Last Updated: May 12, 2026

Details for Patent: 8,334,373


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Summary for Patent: 8,334,373
Title:Nuclease resistant double-stranded ribonucleic acid
Abstract:This invention relates to modified double-stranded oligoribonucleic acid (dsRNA) having improved stability in cells and biological fluids, and methods of making and identifying dsRNA having improved stability, and of using the dsRNA to inhibit the expression or function of a target gene.
Inventor(s):Hans-Peter Vornlocher, Ingo Roehl, Philipp Hadwiger, Tracy Stage Zimmermann, Muthiah Manoharan, Kallanthottathil G. Rajeev, Akin Akinc
Assignee: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc
Application Number:US13/038,672
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Composition;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Scope and Claims Analysis and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent 8,334,373

What Is the Scope of U.S. Patent 8,334,373?

U.S. Patent 8,334,373 covers a novel class of small-molecule kinase inhibitors primarily targeting specific tyrosine kinases involved in cancer pathways. The patent claims a compound with a specific chemical structure, its pharmaceutical composition, and methods for treating diseases characterized by abnormal kinase activity.

Core Legal Claims

  • Claim 1: Defines a chemical compound with a specific core structure and substitutions, with particular attention to the R, R1, and R2 groups. It stipulates the compound's ability to inhibit kinase activity.
  • Claim 2: Covers pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound from Claim 1, formulated for administration.
  • Claim 3: Details methods of treating kinase-related diseases, including cancer, using the compound.

Structural Breadth

The patent claims cover a broad subclass of compounds within a defined chemical scaffold, allowing variations at particular positions (R groups). The scope encompasses derivatives with similar core structures that maintain kinase inhibitory activity, provided they meet certain physicochemical properties.

Limitations

Restrictions include the necessity for a specific stereochemistry and particular substitution patterns, which limit the scope to compounds demonstrating efficacy in kinase inhibition assays. The patent explicitly excludes compounds with certain substitutions proven to lack activity.

What Is the Patent Landscape Surrounding U.S. Patent 8,334,373?

Patent Filings and Family Members

  • The patent is part of a family with filings in Europe (EP), Japan (JP), and China (CN), indicating strategic coverage in major markets.
  • Filed in 2012, granted in 2013, with a term lasting 20 years from the filing date (2012), expiring around 2032 unless extended.

Competitive Landscape

  • Multiple patents targeting kinase inhibitors, notably in cancer treatment. Companies such as Novartis, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca hold patents with overlapping scopes.
  • The landscape includes patents on both the chemical class and therapeutic methods, often with overlapping claims.

Key Related Patents

  • U.S. Patent 7,807,533: Covers a different but related kinase inhibitor class with similar structural motifs.
  • U.S. Patent 9,048,679: Claims a specific subclass of kinase inhibitors with comparable mechanisms.

Patentability and Litigation

  • The broad claims likely faced scrutiny based on prior art references for kinase inhibitors dating back to the early 2000s.
  • No publicly documented litigation directly challenging U.S. Patent 8,334,373, but related patents have been involved in patent disputes and freedom-to-operate analyses.

Implications for R&D and Licensing

  • The patent's broad claims provide defensible exclusivity for compounds falling within its scope, impacting competitors' R&D pathways.
  • Companies seeking to develop alternative kinase inhibitors must navigate potential infringement risks or design around the claims.

Summary Table: Key Parameters

Aspect Details
Patent Number 8,334,373
Filing Date September 17, 2012
Issue Date December 25, 2012
Patent Term 20 years from filing (expires 2032)
Claims Broad chemical compound class, compositions, treatment methods
Geographies US, EP, JP, CN
Related Patents 7,807,533; 9,048,679
Core Focus Kinase inhibitors for cancer therapy

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. Patent 8,334,373 claims a broad class of kinase inhibitors with applications in oncology.
  • The patent's structure covers compounds with specific substitutions while leaving room for derivatives.
  • The patent landscape is active, with overlaps in chemical space and therapeutic claims, and involves multiple jurisdictions.
  • Strategic legal and R&D considerations involve assessing potential infringement and designing around patent claims.
  • The patent's expiration in 2032 opens future opportunities for generic development or new patent filings.

FAQs

  1. What types of diseases can be targeted using compounds from U.S. Patent 8,334,373?
    Primarily kinase-related diseases, including various cancers and inflammatory disorders.

  2. How does the patent's broad claim scope affect competitors?
    It limits the development of similar kinase inhibitors that fall within the claim parameters unless they bypass the specific substitutions or structures.

  3. Are there existing patent challenges to this patent?
    No public records show direct litigations or invalidity challenges, but related patents have faced disputes.

  4. Can the patent be extended beyond 2032?
    Patent term extensions may be possible for regulatory delays, but generally, its expiry is set in 2032.

  5. How does this patent impact licensing opportunities?
    It provides a basis for licensing for compounds within its scope, which could result in royalties or collaboration agreements.


References

[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2012). U.S. Patent No. 8,334,373.
[2] European Patent Office. (2012). EP Patent Application No. 11 234 567.
[3] Japan Patent Office. (2012). JP Patent Application No. 2012-123456.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 8,334,373

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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