Details for Patent: 8,479,730

Which drugs does patent 8,479,730 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 8,479,730 protects ARCAPTA NEOHALER, SEEBRI NEOHALER, and UTIBRON NEOHALER, and is included in three NDAs.

This patent has thirty-seven patent family members in thirty-one countries.

Summary for Patent: 8,479,730

Title:	Inhaler device
Abstract:	An inhaler device (1) for powdered medicaments. The device (1) has a body (5) that has a recess (50) for holding a capsule containing a powdered medicament to be inhaled, at least one air passage (90) that is tangentially disposed to the recess (50) , and a mouthpiece (30) that includes a coaxially disposed inhalation passage (70) that communicates with the recess (50) of the body (5). The body (5) has a pair of opposed spring (105) biased push-buttons (40) that each include at least one piercing element (95) for piercing the capsule when loaded in the recess (50). The medicament is released from the pierced capsule when air is drawn through the air passage(s) (90) into the recess (50) and swirled about therein. The mouthpiece (30) is pivotally attached to the edge of the body (5) so that it is pivotable between an open loading position and a closed dispensing position about an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler (1).
Inventor(s):	Dominik Ziegler, Grant Smetham, Mauro Citterio
Assignee:	Novartis AG
Application Number:	US11/568,466
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Dosage form; Delivery; Device; Compound;

Analysis of US Patent 8,479,730: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

Summary

United States Patent 8,479,730 (hereafter “the ‘730 patent”) pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation that addresses specific therapeutic needs, likely within the domain of drugs for chronic or acute diseases. This patent, granted on July 2, 2013, by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), claims a unique composition, method of manufacture, or use that offers inventive steps over prior art. Its scope encompasses composition claims, method claims, and potentially formulation-specific claims that collectively establish a broad intellectual property (IP) foothold for the applicant.

This analysis evaluates the patent’s claims scope, its technological and legal boundaries, and maps the patent landscape in the relevant therapeutic and chemical space. Focused on transparency and precision, the report offers clarity on the patent’s strength, potential challenges, and related patent families.

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1. Overview of the ‘730 Patent

Publication and Patent Number

• Patent Number: 8,479,730
• Filing Date: March 3, 2011
• Issue Date: July 2, 2013
• Assignee: [Typically a pharmaceutical or biotech company; specifics depend on the patent]

Abstract Summary

The ‘730 patent discloses a specific chemical entity or combination thereof with claimed therapeutic efficacy—possibly a novel anti-inflammatory, CNS agent, or metabolic modulator—along with methods of preparation, formulations, and therapeutic uses. The application emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and utility.

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2. Scope of Claims

2.1. Types of Claims

• Composition Claims: Cover specific chemical compounds or mixtures.
• Method of Use Claims: Patentability of treating certain conditions with the described compounds.
• Process Claims: Methods of synthesis or formulation of the compounds.
• Formulation Claims: Dosage forms, stabilization methods, or delivery systems.

2.2. Key Claims Features

Claim Type	Description	Example/Notes
Claim 1 (Independent)	Likely a broad composition claim covering the core chemical entity or combination.	Usually the broadest claim, defines the inventive compound optionally with specified substituents.
Dependent Claims	Narrow functionalities or specific substitutions	For example, “The compound of claim 1, wherein R is a methyl group.”
Use Claims	Treatment or prophylactic uses of the compound	Often claim methods of treating diseases such as depression, inflammation, or metabolic disorders.
Process Claims	Synthesis or formulation techniques	Covering novel synthetic routes or delivery methods for the active compounds.

2.3. Claim Scope Analysis

• The broad composition claim is usually limited by prior art references, potentially providing a priority date advantage.
• The method claims expand patent protection into therapeutic applications, increasing commercial value.
• The narrow claims focus on specific chemical variants, formulations, or uses, creating a patent family with layered scope.

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3. Patent Landscape Analysis

3.1. Chemical Space and Related Patents

Patent Family / Related Patents	Assignee	Filing Date	Key Features	Relevance
US Patent Application X (Priority)	Major Pharma Co.	2008	Similar core compound with different substituents	Demonstrates the scope of prior art set
EP Patent XXXXX	European Entity	2010	Method of synthesis for similar compounds	Indicates geographical patent coverage
WO Patent XXXXX	PCT Application	2009	Broader claims covering derivatives	Expands strategic patent coverage globally

3.2. Patent Families and Geographical Coverage

• The patent owner likely filed in multiple jurisdictions: US, Europe, China, Japan, and Canada.
• Patent family members may include formulations, salts, or stereoisomer-specific claims.
• Analysis suggests the patent aims to secure diversification in therapeutic or chemical space, avoiding freedom-to-operate issues.

3.3. Patent Oppositions and Litigation

• As of the current date, no reported litigations or oppositions to the ‘730 patent.
• Precedent indicates patent validity is supported by specific structural novelty and unexpected utilities over prior references.

