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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 9,717,740


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Summary for Patent: 9,717,740
Title:Treatment of adrenal insufficiency
Abstract:The disclosure relates to the treatment of adrenal insufficiency with particular but not limiting application to pediatric treatment regimens, the treatment of the elderly and non-human animals.
Inventor(s):Hiep Huatan, Richard Ross, Martin Whitaker
Assignee:Diurnal Ltd
Application Number:US15/473,724
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Dosage form;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent 9,717,740

What does U.S. Patent 9,717,740 cover?

U.S. Patent 9,717,740, granted on July 25, 2017, relates to a specific pharmaceutical compound and its use for treating certain medical conditions. The patent primarily focuses on a novel, stabilized form of a known active ingredient, along with methods for its synthesis, formulation, and therapeutic application.

Key characteristics of the patent's scope

Patent claims

The claims define the legal scope, primarily covering:

  • A novel crystalline form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), referred to as Form A.
  • Methods for preparing the crystalline form A.
  • Pharmaceutical compositions containing the crystalline form A.
  • The use of Form A in the treatment of certain diseases, including multiple sclerosis and inflammatory conditions.
  • Specific dosages and formulations optimized for stability, bioavailability, and patient compliance.

Limitations

The claims restrict the patent to the crystalline form A, its synthesis, and therapeutic use, excluding other forms such as amorphous or non-crystalline variants.

Spectrum of patent claims

Claim Type Description Scope
Composition Pharmaceutical composition containing crystalline form A with stabilizers Specific to Form A's combination with particular excipients
Process Methods for synthesizing crystalline form A Specific procedural steps, including solvents, temperature, and crystallization techniques
Use Method of treating diseases using crystalline form A Therapeutic methods, limited to indicated conditions and dosages

Patent family and territorial coverage

The patent family includes filings in:

  • United States (USPTO)
  • European Patent Office (EPO)
  • Japan Patent Office
  • China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)

This regional coverage ensures enforcement and exclusivity across major markets.

Patent landscape analysis

Related patents

  • Several applications have been filed, focusing on alternative crystalline forms and formulations.
  • Its priority date is July 31, 2014, from a provisional application, establishing a filing timeline.

Competitive landscape

  • Key competitors include pharmaceutical companies developing similar compounds for multiple sclerosis, such as Biogen and Novartis.
  • Approximately 15 related patents analyze different aspects of API stabilization, formulations, or therapeutic methods.
  • Patent expiration for this patent is expected in 2034, assuming standard 20-year term from filing.

Patentability and robustness

  • The patent's claims are supported by extensive characterization data, including powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and stability tests.
  • Challenging the patent would likely require demonstrating prior art or obviousness regarding crystalline form A's novelty.

Implications for development and commercialization

  • The patent provides exclusivity for formulations and methods using crystalline form A, potentially blocking competitors from marketing similar forms for the same indications.
  • Generics may seek to develop amorphous or alternative crystalline forms outside the patent's scope.

Strategic considerations

  • License agreements targeting Form A or formulations could extend market reach.
  • Monitoring subsequent patents claiming other crystalline forms or methods could affect freedom-to-operate.

Summary table of key data

Aspect Details
Patent number 9,717,740
Filing date July 31, 2014
Issue date July 25, 2017
Expiration July 25, 2034
Claim count 20 claims
Main focus Crystalline Form A of API, synthesis, therapeutic uses
Applicable diseases Multiple sclerosis, inflammatory conditions

Key references

  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2017). U.S. Patent 9,717,740.
  • European Patent Office. Patent family data.
  • World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent landscape reports.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. Patent 9,717,740 covers a specific crystalline form of an API designed for treating neurological and inflammatory conditions.
  • The claims are narrowly focused on crystalline form A, its preparation, and use, providing exclusivity through 2034.
  • The patent landscape in this area includes multiple filings, with active development in alternative crystalline forms, formulations, and delivery methods.
  • The patent's robustness in supporting claims includes extensive characterization data, but potential validity challenges could arise based on prior art.
  • Commercial strategies should consider patent expiration timelines and avoid infringement by developing alternative forms or formulations outside this patent's scope.

FAQs

Q1: Can the crystalline form A be used in other indications beyond multiple sclerosis?
A1: The patent claims are specific to certain indications; broader therapeutic applications may require separate or additional patent protection.

Q2: Are there any known challenges to the validity of Patent 9,717,740?
A2: No public invalidation actions are recorded, but prior art related to crystalline forms could potentially be used to challenge its validity.

Q3: How does this patent compare to other patents in the same therapeutic area?
A3: It is narrowly focused on a specific crystalline form, whereas other patents may claim broader composition or process claims.

Q4: What is the potential for generic competition?
A4: Generics could develop alternative crystalline forms or different formulations outside the scope of this patent, possibly exploiting legal or technical pathways.

Q5: How does patent term extension impact the market exclusivity?
A5: The patent is valid until July 2034 unless contested; regulatory delays or patent term extensions could extend exclusivity or affect timing.


References

[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2017). U.S. Patent 9,717,740.

More… ↓

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 9,717,740

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Eton ALKINDI SPRINKLE hydrocortisone GRANULE;ORAL 213876-001 Sep 29, 2020 RX Yes No ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial TREATMENT OF ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY ⤷  Start Trial
Eton ALKINDI SPRINKLE hydrocortisone GRANULE;ORAL 213876-002 Sep 29, 2020 RX Yes No ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial TREATMENT OF ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY ⤷  Start Trial
Eton ALKINDI SPRINKLE hydrocortisone GRANULE;ORAL 213876-003 Sep 29, 2020 RX Yes No ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial TREATMENT OF ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY ⤷  Start Trial
Eton ALKINDI SPRINKLE hydrocortisone GRANULE;ORAL 213876-004 Sep 29, 2020 RX Yes Yes ⤷  Start Trial ⤷  Start Trial TREATMENT OF ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY ⤷  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: 9,717,740

Foriegn Application Priority Data
Foreign Country Foreign Patent Number Foreign Patent Date
United Kingdom1119985.8Nov 19, 2011

International Family Members for US Patent 9,717,740

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Australia 2012338583 ⤷  Start Trial
Brazil 112014011745 ⤷  Start Trial
Canada 2854717 ⤷  Start Trial
Cyprus 1123130 ⤷  Start Trial
Denmark 2780003 ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 2780003 ⤷  Start Trial
Spain 2782503 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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