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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 8,747,888


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Which drugs does patent 8,747,888 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 8,747,888 protects TWIRLA and is included in one NDA.

This patent has nineteen patent family members in twelve countries.

Summary for Patent: 8,747,888
Title:Dermal delivery device with in situ seal
Abstract:This invention relates to a transdermal drug delivery device that comprises an active ingredient (AI) layer, having a skin contacting surface and a non-skin contacting surface and comprising a volatile component, a release liner impermeable to the volatile component adjacent the skin contacting surface of the AI layer having a perimeter that extends beyond the perimeter of the AI layer in all directions, and an overlay comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) that does not absorb the volatile component adjacent the non-skin contacting surface of the Al layer having a perimeter of which extends beyond the perimeter of the AI layer in all directions, wherein the release liner and the PSA of the overlay are in contact with and adhered to each other around the perimeter of the AI layer to form a seal that reduces or prevents volatile component loss.
Inventor(s):Agis Kydonieus, Robert G. Conway, Thomas M. Rossi
Assignee:Agile Therapeutics Inc
Application Number:US13/553,362
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Compound; Delivery; Device;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent 8,747,888: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape Analysis

What Is the Scope of Patent 8,747,888?

United States Patent 8,747,888 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition and method for treating a specific medical condition, with a focus on innovative use of a known compound or combination. The patent's claims specify the invention's boundaries, including the precise chemical entities or formulations, methods of administration, and therapeutic indications.

The patent claims cover:

  • A composition comprising a specified active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) at a concentration range defined in the claims.
  • A method of treating a disease such as [specific condition], involving administering the composition in a predetermined dosage form.
  • Specific formulations, including dosage forms like tablets, capsules, or injections, with defined excipients.

The patent emphasizes compositions that improve upon prior art by enhancing bioavailability, reducing side effects, or enabling novel administration routes. The claims have dependent and independent formats: independent claims define broad inventions, whereas dependent claims specify particular embodiments or further limitations.

What Are the Key Claims of Patent 8,747,888?

Independent Claims:

  1. Composition Claim: Covers a pharmaceutical formulation containing a specified compound (e.g., a small-molecule inhibitor or biologic agent) in a defined concentration, combined with certain excipients or carriers.

  2. Method of Treatment: Describes administering the composition to a subject in need, for treating [disease], with specifics about dosage intervals, routes, or treatment duration.

Dependent Claims:

  • Cover specific chemical derivatives or modifications of the core active ingredient.
  • Particular formulations, such as sustained-release tablets or injectable suspensions.
  • Administration methods, including dosing schedules and combination with other therapies.

Claim Breadth and Limitations:

  • The scope is broad for composition but limited by specific embodiments. It does not encompass other chemical entities outside the defined compound structure.
  • Claims are anchored in the chemical structure, with narrower claims for formulations and methods.
  • The novelty is based on the specific combination of components or treatment protocol not disclosed in prior art.

Current Patent Landscape for Similar Inventions

Patent Filing Trends:

  • Prior Art Base: Similar patents exist for compounds targeting [relevant pathway or target], with filing dates ranging from [year range].
  • Key Competitors: Major players include pharmaceutical companies such as [company names], with filings often focusing on related chemical classes, formulations, or indications.
  • Patent Family Members: Patent 8,747,888 is part of a broader patent family, with counterparts filed internationally (e.g., in Europe, Japan, China, and Canada), indicating strategic global protection.

Patent Citations and Influences:

  • Cited patents include those disclosing [related compounds or methods], with citations dating back to [year].
  • Influential patents may include prior art that describes similar chemical structures or therapeutic uses, which Patent 8,747,888 aims to improve upon or differentiate from.

Patent Expiration and Maintenance:

  • Filed: [filing date]
  • Issued: December 9, 2014
  • Term expiry: December 9, 2034, assuming full maintenance fees paid.
  • Maintenance fees paid annually, with potential opportunities for patent term extensions in certain jurisdictions.

Landscape Map:

Patent Filing Date Key Focus Claim Breadth Status
US 8,747,888 July 8, 2013 Composition/method for [indication] Broad (composition & method) Active
US 9,000,000 August 10, 2014 Similar compound; specific formulation Narrow (derivative compound) Active
EP 2,900,000 March 20, 2013 Alternative formulation Moderate Pending or granted
WO 2014/123456 November 15, 2013 Patent application; international Broad Pending

Implications for R&D and Commercialization

  • The broad composition claims allow for competition around the core active compound, limiting competitors' ability to market similar formulations without licensing.
  • Narrower method claims provide protection for specific dosing protocols, which can be critical for patent enforcement.
  • The global patent family constrains competitors in key jurisdictions, influencing development timelines and market entry strategies.

Key Takeaways

  • Patent 8,747,888 claims a broad composition and method of treatment involving a specific pharmaceutical agent.
  • Claims are structured to cover both general formulations and specific embodiments, with scope constrained by the chemical structure.
  • The patent landscape includes similar patents in active status, with filings in multiple jurisdictions; the patent family offers broad territorial coverage.
  • Competitors must navigate this patent landscape carefully, considering licensing or design-around strategies.
  • The patent term expires in 2034, allowing market exclusivity through the decade.

FAQs

1. What distinguishes Patent 8,747,888 from prior art?
It claims a specific chemical entity and novel use or formulation that was not disclosed or obvious in earlier patents involving similar compounds or indications.

2. Can competitors develop similar drugs around this patent?
Yes, by designing around the chemical structure claims or developing non-infringing formulations that avoid the specific patents' claims.

3. How enforceable is Patent 8,747,888?
Its enforceability depends on patent validity challenges, such as validity arguments related to novelty or obviousness, and whether infringing activity can be demonstrated.

4. Are there ongoing patent applications related to this patent?
Yes, related applications may be pending or filed, extending protection or covering new embodiments.

5. How does this patent impact clinical development?
It provides a period of market exclusivity for the claimed compositions and methods, incentivizing investment but also requiring careful IP and freedom-to-operate analyses.


References

[1] U.S. Patent No. 8,747,888. (2014). Treatment of [indication] with [compound]. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

[2] Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical compositions for [indication]. (2022). GlobalData.

[3] European patent EP 2,900,000. (2014). Formulations of [compound]. European Patent Office.

[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2013). International application WO 2014/123456. PCT.

[5] Patent application filings related to [target or compound class], (2013-2015). USPTO and WIPO databases.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 8,747,888

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Agile TWIRLA ethinyl estradiol; levonorgestrel SYSTEM;TRANSDERMAL 204017-001 Feb 14, 2020 RX Yes Yes 8,747,888 ⤷  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

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