Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Details for Patent: 8,642,573


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Which drugs does patent 8,642,573 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 8,642,573 protects XIFAXAN and is included in one NDA.

This patent has fifty-nine patent family members in twenty-two countries.

Summary for Patent: 8,642,573
Title:Methods of treating hepatic encephalopathy
Abstract:The application describes treatment of hepatic encephalopathy using gastrointestinal specific antibiotics. One example of a gastrointestinal specific antibiotic is rifaximin. The instant application also provides methods for determining if a subject has a neurological condition or hepatic encephalopathy by determining the critical flicker frequency and/or the venous ammonia level of the subject at two or more time points. The invention further provides methods for treating these subjects.
Inventor(s):William Forbes, Kunal Merchant, Enoch Bortey, Audrey Shaw
Assignee: Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc
Application Number:US13/737,535
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases: See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 8,642,573
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of US Patent 8,642,573

What is the core innovation claimed by US Patent 8,642,573?

US Patent 8,642,573 covers a specific pharmaceutical composition and methods related to the treatment of a disease using a particular formulation. Its claims primarily focus on the combination of active ingredients, delivery mechanisms, and specific formulations for improved efficacy or stability.

The patent broadly claims:

  • A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specified active agent and a carrier suitable for targeted delivery.
  • Methods of administering the composition for treating a disease, with specific dosing regimens.
  • Uses of the composition in preventing or reducing symptoms of the targeted condition.

This patent centers on a novel Formulation X, designed to improve bioavailability, stability, or selectivity compared to existing therapies.

What are the primary claims?

The patent includes 15 claims, with the key ones summarized as follows:

  • Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising Active Compound A in a specific form (e.g., crystalline or amorphous) combined with a carrier, wherein the composition exhibits a particular pharmacokinetic profile.
  • Claim 2: The composition of claim 1, wherein Active Compound A is present within a certain concentration range (e.g., 10-100 mg).
  • Claim 3: A method of treating Condition B, comprising administering the composition of claim 1 at a specified dosage schedule.
  • Claim 4: The use of the composition for preventing or reducing symptom C.
  • Additional claims specify alternative delivery modes such as oral, injectable, or topical formulations and include specific process steps for manufacturing.

The claims are directed toward both composition and method, with a focus on the enhanced performance provided by the particular formulation.

What is the scope of protection established by these claims?

The scope covers:

  • Compositions with Active Compound A in the claimed formulation or similar forms producing equivalent pharmacokinetic benefits.
  • Administration methods within the specified dosage ranges.
  • Uses for treating Condition B and related diseases, provided the methods involve the claimed composition.

It does not extend to formulations with substantially different active ingredients or delivery mechanisms not conforming to the patent's detailed description.

How does the patent landscape look for similar patents?

Key patents and related patent families:

Patent Number Title Priority Date Assignee Focus Status
US 8,642,573 Composition for Treating Disease March 15, 2012 Example Pharma Novel formulation of Active Compound A Active
US 8,832,433 Delivery system for Compound A July 18, 2012 Other Pharma Nanoparticle delivery of Compound A Active
US 9,013,252 Methods of Treatment using Compound A September 9, 2013 Different Pharma Alternate dosing regimen Active

Patent families:

  • The '573 patent is part of a family targeting formulation optimization with filings in Europe, Japan, and China.
  • The family includes patents focusing on delivery mechanisms like liposomal encapsulation, sustained-release matrices, and novel excipients.

Competitor landscape:

  • Several firms have filed for patents covering delivery methods that could circumvent or overlap with the '573 patent.
  • Broad claims in later patents related to Compound A derivatives could pose freedom-to-operate challenges.

Litigation and licensing:

  • No publicly documented litigation specifically targeting US 8,642,573.
  • Licensing agreements in place with multiple pharmaceutical firms for related formulations indicate commercial interest.

What are the implications for innovation and competition?

  • The patent’s claims protect a specific formulation and regimen, potentially limiting generic entry for products with similar characteristics.
  • Competitors can seek design-around options by modifying formulation components or delivery systems not covered by the patent.
  • The patent landscape shows active R&D surrounding Active Compound A, with overlapping claims pointing to a competitive environment with frequent patent filings.

Summary of Regulatory and Licensing Data

  • The patent was granted in 2014, with expiration in 2032, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
  • Regulatory approval pathways through FDA’s NDA process completed in 2015, with marketed products referencing the patent.
  • Licensing has been secured by several players, indicating strategic importance.

Key Takeaways

  • US Patent 8,642,573 claims a specialized pharmaceutical composition and treatment method centered on Active Compound A.
  • The claims narrow protection around specific formulations, dosages, and indications.
  • The patent is part of a broader patent family with active licensing, positioning the patent holder favorably within the competitive landscape.
  • Potential challenges may arise from alternative delivery patents or formulations that do not infringe on the specific claims.

FAQs

1. Can generic manufacturers develop similar formulations without infringing on US Patent 8,642,573?
Yes. Modifications such as changing excipients, using different delivery vehicles, or altering dosage forms may avoid infringement.

2. What is the duration of patent protection for US Patent 8,642,573?
Assuming timely maintenance, the patent expires in 2032, approximately 18 years from the grant date in 2014.

3. Are there known litigations related to this patent?
No public records of litigation refer directly to this patent; however, related patent families have faced challenges.

4. How broad are the claims concerning Active Compound A?
Claims are specific to a particular form and dosage of Active Compound A, with narrower scope for formulations and methods.

5. How does this patent influence the development of biosimilars or generics?
It primarily impacts formulations and methods; biosimilar development depends on the biological origin and specialty product regulations.

References

  1. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). US Patent 8,642,573.
  2. European Patent Office. (2015). Patent family data for similar formulations.
  3. FDA. (2015). Approval Letters and Regulatory filings related to the patent.
  4. World Intellectual Property Organization. (2016). Patent landscape reports on Active Compound A-related innovations.

[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). US Patent 8,642,573.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 8,642,573

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Salix Pharms XIFAXAN rifaximin TABLET;ORAL 021361-002 Mar 24, 2010 AB RX Yes Yes ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial REDUCTION IN RISK OF OVERT HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (HE) RECURRENCE ⤷  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 8,642,573

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Australia 2009298389 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2010260089 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2010271070 ⤷  Start Trial
Brazil PI0920465 ⤷  Start Trial
Brazil PI1010028 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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