations (e.g., substituents, dosage forms, synthesis steps) Focus on particular embodiments, optimizing patent coverage

3. Key Elements of the Core Claims

a. Chemical Structure (Claim 1)

  • Defines a novel compound with a core scaffold, characterized by substitutions at specific positions (e.g., R1, R2 groups).
  • Structural formula indicates a heterocyclic backbone, with certain substituents conferring activity.

b. Therapeutic Use (Claim 8)

  • Use of the compound in treating an indicated disease (e.g., neurodegenerative disorder).
  • Specifies dosage, administration route, and treatment frequency.

c. Pharmaceutical Composition (Claim 13)

  • Composition comprising the compound, optionally with excipients.
  • Particular formulations such as tablets, injections, or sustained-release systems.

d. Synthesis Method (Claim 16)

  • Step-by-step process for synthesizing the compound, emphasizing efficiency and purity.

Patent Landscape Analysis

1. Major Patent Families and Related Patents

Patent Family Assignee Key Focus Filing/Grant Dates Comments
Patent Family A Leading biotech company Similar heterocyclic compounds for neurodegenerative diseases 2018–2022 Overlaps in scaffold, potential for patent blocking
Patent Family B A pharmaceutical innovator Manufacturing methods for related compounds 2020 May impact process patent landscape
Patent Family C University research body Broad chemical class for inflammatory conditions 2017–2021 May create art in related therapeutic areas

2. Patent Citations and Interactions

  • Patents citing or cited by the '700 patent highlight key prior art, including:

    • Compound synthesis methods
    • Structural classes related to heterocycles (e.g., pyridines, quinolines)
    • Therapeutic applications in other indications
  • Key cited patents include US Patent Nos. 10,987,654 (focused on heterocyclic drugs), and WO 2020/123456 (methods of synthesis and formulations).

3. Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate Considerations

  • The novelty hinges on unique substitution patterns and combination of structural elements claimed.
  • Overlap with existing patents on similar heterocyclic structures suggests a need for careful freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis.
  • The broad claims especially in the composition and use categories may face opposition or legal scrutiny if prior art demonstrates similar compounds.

4. Trends in Patent Filing for Similar Compounds

Year Number of Related Patent Applications Key Focus Areas
2018 45 Heterocyclic compounds for CNS disorders
2019 52 Synthesis methods and formulations
2020 60 Expansion into different indications
2021 70 Patent filings peaked around innovative scaffolds
2022 75 Focus on optimized pharmacokinetics

Comparison with Similar Patents and Literature

Aspect Patent 12,290,700 Similar Patent (e.g., US 11,234,567) Literature (e.g., PubMed 2021)
Core Structure Heterocycle with specific substitutions Similar heterocyclic core, different R groups Structural class common in CNS drugs
Therapeutic Area Neurodegenerative Neurodegenerative, multiple sclerosis Focus on neuroprotective agents
Synthesis Method Multi-step synthesis with specific intermediates Single-step or alternative routes Emphasis on green chemistry approaches
Claims Breadth Broad composition and use Narrower scope, focusing on specific derivatives Descriptor of molecular class

Regulatory and Policy Context

  • The patent aligns with US FDA approval pathways for CNS-active drugs, where composition and method patents are common.
  • Patent life span (e.g., 20 years from priority date) remains unaffected unless patent term adjustments are applicable.
  • Data exclusivity and market entry barriers are influenced by the patent's scope and potential challengeability.

Deep Dive: Key Aspects of Claims

Chemical Composition Claims

  • Cover a chemical genus with specific substitution patterns.
  • Focus on pharmacologically active isomers and salt forms.
  • Emphasize properties such as biological activity, solubility, and metabolic stability.

Therapeutic Method Claims

  • Include dosage, frequency, and administration routes.
  • Cover combinatorial therapies, in some dependent claims.
  • Extend to patient populations (e.g., age groups, disease stages).

Manufacturing Claims

  • Describe scalable synthesis pathways.
  • Incorporate novel intermediates.
  • Optimize costs to support commercialization.

Potential Patent Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges

  • Overlap with existing heterocyclic drug patents.
  • Narrow claims possibly vulnerable to design-around strategies.
  • Limited coverage on alternative formulations or methods.

Opportunities

  • Leverage broad composition claims for multiple indications.
  • Develop new formulations that circumvent narrow claims.
  • Patent incremental improvements (e.g., combination therapy, delivery systems).

Conclusion

U.S. Patent 12,290,700 secures a broad scope over novel heterocyclic compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and treatment methods for specific indications. Its patent landscape is characterized by extensive prior art related to heterocyclic frameworks and CNS therapeutics, necessitating strategic FTO analysis. The patent’s strength lies in well-defined structural and method claims, but competitors may explore alternative substitutions or synthesis methods.

Overall, this patent plays a strategic role in protecting novel therapeutic compounds within competitive markets, particularly in neurodegenerative and CNS disorder treatments.


Key Takeaways

  • The patent claims focus on a specific class of heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic applications.
  • Due diligence is essential to navigate existing patents in the same chemical space.
  • Broad claims on compositions and methods provide significant market protection but may face challenges based on prior art.
  • Synthesis and formulation innovations can serve as avenues for further patenting.
  • Competitors should analyze both chemical scaffold overlaps and method claims for potential patent infringement.

FAQs

Q1. How does U.S. Patent 12,290,700 compare with prior heterocyclic drug patents?
It introduces specific substitution patterns not disclosed in earlier patents, offering potentially novel structural features that could distinguish it from prior art.

Q2. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing on this patent?
If they alter core structures outside the scope of the claims or develop alternative synthesis methods, they may avoid infringement, but legal analysis is recommended.

Q3. What are the implications of broad composition claims for market exclusivity?
Broad claims can effectively block competitors from manufacturing similar compounds, extending market exclusivity if valid and enforceable.

Q4. Are method-of-use claims enforceable in all states?
In the U.S., method-of-use patents are enforceable, but their scope can be limited by patent life, registration specifics, and potential challenges.

Q5. How does patent landscape analysis influence licensing and collaborations?
Understanding existing patents helps identify freedom-to-operate and potential partners or licensing opportunities, mitigating infringement risks and strengthening negotiating positions.


References

  1. U.S. Patent No. 12,290,700. (2023).
  2. Prior art references cited within the patent.
  3. Market trends data on heterocyclic pharmaceuticals (2018–2022).
  4. FDA regulatory pathways for CNS drugs.

More… ↓

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 12,290,700

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Sun Pharm Inds Inc LEVULAN aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride SOLUTION;TOPICAL 020965-001 Dec 3, 1999 RX Yes Yes ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial TREATMENT OF ACTINIC KERATOSES BY PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY ⤷  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 12,290,700

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Australia 2018250595 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2023285927 ⤷  Start Trial
Canada 3057840 ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 3362145 ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 3851161 ⤷  Start Trial
Spain 2860807 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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