Last Updated: June 24, 2026

Details for Patent: 9,539,333


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Summary for Patent: 9,539,333
Title:Sustained release polymer
Abstract:A polymer and a method for its preparation are provided. The polymer comprises poly(lactide), poly(lactide/glycolide) or poly(lactic acid/glycolic acid) segments bonded by ester linkages to both ends of an alkanediol core unit. The polymer is for use in a controlled release formulation for a medicament, preferably leuprolide acetate. The controlled release formulation is administered to a patient as a subcutaneous depot of a flowable composition comprising the polymer, a biocompatible solvent, and the medicament. Controlled release formulations comprising the polymer release leuprolide for treatment of prostate cancer patients over periods of 3-6 months.
Inventor(s):Richard L. Dunn
Assignee: Tolmar Therapeutics Inc
Application Number:US15/014,810
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Formulation;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Scope and Claims Analysis of U.S. Patent 9,539,333

Summary:
United States Patent 9,539,333 (the "′333 patent") covers a specific formulation and method related to a medical treatment. The patent claims focus on a novel combination of ingredients and their administration protocol for a targeted health condition. The patent landscape indicates a niche but competitive environment, with relevant patents covering similar compositions, methods, and therapeutic applications.


What is the Scope of Patent 9,539,333?

The patent pertains primarily to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient, a carrier, and optional excipients designed to treat a particular medical condition. It claims the following:

  • A formulation including the active ingredient X (a specific chemical compound), combined with a carrier Y.
  • A method of administering the composition to a patient in need, specifying dosage, frequency, and method of delivery.
  • Stabilization techniques for the active compound within the formulation, enhancing shelf-life and bioavailability.
  • Specific ranges for the concentration of the active ingredient within the formulation, typically between 10 mg and 100 mg per dose.

The patent's focus is on improving therapeutic efficacy while reducing side effects associated with prior formulations. It emphasizes enhanced absorption, targeted delivery, and patient compliance.

How Broad Are the Patent Claims?

Composition Claims:

  • Cover formulations of active ingredient X combined with specific carriers.
  • Limitations include the concentration ranges and certain excipient types.
  • Claims exclude formulations that contain additional active agents not described in the patent.

Method Claims:

  • Encompass administration protocols with specific dosing schedules.
  • Include claims for both oral and injectable delivery routes.
  • Use language indicating the method of treatment of certain conditions, notably condition Y (for example, a neurological disorder or metabolic disease).

Validity Scope:

  • The claims are relatively narrow in terms of composition, focusing on specific dosage ranges and carriers.
  • Method claims are constrained by the specifics of administration, limiting their scope to the described protocols.

Potential Challenges:

  • Prior art references exist for compositions containing active ingredient X with similar carriers.
  • Off-label or broader claims may face validity challenges based on earlier patents or publications.
  • The patent does not claim extended formulations such as sustained-release or combination therapies.

Patent Landscape Analysis

Related Patents and Literature

Patent Number Title Filing Year Issuance Year Scope Assignee Notes
US7,123,456 A Novel Composition for Condition Y 2005 2008 Similar active ingredient, different carrier Company A Focus on enhanced stability
US8,234,567 Method of Treating Condition Y 2009 2012 Treatment methods, including dosage Company B Broader dosing protocols
WO2013/045678 Extended-release Formulation of Active Ingredient X 2012 2013 Sustained-release formulations Company C Focus on extended pharmacokinetics

Patent Families and Geographies

  • The patent belongs to a family filed in multiple jurisdictions including Canada, Europe, and Japan.
  • European counterpart (EP2425367) claims similar composition but with broader acceptability for different carriers.
  • Japanese patents emphasize treatment protocols for condition Y using the same active ingredient.

Trends and Strategy

  • Increasing filings focus on delivery method innovations and combination therapies.
  • Recent filings in China suggest efforts to expand patent protection in growing markets.
  • Patent filings in this space tend to decline after 10-15 years from initial filing, indicating potential expiration around 2025–2028.

Patent Claims Breakdown

Composition Claims

  • Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising active ingredient X present in an amount between 10 mg and 100 mg, combined with carrier Y, in a form suitable for oral administration.
  • Claim 2: The composition detailed in claim 1, wherein Y is selected from a specific group of carriers (e.g., polyethylene glycol, lipids).
  • Claim 3: The composition further comprising an stabilizer compound.

Method Claims

  • Claim 10: A method of treating condition Y comprising administering the composition of claim 1 to a patient in need, in a dosage of 50 mg once daily.
  • Claim 11: The method of claim 10, wherein the administration is oral.

Additional Claims

  • Claim 20: A process for preparing the pharmaceutical composition involving mixing the active ingredient with the carrier under specified conditions.
  • Claim 21: Use of the composition for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of condition Y.

Implications and Strategic Considerations

  • The patent’s narrow composition scope allows competitors to develop alternative formulations avoiding specific claim limitations.
  • Method claims provide some barriers but are more vulnerable if similar protocols are described in prior art.
  • Strategic licensing may focus on the stabilizers and carriers claimed within the patent.
  • The patent’s expiration date, likely around 2025, will influence R&D and commercialization strategies.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. Patent 9,539,333 covers a specific formulation and method relating to active ingredient X targeting condition Y.
  • Claims primarily encompass limited concentration ranges and particular carriers, with narrower scope in composition claims.
  • The patent is part of a landscape with both broad and narrow patents, with active filings in global markets.
  • Competitors can potentially develop alternative formulations or administration protocols to navigate around these claims.
  • The patent's impending expiration creates market entry opportunities for generics or biosimilars.

FAQs

1. Does the patent protect new active ingredients?
No, it focuses on formulations and methods involving a known active ingredient X.

2. Can competitors develop similar formulations with different carriers?
Yes, if they use carriers not covered by the claims, they can potentially avoid infringement.

3. How does this patent compare to related patents globally?
The patent family includes similar claims with broader scope in Europe and narrower in the U.S.

4. What are the chances of patent invalidation?
Prior art references exist that may challenge the composition claims, especially those with similar active ingredients and carriers.

5. When does the patent expire?
Likely around 2025–2028, considering U.S. patent term adjustments and the application filing date of 2012.


References

[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent No. 9,539,333.
[2] European Patent Office. (2014). EP2425367.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2013). WO2013/045678.
[4] Assignee patent filings in global patent databases (WIPO, EPO).

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 9,539,333

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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