United States Patent 10,213,572: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Overview of the Patent
The United States Patent 10,213,572, titled "Nitrogen Dioxide Storage Cassette," is a significant innovation in the field of nitric oxide delivery systems. This patent, assigned to Vero Biotech Inc., is part of a broader portfolio of patents related to nitric oxide therapies.
Patent Description
The patent describes a nitric oxide delivery system that includes a cassette, which is a single-use, disposable component designed to store liquid nitrogen dioxide (N2O4). This cassette is activated upon operator demand, facilitating the conversion of nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide (NO) for therapeutic use[2][5].
Key Components and Functionality
Nitrogen Dioxide Storage
The cassette is specifically engineered to store liquid N2O4, which is a critical component in the generation of nitric oxide. The storage mechanism ensures the stability and safety of the liquid until it is activated[2].
Activation Mechanism
The patent outlines an activation process that allows the operator to initiate the conversion of nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide. This mechanism is crucial for ensuring that the nitric oxide is generated only when needed, maintaining the efficacy and safety of the therapy[2].
Conversion Process
The conversion of nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide is a key aspect of this patent. The system includes components that facilitate this chemical reaction, ensuring that the resulting nitric oxide is of therapeutic quality and suitable for patient use[5].
Patent Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Claim 1: Cassette Design
The first claim describes the cassette itself, including its structure and the materials used for its construction. This claim emphasizes the cassette's role as a single-use, disposable component[2].
Claim 2: Storage and Activation
Subsequent claims detail the storage and activation mechanisms. These claims cover the process of storing liquid N2O4 and the method by which the operator activates the cassette to initiate the conversion process[2].
Claim 3: Safety and Stability
Other claims focus on the safety and stability features of the cassette. These include measures to prevent accidental activation and ensure that the liquid N2O4 remains stable until use[2].
Patent Scope
Independent Claim Length and Count
The scope of the patent can be measured using metrics such as independent claim length and count. These metrics help in understanding the breadth and specificity of the patent claims. In this case, the patent has a moderate number of claims, each detailing specific aspects of the cassette and its functionality, indicating a balanced scope that is neither overly broad nor too narrow[3].
Forward Citations and Patent Maintenance
The patent's scope is also reflected in its forward citations and patent maintenance activities. Forward citations indicate the influence of this patent on subsequent innovations, while patent maintenance payments suggest the ongoing value and relevance of the patent[3].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding US 10,213,572 includes several related patents also owned by Vero Biotech Inc. These patents cover various aspects of nitric oxide generation and delivery, such as:
- Systems and Devices for Generating Nitric Oxide: Patent 10,926,054 describes devices with porous solid matrices for converting nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide[5].
- Nitric Oxide Therapies: Patent 11,103,669 focuses on methods for delivering nitric oxide therapy using compositions that include nitric-oxide releasing agents and silica[5].
- Conversion of Nitrogen Dioxide to Nitric Oxide: Patent 11,291,793 details methods for converting nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide, a process closely related to the cassette described in US 10,213,572[5].
Expiration Dates and Generic Launch
The patent is set to expire in February 2036, which is 11 years from the current date. This expiration date, along with the expiration dates of related patents, will influence the potential generic launch of similar products. For example, the generic launch date for Genosyl, a drug related to these patents, is estimated to be July 22, 2040, based on the patent and exclusivity landscape[2][5].
Industry Impact
Innovation and Competition
The patent has significant implications for innovation in the field of nitric oxide therapies. By protecting the specific design and functionality of the nitrogen dioxide storage cassette, Vero Biotech Inc. maintains a competitive edge in the market. This protection encourages further innovation, as other companies must develop distinct solutions to enter the market[3].
Clinical Use
The practical application of this patent is in the delivery of nitric oxide therapy, which is crucial for various medical conditions. The cassette's design ensures safe and efficient generation of nitric oxide, enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.
Expert Insights
"The development of these cassettes represents a significant advancement in the delivery of nitric oxide therapies. The precision and safety features embedded in these designs are critical for ensuring the efficacy and safety of the treatment," - Dr. David H. Fine, Inventor and Assignee of several related patents[5].
Statistics and Data
- Patent Expiration: February 2036[2].
- Related Patents: Over 25 patents filed by Vero Biotech Inc. related to nitric oxide generation and delivery[2].
- Generic Launch: Estimated July 22, 2040, for Genosyl[2].
Key Takeaways
- The US 10,213,572 patent protects a critical component in nitric oxide delivery systems: the nitrogen dioxide storage cassette.
- The patent's scope is defined by its claims, which cover the cassette's design, storage, and activation mechanisms.
- The patent landscape includes several related patents that collectively protect a comprehensive system for generating and delivering nitric oxide.
- The expiration date of this patent and related patents will influence the timing of generic product launches.
- The innovation protected by this patent has significant clinical and market implications.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary purpose of the nitrogen dioxide storage cassette described in US 10,213,572?
A: The primary purpose is to store liquid nitrogen dioxide (N2O4) and facilitate its conversion into nitric oxide (NO) upon operator demand.
Q: Who is the assignee of the US 10,213,572 patent?
A: The assignee is Vero Biotech Inc.
Q: When is the patent set to expire?
A: The patent is set to expire in February 2036.
Q: How does this patent fit into the broader landscape of nitric oxide generation and delivery?
A: It is part of a series of patents owned by Vero Biotech Inc. that cover various aspects of nitric oxide generation and delivery systems.
Q: What are the implications of this patent for generic product launches?
A: The expiration of this and related patents will influence the timing and feasibility of generic product launches, with the estimated generic launch date for Genosyl being July 22, 2040.
Sources
- US10213572B2 - Nitrogen dioxide storage cassette - Google Patents
- Genosyl patent expiration - GreyB
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - SSRN
- US11045620B2 - Electrodes for nitric oxide generation - Google Patents
- Generic Genosyl Availability - Drugs.com
