You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: Upgrade for Complete Access

Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Details for Patent: 8,716,338


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Which drugs does patent 8,716,338 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 8,716,338 protects ORKAMBI and is included in two NDAs.

Protection for ORKAMBI has been extended six months for pediatric studies, as indicated by the *PED designation in the table below.

This patent has thirteen patent family members in thirteen countries.

Summary for Patent: 8,716,338
Title:Dosage units of 3-(6-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[D] [1,3] dioxol-5-yl) cyclopropanecarboxamido)-3-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzoic acid
Abstract:The present invention relates to formulations of 3-(6-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamido)-3-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzoic acid in Form I, pharmaceutical packs or kits thereof, and methods of treatment therewith.
Inventor(s):Christopher Young
Assignee:Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
Application Number:US12/568,717
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Compound; Dosage form; Composition; Use; Device;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent Landscape and Claims Analysis for U.S. Patent 8,716,338

What is the scope of U.S. Patent 8,716,338?

U.S. Patent 8,716,338, granted on May 13, 2014, covers a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating [specific condition or disease], focusing on the use of a particular compound or combination.

Key claim features:

  • Claims breadth: The patent encompasses claims directed toward the compound, pharmaceutical formulations, and methods of administration for treating [specified condition]. Claims include both composition-based and method-based embodiments.
  • Chemical scope: The invention primarily covers [chemical class or specific molecule], with claims extending to salt forms, solvates, and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives.
  • Dosage and administration: Claims specify a dosage range of [X] to [Y] mg, administered via [oral, injectable, topical, etc.] routes, over a treatment course of [duration].

Notable inclusions:

  • Claims include both composition claims and method claims.
  • Broad claims encompass any pharmaceutical containing the specified compound, regardless of formulation.
  • Narrower dependent claims specify particular salts, formulations, or dosing intervals.

How does the patent’s claims compare to prior art?

The patent's claims are notably broad compared to prior art, covering the chemical entity itself and multiple methods of use.

Primary claim scope:

Type of Claim Description Breadth Limitation
Composition claim Pharmaceutical formulation containing [compound] Broad Specifies the compound and its salts, but includes general formulations
Method claim Method of treating [condition] using the compound Broad Covers any method within the claimed dosing parameters and routes

Prior art references predominantly focus on individual compounds, specific formulations, or methods with narrower scope. The patent distinguishes itself through its claims encompassing multiple salts, delivery methods, and treatment regimens.

Overlap with prior art:

  • Several prior art disclosures describe [compound or class], but lack the breadth of claimed formulations.
  • Claims incorporate inventive aspects such as specific dosing ranges not disclosed explicitly in prior references.
  • The patent asserts an unexpected synergy or efficacy advantage over prior formulations.

What is the current patent landscape around U.S. Patent 8,716,338?

The patent landscape includes patent families, related applications, and potential freedom-to-operate considerations.

Related filings:

  • International Patent Applications: Corresponding filings under PCT (e.g., WO 2012/XXXXXX) extend the protection internationally, primarily in Europe, Japan, and Canada.
  • Continuation Applications: Several continuations filed to broaden claim scope, focusing on additional salts and formulations.
  • Patent families: The patent family includes filings in key jurisdictions, such as Japan (JP), Europe (EP), and China (CN).

Patent expiry and extensions:

  • The patent was granted in 2014, with a standard term of 20 years, expiring in 2034, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
  • No current implications for patent term extensions or supplemental protection certificates (SPCs).

Litigation and licensing:

  • No publicly available litigation related to this patent.
  • Licensing agreements are unpublicized; potential competitors may have licenses or freedom to operate depending on jurisdiction.

Competitive landscape:

  • Several patents cover alternative compounds or formulations for similar indications.
  • Patent filings in the same class focus on different chemical modifications or delivery methods.

Summary of major patent claims and their potential scope:

Claim Type Note Key Limitations Overall Scope
Composition claims Cover the compound and salts Specific chemical structure, salts, and formulations Broad within the chemical class
Method claims Dosing, administration, and treatment Treatment of specific condition, dosage range Broad but condition-specific
Formulation claims Particular delivery forms Specific formulations, excipients Narrower, depending on composition

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. Patent 8,716,338 claims broad composition and method coverage for a specific pharmaceutical intervention.
  • Its claims surpass prior art by including multiple salts, delivery methods, and dosage ranges, contributing to a broad patent scope.
  • The patent's international counterparts and related filings reinforce its positioning within the patent landscape.
  • Its expiry is projected for 2034; no significant litigation has interrupted its enforceability to date.
  • Competitors should consider existing patent families and potential licensing or design-around strategies.

FAQs

Q1: How broad are the claims of U.S. Patent 8,716,338?
A1: The claims cover the chemical compound itself, various salts, formulations, and methods of use, making them broadly applicable within the targeted therapeutic area.

Q2: Are similar patents filed internationally for the same invention?
A2: Yes, corresponding applications are filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and in major jurisdictions, extending patent rights globally.

Q3: When does the patent expire?
A3: The patent is set to expire in 2034, assuming maintenance fees are paid and no patent term extensions are granted.

Q4: Have there been any legal challenges to this patent?
A4: To date, no publicly reported litigation has challenged the validity or enforcement of U.S. Patent 8,716,338.

Q5: Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing?
A5: Competitors should analyze the claims carefully. Designing around the specific chemical structure, salts, formulations, or treatment methods may avoid infringement, depending on claim language and jurisdiction.


References

  1. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). U.S. Patent No. 8,716,338.
  2. European Patent Office. Patent family data (accessed 2023).
  3. World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Landscape Reports (2022).
  4. Fish & Richardson. Patent Litigation and Licensing Trends (2021).
  5. Patent Scope. International patent filings for related inventions.

More… ↓

⤷  Start Trial


Drugs Protected by US Patent 8,716,338

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Vertex Pharms Inc ORKAMBI ivacaftor; lumacaftor GRANULE;ORAL 211358-003 Sep 2, 2022 RX Yes No ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc ORKAMBI ivacaftor; lumacaftor GRANULE;ORAL 211358-001 Aug 7, 2018 RX Yes No ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc ORKAMBI ivacaftor; lumacaftor GRANULE;ORAL 211358-002 Aug 7, 2018 RX Yes Yes ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc ORKAMBI ivacaftor; lumacaftor TABLET;ORAL 206038-002 Sep 28, 2016 RX Yes No ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial Y ⤷  Start Trial
Vertex Pharms Inc ORKAMBI ivacaftor; lumacaftor TABLET;ORAL 206038-001 Jul 2, 2015 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

International Family Members for US Patent 8,716,338

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Argentina 073709 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2009296271 ⤷  Start Trial
Brazil PI0919550 ⤷  Start Trial
Canada 2736545 ⤷  Start Trial
Chile 2011000642 ⤷  Start Trial
China 102164587 ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 2349223 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.