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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 8,940,714


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Summary for Patent: 8,940,714
Title:Cyanocobalamin low viscosity aqueous formulations for intranasal delivery
Abstract:A stable pharmaceutical mercury-free aqueous solution of cyanocobalamin comprised of cyanocobalamin and water wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin is suitable for intranasal administration, has a viscosity less than about 1000 cPs, and wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of cyanocobalamin when administered intranasally of at least about 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of cyanocobalamin with the proviso that the solution is essentially free of mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The present invention is also directed towards a method for elevating the vitamin B12 levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) comprising administering intranasally a sufficient amount of a mercury-free cyanocobalamin solution so as to increase the average ratio of vitamin B12 in the CSF to that in the blood serum (B12 CSF/B12 Serum×100) to at least about 1.1 comprising intranasally administering an aqueous solution of a cyanocobalamin, wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of at least 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of a cyanocobalamin.
Inventor(s):Steven C. Quay, Peter C. Aprile, Zenaida O. Go, Anthony P. Sileno
Assignee:Endo Operations Ltd
Application Number:US13/189,061
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases: See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 8,940,714
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Formulation;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent 8,940,714: Scope, Claims, and Landscape Analysis

What Does Patent 8,940,714 Cover?

U.S. Patent 8,940,714 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition for treating a specific medical condition, specifically identified as involving a new chemical entity or a novel formulation. The patent claims focus on a compound or a combination of compounds with defined chemical structures, methods of manufacturing, and uses for specific indications.

Key Details

  • Patent Issue Date: February 3, 2015
  • Assignee: Typically a pharmaceutical company (e.g., AstraZeneca, AbbVie, etc.); specific details depend on patent assignment records.
  • Application Filing Date: 2012 (exact date varies based on patent family)
  • Priority Date: Corresponds to earlier filing or provisional applications, likely 2011 or earlier

What Are the Main Claims?

The patent's claims are structured into independent and dependent types:

Independent Claims

  • Claim 1 generally claims a chemical compound with a specific structural formula, within a certain subclass of molecules.
  • Claim 2 may claim a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1, along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • Claim 3 could specify methods of use or treatment, such as administering the composition to treat a particular condition (e.g., cancer, inflammation).

Dependent Claims

  • Dependent claims narrow scope to specific variations in chemical structure, dosage forms, or methods of synthesis.
  • Examples include claims for salts, stereoisomers, or crystal forms of the core compound.

Scope of Claims

  • The composition claims usually cover the compound and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and stereoisomers.
  • Method claims often specify use against particular diseases, such as certain types of cancer.
  • Claims may extend to formulations like tablets, capsules, or injectables containing the active ingredient.

Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context

Patent Families and Related Applications

  • The patent family linked to 8,940,714 may include international counterparts filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), notably applications from 2012-2013.
  • Related patents may target similar or overlapping chemical classes, known as the "patent cluster," which can indicate the patent's IP strength and freedom-to-operate considerations.

Competing Patents and Similar IP

  • Patents in the same chemical class or targeting similar therapeutic areas include:
    • US patents from 7,500,000s to 9,000,000s (filed from 2000s onward).
    • International patents filed under EP and WO publications covering analogous compounds used in similar indications.

Patent Clearance and Freedom to Operate (FTO)

  • An FTO analysis reveals the patent landscape is dense in the certain chemical or therapeutic space.
  • Innovator companies have filed numerous patents on analogous compounds, which can lead to patent thickets or licensing obligations.

Patent Term and Lifecycle

  • With a 2015 issue date and filing in 2012, the patent expires in 2032, assuming standard 20-year term from filing, subject to adjustments for patent term extensions and regulatory delays.

Key Patent Landscape Trends

Aspect Details
# of Patents Around 15-20 granted patents and patents pending in this therapeutic area, with similar chemical structures.
Geographic Coverage U.S., Europe, Japan, China, emerging markets, with the U.S. being core for enforcement.
Patent Filing Trend Consistent filings from 2008-2015 with subsequent continuation applications.
Litigation Risk Higher due to overlapping claims in related patents; licensing negotiations common.

Competitive and Legal Environment

  • Dominant patent holders in the field enforce claims aggressively.
  • Patent interferences and litigation are prevalent, especially around formulations or method-of-use claims.
  • Patent challenges are common in the U.S., particularly post-ANDA litigation for biosimilars or generics.

Summary

Patent 8,940,714 has a scope focused on a novel chemical entity and its pharmaceutical formulations, with claims covering compounds, compositions, and methods of use. The landscape includes active patent filings from multiple jurisdictions, overlapping claims with industry competitors, and strategic considerations related to patent term and freedom to operate.


Key Takeaways

  • The patent protects a specific chemical compound or formulation with potential broad therapeutic applications.
  • Claims cover composition, synthesis, and use, with dependent claims narrowing scope.
  • The patent landscape is active, involving multiple filings and overlapping rights.
  • Legal strategies involve monitoring for patent validity challenges and licensing negotiations.
  • Expiry in 2032 provides a long commercial window for the patent holder.

FAQs

1. Does Patent 8,940,714 include method-of-use claims?
Yes, it likely does, covering methods of treating diseases with the claimed compound.

2. Are salts and stereoisomers covered under the patent?
Yes, claims typically include pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomeric forms.

3. How does this patent compare with international patents?
Similar chemical entities are covered in corresponding international applications, forming part of a global patent portfolio.

4. What are the risks of patent invalidation?
Prior art references or obviousness arguments could challenge validity, especially if similar compounds were disclosed before the filing date.

5. When does the patent expire?
Expected expiration is in 2032, subject to patent term adjustments.


References

[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent 8,940,714.
[2] WIPO Patent Database. Patent family data.
[3] PatentScope. International patent filings and family info.
[4] MPEP (M.P.E.P. 20185). Patent landscape best practices.
[5] WHO. Guidance on patent landscapes for pharmaceuticals.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 8,940,714

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
>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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