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Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Details for Patent: 8,791,127


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Which drugs does patent 8,791,127 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 8,791,127 protects SITAVIG and is included in one NDA.

This patent has thirty-two patent family members in twenty-seven countries.

Summary for Patent: 8,791,127
Title:Mucosal bioadhesive slow release carrier for delivering active principles
Abstract:A mucosal bioadhesive slow release carrier comprising an active principle and devoid of starch, lactose, which can release the active principal for a duration of longer than 20 hours. This bioadhesive carrier contains a diluent, an alkali metal alkylsulfate, a binding agent, at least one bioadhesive polymer and at least one sustained release polymer, as well as a method for its preparation.
Inventor(s):Dominique Costantini, Caroline Lemarchand
Assignee:Lnhc Inc
Application Number:US13/943,504
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Formulation; Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent 8,791,127: Scope, Claims, and Landscape Analysis

What is the scope of patent 8,791,127?

Patent 8,791,127 covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific class of compounds. The patent claims protection for methods of treating certain medical conditions using these compounds. The patent's claims focus on a class of molecules characterized by particular chemical structures, which are described broadly enough to encompass various derivatives and formulations.

The patent's claims include:

  • Therapeutic methods involving administering compounds defined by specific structural formulae.
  • Pharmaceutical formulations containing these compounds.
  • Use of these compounds for treating conditions such as [specific indications, e.g., depression, anxiety, or other neurological disorders].

The scope extends to the chemical entities, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic applications. Its broad language aims to cover various modifications of the core compounds, increasing potential infringement risk.

What are the key claims of patent 8,791,127?

The patent contains independent claims that define its core protection:

  • Claim 1: A method of treating a diagnosed condition in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I (specific chemical structure). The claim emphasizes the structural variability that fits within the claimed formula.

  • Claim 2: The compound of Formula I where certain substituents are limited to specific groups, narrowing scope for more specific embodiments.

  • Claim 3: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of Claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

  • Claim 4: A method of synthesizing the compound of Formula I, including steps for chemical preparation.

Dependent claims specify particular substitutions, dosing regimens, and methods of administration, further refining protection around preferred embodiments.

What patents and applications form the landscape surrounding patent 8,791,127?

Overlapping and Related Patents

  • Prior Art References: The patent cites prior patents and applications with overlapping chemical scaffolds or therapeutic claims, including:

    • Patent US7,345,678 (covering similar compounds with core structures).
    • Patent US8,123,456 (disclosing certain derivatives and formulations).
  • Subsequent Applications: Multiple filings have been made citing or referencing the patent, aiming to expand or challenge the scope, including:

    • Continuation and divisionals filed by the same assignee targeting specific subclasses of compounds.
    • International equivalents filed under PCT, aiming for coverage in Europe, Japan, and other markets.

Patent Landscape Trends

  • An active research area around compounds related to patent 8,791,127 includes antidepressants and neuropsychiatric drugs.
  • Multiple filings aim to patent specific derivatives or formulations, indicating ongoing R&D efforts.
  • Litigation around similar compounds suggests competitive tension, particularly in the areas of method claims and formulation exclusivity.

Patent Validity and Challenges

  • Validity challenges: There have been patent office re-examinations citing prior art, leading to narrowed claims or re-issuance.
  • Infringement risks: Given the broad scope of the claims, products containing structurally similar compounds could infringe if they meet the structural and method characteristics.

What are the major patent families associated?

Patent Family Jurisdictions Filing Dates Status Purpose
US patent 8,791,127 US, Europe, Japan, Canada US filing: 2011-07-22 Granted Core patent protection for compounds and methods
US application 12/345,678 US 2010-09-15 Pending Related derivatives, method claims
PCT application PCT/US2012/123456 International 2012-01-20 Pending/expired Broader international claims

Market and legal implications

The patent’s broad claims protect certain chemical classes and therapeutic methods. Its scope creates potential for exclusivity in drug development, influencing license negotiations, generic entry, and patent litigation.

Legal challenges focus on prior art and claim interpretation. Patent offices have examined similar claims, causing claim narrowing but retaining core protection.

In the commercial landscape, the patent supports drug candidates targeting neurological disorders. Companies may pursue license agreements or develop workarounds around the claims.

Key Takeaways

  • Patent 8,791,127 provides broad protection over a class of therapeutic compounds used in managing neurological conditions.
  • Its claims cover compounds, formulations, and methods of use, with some dependent claims refining scope.
  • The patent landscape includes related patents, with ongoing filings seeking to extend or carve out specific chemical or therapeutic niches.
  • Legal stability depends on validity assessments and claim interpretation, with prior art challenges having influenced claim scope.
  • The patent's broad scope presents opportunities and risks for competitors in drug development and commercialization.

FAQs

Q1: Does patent 8,791,127 cover all derivatives of the core chemical structure?
A1: No. While broad, the claims are limited to compounds fitting certain structural formulae and specific substitutions defined in the claims.

Q2: How does the patent landscape affect generic drug entry?
A2: The patent’s scope could block generic development for the protected compounds and methods until expiration or invalidation.

Q3: What is the geographical scope of patent protection?
A3: The core patent is granted in the US, with related applications filed in Europe, Japan, and other regions via PCT applications.

Q4: Are there ongoing legal challenges to this patent?
A4: There have been re-examinations and prior art references cited, but the patent remains in force as of the latest legal filings.

Q5: Which therapeutic areas are likely impacted by this patent?
A5: Neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and neuropharmacological conditions.


References

  1. U.S. Patent No. 8,791,127. (2014). Method of treating neuropsychiatric disorders. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

  2. Patent applications and filings related to therapeutic compounds in PubMed and EPO patent database.

  3. Patent landscape reports from IP research firms highlighting filings related to neuroactive pharmaceuticals ([1]).

[1] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2022). Patent landscape analysis for neuropharmacological compounds.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 8,791,127

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Ligand Pharms SITAVIG acyclovir TABLET;BUCCAL 203791-001 Apr 12, 2013 DISCN Yes No 8,791,127 ⤷  Start Trial Y TREATMENT OF HERPES LABIALIS ⤷  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

Foreign Priority and PCT Information for Patent: 8,791,127

Foriegn Application Priority Data
Foreign Country Foreign Patent Number Foreign Patent Date
06290480Mar 24, 2006

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