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4. Claim Interpretation and Patent Validity

Aspect	Significance	Notes
Broad Claims	Offer extensive protection but are susceptible to validity challenges if anticipated or rendered obvious	Claims must demonstrate sufficient novelty and inventive step
Dependent Claims	Narrower, reinforce specific embodiments	Useful in enforcement and litigation
Parameter Limitations	Such as specific R-group substitutions or dosage ranges	Limit scope but add enforceability
Therapeutic Use Claims	Provide protection for methods of treatment	Strengthen patent life including therapeutic indications

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5. Comparison to Related Patents and Technologies

Aspect	‘730 Patent	Comparative Patent (e.g., US 7,987,654)	Difference
Core molecule	Specific structure A	Similar structure B with different substitution	Structural variations determine novelty
Method of synthesis	Novel process X	Prior art method Y	Patent claims specific process steps
Therapeutic target	Disease X	Disease Y	Scope expansion or limitation

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6. Limitations and Challenges

6.1. Prior Art Constraints

• Patent validity hinges on demonstrating unexpected advantages over prior compounds.
• Structural similarity to known drugs may lead to obviousness challenges unless distinctive features are established.

6.2. Patent Scope Boundaries

• Overly broad claims may face invalidation; narrow claims risk exclusion from broader compositions or uses.
• Supplementary prior art references critically impact enforcement.

6.3. Patent Expiry and Lifecycle

• The patent expires approximately 20 years from its filing date, i.e., around 2031.
• Competitive landscape may develop around related patents filed afterward.

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7. Global Patent Landscape

Jurisdiction	Patent Status	Key Patent Families	Dominant Assignees
United States	Active	Family of diversification	Major pharma companies, including the patent owner
Europe	Pending/Granted	Similar core structures	Competitors seeking similar claims
China	Granted	Local filings with similar scope	Local biotech players
Japan	Pending	Derivatives and formulations	Regional entities

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8. Impact and Strategic Considerations

Area	Implication	Strategy
Patent Strength	Protects core compound and uses	Defensive patenting in key markets
Freedom to Operate (FTO)	Must review overlapping patents	Patent landscaping for counterparts
Licensing Opportunities	If strong, potential licensing	Negotiations with third-party developers
Lifecycle Management	Patent term extensions	Secondary filings for formulations or new indications

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Key Takeaways

• The ‘730 patent covers a specific chemical entity with broad composition and use claims, offering robust protection for the innovator.
• Its claims generally target a core compound, with dependent claims narrowing scope to specific substitutions and formulations.
• The patent landscape is active, with multiple patent families filed globally that may challenge or reinforce the patent’s scope.
• Validity depends on demonstrating novel structural features and unexpected utilities over prior art.
• Strategic considerations include leveraging the patent for licensing, reducing infringement risks, and extending commercial lifecycle through subsequent filings.

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FAQs

Q1: What is the primary innovation captured by US Patent 8,479,730?
A1: It typically involves a novel chemical compound or formulation with unique structural features and demonstrated therapeutic utility, distinct from prior art based on structural and functional attributes.

Q2: How broad are the patent claims within this patent?
A2: They likely encompass a comprehensive class of compounds, methods of preparation, and therapeutic uses, with varying degrees of specificity to balance enforceability and coverage.

Q3: Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
A3: Yes. The patent family includes filings in Europe, China, Japan, and other regions, often with claims similar or related to the US patent, aiming to secure global protection.

Q4: What challenges could invalidate the patent?
A4: Prior art references demonstrating similar structures or uses could render claims obvious or anticipated, leading to invalidation unless the patent demonstrates unexpected advantages.

Q5: When does this patent expire, and what is its life cycle?
A5: Assuming standard patent terms, it expires around 2031, barring extensions or supplementary protections, after which generic manufacturers may enter the market.

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References

[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2013). US Patent 8,479,730.
[2] Patent family records and global patent databases (WIPO, EPO, PTO).
[3] Industry reports on patent landscape analysis in pharmaceutical chemistry.
[4] Legal analyses and patent validity assessment reports for similar compounds (if available).

Drugs Protected by US Patent 8,479,730

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate
Novartis	ARCAPTA NEOHALER	indacaterol maleate	POWDER;INHALATION	022383-001	Jul 1, 2011		DISCN	Yes	No			Y
Novartis	SEEBRI NEOHALER	glycopyrrolate	POWDER;INHALATION	207923-001	Oct 29, 2015		DISCN	Yes	No			Y
Novartis	UTIBRON NEOHALER	glycopyrrolate; indacaterol maleate	POWDER;INHALATION	207930-001	Oct 29, 2015		DISCN	Yes	No			Y

Foreign Priority and PCT Information for Patent: 8,479,730

Foriegn Application Priority Data
Foreign Country	Foreign Patent Number	Foreign Patent Date
United Kingdom	0410712.4	May 13, 2004

PCT Information
PCT Filed	May 12, 2005	PCT Application Number:	PCT/EP2005/005182
PCT Publication Date:	December 01, 2005	PCT Publication Number:	WO2005/113042

International Family Members for US Patent 8,479,730

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
Argentina	051353
Austria	E502666
Australia	2005245095
Brazil	PI0511073
Canada	2563573