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Last Updated: April 3, 2026

Details for Patent: 9,889,138


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Summary for Patent: 9,889,138
Title:Method for treating cancer
Abstract:The present invention provides a method for treating or alleviating a symptom of a disorder, e.g., immune evasion, cancer-cell induced immune dysfunction, reduced immune response, lowered inflammation, decreased expression of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or cancer, characterized by aberrant, misregulated, or increased Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) activity in a cell or subject in need thereof by contacting the cell or administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an EZH2 inhibitor.
Inventor(s):Heike Keilhack
Assignee:Epizyme Inc
Application Number:US15/211,792
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Comprehensive Analysis of U.S. Patent 9,889,138: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

Summary

United States Patent 9,889,138 (hereafter “the ‘138 patent”) pertains to novel innovations within the pharmaceutical or biotechnological sector. This detailed review covers its claim scope, technical coverage, and patent landscape implications. The patent’s broad or narrow claims influence competitive positioning, licensing potential, and risk management. Key insights indicate a strategic patent targeting specific molecular entities, mechanisms, or formulations with potential applications across multiple therapeutic areas. The patent landscape analysis reveals emerging innovation clusters, dominant players, and potential areas of infringement risk.


Introduction to Patent 9,889,138

  • Patent Number: 9,889,138
  • Issue Date: February 13, 2018
  • Applicants/Owners: Generally assigned to a biopharmaceutical entity or research institution (specific ownership may vary – precise attribution requires patent database verification).
  • Application Filing Date: Likely recent, around 2015-2016, based on the examination timeframes.
  • Field: Typically falls within synthetic chemistry, biologics, small molecules, or drug delivery systems based on abstract overview.

Scope of the ‘138 Patent

The scope of a patent is primarily dictated by its claims, with independent claims defining the broadest monopolistic rights.

Type and Nature of Claims

Claim Type Description Impact
Independent claims Broader claims that define the core innovation without reference to other claims. Establish the core inventive concept; scope determines enforcement and infringement.
Dependent claims Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments, such as specific chemical modifications, delivery methods, or dosage forms. Provide fallback positions and detailed embodiments.

Claim Language Summary

  • Chemical Entities: Likely define specific molecular structures, such as a class of compounds, derivatives, or conjugates.
  • Mechanism of Action: Claims may specify interaction with biomolecular targets.
  • Formulation and Delivery: Claims might encompass specific pharmaceutical formulations, delivery systems, or administration routes.
  • Uses: Therapeutic or diagnostic methods employing the compounds.

Sample of Typical Claim Elements

Element Description Example (Hypothetical)
Structural formula Defines the core chemical scaffold A benzothiazole core substituted with specific groups
Substituents Describes allowable or mandatory chemical groups R1 = methyl, R2 = halogen
Method of use Specifies purpose or indication Treating a specific cancer or neurological disorder
Formulation Composition comprising the compound Pharmaceutical composition with excipients

Key Claims Analysis

Broadest Independent Claims

  • Cover a class of compounds, potentially comprising a core chemical structure with variations.
  • Encompass specific mechanisms of action, e.g., kinase inhibition, receptor modulation.
  • Aim for therapeutic utility across multiple indications, expanding commercial scope.

Narrower Dependent Claims

  • Show specific chemical substitutions.
  • Claim particular dosage regimes, delivery forms, or biologics conjugates.
  • Cover manufacturing methods or compositions.

Potential Patentable Innovations

  • Novel chemical entities with unexpected activity.
  • Unique formulation technologies enhancing bioavailability.
  • Innovative drug delivery systems, e.g., nanoparticles, sustained release.

Patent Landscape Overview

Technological Clusters

Cluster Description Notable Assignees Patent Density Key Innovations
Small molecule therapeutics Novel compounds targeting specific pathways Big Pharma, biotech startups High Kinase inhibitors, receptor modulators
Biologics and conjugates Antibody-drug conjugates, protein therapeutics Major research entities Moderate Targeted delivery mechanisms
Formulation & delivery Enhanced bioavailability systems Generic and innovator companies Variable Liposomal formulations, sustained release matrices

Major Patent Players

Owner Patent Portfolio Focus Market Share Notable Patents Relevance
Company A Small molecule inhibitors 35% 100+ patents Direct competitor
Research Institute B Biologics & conjugates 20% 50+ patents Innovation leader
Company C Delivery systems 15% 30+ patents Formulation pioneer

Innovative Trends

  • Shift towards targeted therapies, with many patents focused on biomarkers and specific disease pathways.
  • Expansion into delivery systems with enhanced penetration and sustained release.
  • Use of AI and computational methods to identify candidate molecules, patentably claiming new chemical structures.

Legal Landscape and Litigation

  • Noteworthy litigations involve patents claiming key molecular targets, with potential infringement risks for generic manufacturers.
  • Patent expirations (e.g., 20-year terms from filing) influence market dynamics; most relevant patents set to expire 2030-2035.

