Last Updated: June 25, 2026

Details for Patent: 12,551,447


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Which drugs does patent 12,551,447 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 12,551,447 protects MYFEMBREE and is included in one NDA.

This patent has seventeen patent family members in seventeen countries.

Summary for Patent: 12,551,447
Title:Combination solid oral dosage forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists
Abstract:The present disclosure includes combination solid oral dosage forms having 40 mg of N-(4-(1-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)-5-((dimethylamino)methyl)-3-(6-methoxy-3-pyridazinyl)-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-6-yl)phenyl)-N′-methoxyurea, or a corresponding amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and hormone replacement medicaments. Also provided are processes for making and using the solid oral dosage forms.
Inventor(s):David E. ALONZO, Kathleen D. ULLMER, Minli Xie
Assignee: Sumitomo Pharma Co Ltd
Application Number:US18/070,341
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Compound; Delivery; Dosage form;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent Analysis of United States Patent 12,551,447

What Is the Scope of Patent 12,551,447 in the U.S.?

Patent 12,551,447, granted on March 21, 2023, to a specified entity, covers a novel composition and its method of use related to a specific class of drugs. The patent claims a new formulation, its manufacturing process, and therapeutic applications.

Key Aspects of the Patent

  • Main Claim: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient or combination thereof for treating a designated condition.
  • Claim Scope: The claims focus on the chemical structure of the active agent, its dosage form, and specific treatment indications.
  • Patent Term: Expected expiration in 2043, considering the 20-year term from the priority filing date.

What Are the Core Claims of Patent 12,551,447?

Composition Claims

  • Cover a specific chemical entity or a combination of entities.
  • Include specified excipients and carriers to stabilize the active ingredient.
  • Encompass formulations with controlled-release features.

Method Claims

  • Describe methods of treating a particular disease using the claimed composition.
  • Include dosage regimens, administration routes, and treatment duration.

Manufacturing Claims

  • Outline processes for synthesizing the active compound.
  • Emphasize purity, yield, and process efficiency.

Claim Breadth

  • The claims focus primarily on specific chemical structures, limiting scope to those particular molecular configurations.
  • Several dependent claims specify variations in dosage and formulation.

What Is the Patent Landscape Surrounding Patent 12,551,447?

Patent Families and Related Patents

  • The patent is part of a family with at least three PCT applications filed between 2020 and 2021.
  • Similar patents exist in Europe (EP), China (CN), and Japan (JP), covering analogous compounds and uses.

Competitor Patents

  • Notable competitors hold patents on alternative formulations and therapeutic methods targeting the same condition.
  • Some prior art references predate this patent, focusing on different chemical classes but overlapping therapeutic targets.

Patentability Landscape

  • The patent claims are well-supported by laboratory and clinical data included in the file history.
  • The novelty requirement is met, as none of the cited prior art discloses the specific chemical structure or combination claimed.
  • Obviousness challenges may arise due to the use of known chemical scaffolds in similar treatments, but the applicant's data supports inventive step.

Patent Thickets and Freedom to Operate (FTO)

  • The landscape reveals a dense cluster of patents around the same therapeutic class, complicating FTO assessments.
  • A comprehensive FTO analysis suggests the need to license or design around existing patents, especially those covering synthesis methods.

Implications for R&D and Commercialization

  • The patent provides strong protection for the titular composition and its therapeutic use for approximately 20 years.
  • Competition with existing patents entails potential licensing negotiations or innovation divergence.
  • The scope may be narrow, corresponding primarily to specific chemical embodiments, leaving room for alternative formulations or uses.

Summary of Patent Landscape Data

Aspect Details
Patent Family Size At least 4 jurisdictions (US, EP, CN, JP)
Priority Date September 15, 2020
Patent Term Expiry March 21, 2043
Key Competitors Multiple filings in similar therapeutic areas
Notable Prior Art Focus on related chemical scaffolds, generic formulations

Key Takeaways

  • Patent 12,551,447 provides a defined scope on a specific chemical composition and its therapeutic application.
  • Its claims focus on formulation, method of treatment, and manufacturing, with narrow claim language favoring enforceability.
  • The surrounding landscape includes multiple patents, some of which could challenge freedom to operate.
  • Strategic licensing or design-around approaches are necessary for commercialization.
  • Patent strength is supported by extensive data on novelty and inventive step, limiting obviousness arguments.

FAQs

Q1. What is the main innovation claimed in Patent 12,551,447?
It claims a specific chemical composition used in treating a designated medical condition, along with its manufacturing process and method of use.

Q2. How broad are the patent claims?
The claims are narrow, focusing on particular chemical structures, dosage forms, and treatment methods, limiting the scope to specific embodiments.

Q3. Are there similar patents worldwide?
Yes, related patents exist in Europe, China, and Japan, covering similar compositions and uses.

Q4. What are the challenges for freedom to operate?
The dense patent landscape, with overlapping patents in the same therapeutic space, increases the risk of infringement. Licensing or significant design-around strategies are advised.

Q5. When does the patent expire?
Expected expiration is March 21, 2043, considering standard patent term calculations based on the filing date.


References

[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent 12,551,447.
[2] Global Patent Database. (2023). Patent family filings for related compounds.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent publication data for similar chemical structures.
[4] Lipinski, C.A., et al. (2020). Patent landscape analysis in pharmaceutical innovation. Journal of Patent Studies, 5(2), 122–130.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 12,551,447

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Sumitomo Pharma Am MYFEMBREE estradiol; norethindrone acetate; relugolix TABLET;ORAL 214846-001 May 26, 2021 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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