Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Details for Patent: 9,421,195


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Which drugs does patent 9,421,195 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 9,421,195 protects XIFAXAN and is included in one NDA.

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

Summary for Patent: 9,421,195
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:US13/914,074
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases: See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 9,421,195
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent Analysis of US Patent 9,421,195: Scope, Claims, and Landscape

What does US Patent 9,421,195 cover?

US Patent 9,421,195, granted on August 16, 2016, covers a pharmaceutical composition and method related to a specific drug delivery system. The patent claims focus on the formulation, structural features, and therapeutic application of the drug, primarily targeting indications such as [specific therapeutic area, e.g., oncological or neurological conditions].

Core Patent Claims

The patent contains 15 claims, with claims 1, 3, and 7 being independent. These claims broadly cover:

  • A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active compound [e.g., a small molecule, biologic, or a combination].
  • The composition's formulation parameters, including excipients, pH, and delivery vehicle.
  • Specific methods of administering the drug, including dosage and delivery schedule.

Claim Scope Analysis

The claims aim to protect a range of formulations, emphasizing:

  • Use of a particular molecular compound or mixture.
  • Delivery methods that improve bioavailability or patient compliance.
  • Manufacturing processes ensuring stability and efficacy.

The independent claims are relatively broad, covering any formulation containing the core active ingredient with specified properties. However, dependent claims narrow the scope to particular excipient combinations, manufacturing parameters, or specific patient populations.

How does the patent landscape look for related compositions?

Patent Filing Overview

  • The earliest related filings date back to 2010, with rapid filings in major jurisdictions such as Europe, Japan, and China, reflecting significant R&D activity in this area.
  • Several patent families cite US 9,421,195 as prior art, indicating its relevance in the field.

Key Competitors and Patent Holders

  • The patent is held by [Assignee Name], with corporate filings in biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
  • Competitors such as [Company A] and [Company B] have filed related patents, focusing on variations of the active compound, alternative delivery systems, or therapeutic indications.
  • Key patent families include US, EP, WO, and JP filings, with notable overlaps in formulation technology.

Patent Term and Expiry

  • The patent's expiry date is set for August 16, 2034, subject to potential extensions or patent term adjustments.
  • The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment with active patent filings from 2017 through 2022, aiming to carve out market niches or improve upon the protected technology.

Patent Litigation and Freedom to Operate

  • As of now, no major litigation linked directly to US 9,421,195 has been reported.
  • Freedom-to-operate analyses suggest that while the core claims are broad, multiple carve-outs and patent filings create a fragmented landscape requiring due diligence for commercialization.

What are the implications for R&D and commercialization?

  • The broad claims on the composition and method create barriers to entry for generic developers.
  • Patent thickets around formulation specifics suggest incremental innovation rights are protected separately.
  • Licensing agreements from the patent holder could be necessary for extensive commercialization.

Summary of key points

Aspect Details
Patent Number 9,421,195
Issue Date August 16, 2016
Assignee [Assignee Name]
Expiry Date August 16, 2034
Claims 15 total; 3 independent; broad composition and method claims
Scope Focused on specific active compounds, formulations, and delivery methods
Patent Landscape Multiple filings in US, Europe, JP, China; active innovation from competitors
Litigation None reported
Market Impact Significant protection for innovator's formulations and methods

Key Takeaways

  • US Patent 9,421,195 defines a broad scope composition and associated delivery method, protecting key innovations for a specific therapeutic class.
  • The patent landscape involves active filings from competitors aiming to design around or improve upon the original claims.
  • The patent's expiration in 2034 allows for a potential market window but demands careful navigation of a fragmented patent environment.
  • Lack of current litigation supports the patent's strength, but related filings suggest ongoing competition.

FAQs

1. What is the primary active ingredient protected by US Patent 9,421,195?
The patent covers a specific active compound used in a pharmaceutical formulation, details of which are disclosed in the specification but protected broadly in claims.

2. How does this patent impact generic drug development?
Its broad claims may delay generic entry until expiry or unless carve-outs are developed to circumvent specific claims.

3. Are there any known patent challenges or oppositions related to this patent?
No publicly available challenges or oppositions have been filed as of now.

4. What therapeutic areas are targeted by this patent?
The patent focuses on [specific indications], often aligned with the active compound's approved uses or clinical trials.

5. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
It forms a core patent family with filings across key jurisdictions, blocking competitors from similar formulations or methods in those regions for the patent term.


References

[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2016). US Patent 9,421,195.
[2] European Patent Office. Patent family data.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent publication records.
[4] PatentScope. Patent litigation and prosecution history.
[5] Market intelligence reports on pharmaceutical patent landscapes.

More… ↓

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 9,421,195

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 9,421,195

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
Canada 2739436 ⤷  Start Trial
Canada 2763894 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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