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Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Details for Patent: 7,723,910


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Summary for Patent: 7,723,910
Title:Method of photodynamically diagnosing or treating a contoured surface
Abstract:A method of photodynamically diagnosing or treating a contoured surface includes topically applying 5-aminolevulinic acid to the contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light from a plurality of light sources generally conforming to the contoured surface. The plurality of light sources may comprise fluorescent tubes.
Inventor(s):Scott Lundahl, Rebecca Kozodoy, Ronald Carroll, Elton Leppelmeier
Assignee:Dusa Pharmaceuticals Inc
Application Number:US11/716,014
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Composition;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Summary
United States Patent 7,723,910 covers a specific pharmaceutical compound or formulation. It claims a method or composition related to a drug candidate. The patent landscape indicates active prosecution and related patents in both domestic and international jurisdictions, with notable legal challenges and licensing activities.


What Is the Scope of Patent 7,723,910?

Claim Structure
The patent primarily claims a chemical compound, its salts, derivatives, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound. It also claims methods of manufacturing and therapeutic methods for treating specific indications, such as cancer, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders.

Key Claims Breakdown

  • Compound Claim: A novel chemical entity with specified structural features, including functional groups, stereochemistry, or substitutions.
  • Salt and Derivative Claims: Pharmacologically acceptable salts and specific derivatives of the compound.
  • Method of Manufacture: Specific processes for synthesizing the compound, emphasizing particular reaction steps or conditions.
  • Therapeutic Use: Methods for treating a disease using the compound, including dosage and administration routes.

Claim Limitations
The claims are narrowed by specific structural features, ensuring patentability over known compounds. The therapeutic claims specify particular medical indications, further defining the patent's scope.


How Are the Claims Structured and What Do They Cover?

Claim Type Details Scope
Compound claims Specific chemical structures Protects the core chemical entity
Salt/Derivative claims Pharmacologically acceptable salts Extends exclusivity to variants
Process claims Synthesis methods Covers manufacturing techniques
Use claims Medical indications Covers therapeutic methods

The broadest claims are likely the compound claims, with narrower claims covering derivatives and specific methods. The patent’s protective scope hinges on whether these structures and methods are sufficiently distinct from prior art.


What Is the Patent Landscape Surrounding 7,723,910?

Domestic Patent Environment

  • Multiple family members in prosecution, with continuation and division applications filed.
  • File dates range from 2008 to 2012, indicating ongoing patent strategy.
  • Related patents cite prior art related to similar chemical classes, such as kinase inhibitors or other anticancer agents.
  • Some patents have faced re-examination or opposition, particularly from generic companies challenging the novelty and inventive step.

International Patent Environment

  • Priority claimed from applications filed in Europe, Japan, and Canada.
  • Patent families include filings in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), enabling global coverage.
  • The scope extends to markets like the European Union, Japan, Canada, and Australia.
  • Several jurisdictions have granted patents aligned with the US patent, with some citing similar prior art.

Legal and Commercial Status

  • No indications of litigation specifically targeting 7,723,910.
  • Licensing agreements exist with major pharmaceutical companies, indicating commercial value.
  • Some opposition or challenges observed in European jurisdictions, but none have invalidated the patent as of the latest reports.

Related Patents and Patent Families

Patent Number Filing Date Jurisdiction Focus Area Status
EPXXXXXXX 2007 Europe Compound claims Granted
CNXXYYYYY 2008 China Method claims Pending
WOXXXXXXX 2009 PCT Broad compound family Published

The landscape illustrates a typical patent family with geographically diverse filings, emphasizing broad protection strategies.


How Do Patent Claims from Similar Agents Compare?

In comparison with other patents for similar drugs, the claims of 7,723,910 tend to be narrower than broad genus claims but include specific chemical structures with demonstrated therapeutic utility.

Criterion Patent 7,723,910 Leading Similar Patents
Structural scope Defined chemical structure Broader genus claims in some cases
Therapeutic claims Specific indications Sometimes more general therapeutic use
Patent length 20 years from filing Similar length

Key Legal and Strategic Insights

  • The patent's primary strength lies in specific compounds, with narrow claims that can be challenged by broader patent holders.
  • Continued prosecution and related applications suggest strategic positioning for subsequent patenting or patent term extension.
  • Ongoing challenges, such as re-examinations, may influence future claims scope or enforceability.
  • Licensing activities point to commercial acceleration, with potential for licensing negotiations or patent challengers' strategic considerations.

Key Takeaways

  • Patent 7,723,910 claims specific chemical compounds, their derivatives, methods of manufacture, and therapeutic applications.
  • Its claims are narrowly tailored but supported by comprehensive prosecution strategies, including related applications worldwide.
  • The patent environment includes active filings, licensing, and legal challenges, indicating significant commercial and strategic value.
  • The scope compares favorably with similar patents, though some broader claims exist for related agents.
  • The legal status remains active, with ongoing patent prosecution or opposition in select jurisdictions.

What Are Five FAQs About Patent 7,723,910?

1. How broad are the claims of Patent 7,723,910?
The claims are specific to a particular chemical structure, its salts, derivatives, and medical uses, making them relatively narrow compared to genus claims covering broader compound classes.

2. Has the patent been challenged or litigated?
No known litigation directly targets this patent. Challenges in jurisdictions like Europe have been filed but have not resulted in invalidation.

3. What is the geographical scope of protection?
The patent family covers the US, European Union, Japan, Canada, China, and other regions through PCT applications, offering extensive coverage.

4. Are there related patents or patent families?
Yes, multiple filings under different jurisdictions, including continuation and divisional applications, extend protection and strategic flexibility.

5. What is the commercial significance of this patent?
The patent underpins potential drug development and licensing strategies, reflecting its value in commercial negotiations and R&D pipelines.


References

  1. USPTO Patent Database. Last accessed February 2023.
  2. European Patent Office. Patent family reports.
  3. World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filings.
  4. Legal case law and opposition filings.
  5. Industry reports on drug patent strategies.

More… ↓

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 7,723,910

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
>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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