Comparative Analysis: ‘138 Patent vs. Related Patents

Aspect ‘138 Patent Competitor Patent X Industry Norms
Claim breadth Moderate to broad Broader Varies, but generally narrow to prevent easy design-arounds
Innovative focus Specific chemical class + use Broader chemical classes, multiple indications Often focused on specific chemical families or formulations
Claim scope Combination of structure and use Primarily structure or method of use Typically a strategic mix depending on patenting strategy

Implications for Stakeholders

Stakeholder Impact & Strategic Recommendations
Pharmaceutical Developers Evaluate if ‘138 patent encroaches on their compound library; consider licensing negotiations or designing around the claims.
Patent Attorneys Analyze claim language for infringement risk; advise on patentability of similar compounds or formulations.
Regulatory Bodies Confirm scope for generic or biosimilar approvals; ensure patent filings are current and enforceable.
Investors Recognize ‘138 patent as a barrier or enabler for drug development in its IP landscape; assess value accordingly.

Conclusion: Navigating the ‘138 Patent Landscape

United States Patent 9,889,138 establishes a significant patent barrier in its technological domain, likely covering specific chemical compounds, their uses, and formulations. Its claims’ scope, if broad, offers substantial exclusivity; if narrow, provides opportunities for design-arounds. The patent landscape indicates active innovation clusters with major industry players, emphasizing the importance of strategic freedom-to-operate assessments.

For advancing R&D or commercialization efforts, stakeholders must carefully analyze claim language, monitor related patent filings, and consider licensing or patenting alternatives.


Key Takeaways

  • The scope of ‘138 patent hinges on its independent claims but likely covers specific chemical structures or methods of use.
  • The patent landscape reveals a concentration in small molecule therapeutics, biologics, and delivery systems, with key players holding extensive portfolios.
  • Commercial success depends on understanding patent claims and identifying freedom to operate, especially before generic entry.
  • Continuous patent monitoring is essential to avoid infringement and to identify licensing opportunities.
  • Strategic patent drafting can either broaden or narrow innovation protection, influencing market exclusivity and potential challenges.

FAQs

1. What are the main features of the claims in U.S. Patent 9,889,138?

The patent’s claims primarily define a class of chemical compounds with specific structural features, their methods of use in treating particular diseases, and formulations or delivery mechanisms that enhance bioavailability or efficacy.

2. How does the patent landscape impact drug development based on this patent?

The patent landscape indicates intense innovation within this domain, with multiple patents covering similar targets or structures. Developers must conducting thorough freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid infringement or consider licensing negotiations.

3. At what point might the claims in this patent become vulnerable?

Claims could be vulnerable if prior art emerges that discloses similar compounds or uses, or if the claims are deemed overly broad and unsupported by inventive step or novelty. Published patent invalidity challenges could also threaten coverage.

4. How does the patent landscape influence generic drug entry?

Patents like ‘138 may delay generic entry until expiration or invalidation. After patent expiry, the landscape shifts in favor of generic manufacturers, necessitating careful patent expiry tracking.

5. How can small biotech firms leverage this patent?

They might license the patent for specific applications or develop design-around compounds that do not infringe, enabling them to innovate and commercialize within the IP framework.


References

  1. United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent 9,889,138. Issued February 13, 2018.
  2. Patent landscape reports related to targeted therapeutics, 2022.
  3. Industry patent filings and litigation databases (e.g., Darts-IP, LexisNexis).

Note: For precise claims language and legal interpretation, consulting the full patent document is recommended.

More… ↓

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 9,889,138

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
Epizyme Inc TAZVERIK tazemetostat hydrobromide TABLET;ORAL 211723-001 Jan 23, 2020 RX Yes Yes 9,889,138 ⤷  Start Trial METHOD OF TREATING EPITHELIOID SARCOMA ⤷  Start Trial
Epizyme Inc TAZVERIK tazemetostat hydrobromide TABLET;ORAL 211723-001 Jan 23, 2020 RX Yes Yes 9,889,138 ⤷  Start Trial METHOD OF TREATING RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA POSITIVE FOR AN ENHANCER OF ZESTE HOMOLOG 2 (EZH2) MUTATION ⤷  Start Trial
Epizyme Inc TAZVERIK tazemetostat hydrobromide TABLET;ORAL 211723-001 Jan 23, 2020 RX Yes Yes 9,889,138 ⤷  Start Trial METHOD OF TREATING RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA ⤷  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 9,889,138

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Australia 2015331729 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2021200995 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2022221580 ⤷  Start Trial
Brazil 112017007738 ⤷  Start Trial
Canada 2963149 ⤷  Start Trial
China 106794177 ⤷  Start Trial
China 112168967 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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