Details for Patent: 10,940,108

Which drugs does patent 10,940,108 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 10,940,108 protects EYSUVIS and is included in one NDA.

This patent has sixty-five patent family members in twelve countries.

Summary for Patent: 10,940,108

Title:	Compositions and methods for ophthalmic and/or other applications
Abstract:	Particles, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus are provided. The particles, compositions, and methods may be used, in some instances, for ophthalmic and/or other applications. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods may involve modifying the surface coatings of particles, such as particles of pharmaceutical agents that have a low aqueous solubility. Such compositions and methods can be used to achieve efficient transport of particles of pharmaceutical agents though mucus barriers in the body for a wide spectrum of applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostic applications. In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition including such particles is well-suited for ophthalmic applications, and may be used for delivering pharmaceutical agents to the front of the eye and/or the back of the eye.
Inventor(s):	Popov; Alexey (Waltham, MA), Enlow; Elizabeth M. (Waltham, MA), Chen; Hongming (Belmont, MA), Bourassa; James (Somerville, MA)
Assignee:	The Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
Application Number:	16/888,371
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Use; Composition; Process;

Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 10,940,108

Introduction

United States Patent 10,940,108, titled "Compositions and methods for ophthalmic and/or other applications," is a patent that covers innovative particles, compositions, and methods designed to aid particle transport in mucus. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.

Patent Overview

The patent, granted on March 2, 2021, describes particles, compositions, and methods that can be used in various applications, particularly in ophthalmic treatments. These innovations are aimed at enhancing the transport of particles through mucus, which is crucial for the effective delivery of therapeutic agents in the eye and other mucosal surfaces[4].

Scope of the Patent

The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected. Here are some key elements:

Particles and Compositions

• The patent covers particles and compositions designed to interact with mucus in a way that facilitates their transport. These particles can be used in various formulations, including pharmaceutical compositions, to treat conditions such as dry eye syndrome[4].

Methods of Use

• The methods described include the use of these particles and compositions in ophthalmic applications, as well as potential uses in other mucosal surfaces. The methods involve the administration of these particles to enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents through mucus[4].

Specific Components

• The patent details specific components such as loteprednol etabonate, poloxamer 407, and sodium citrate, which are used in the formulations. These components are crucial for the stability and efficacy of the particles in mucus[4].

Claims Analysis

The claims of the patent are the legal boundaries that define the invention and distinguish it from prior art.

Independent Claims

• The independent claims are the broadest claims that define the core of the invention. For example, Claim 1 might describe the particles and their composition, while Claim 2 might outline the method of using these particles in ophthalmic treatments[4].

Dependent Claims

• Dependent claims narrow down the scope of the independent claims by adding specific details or limitations. These claims help to further distinguish the invention from existing technologies and provide additional protection for specific aspects of the invention[4].

Patent Landscape Analysis

A patent landscape analysis is crucial for understanding the strategic position of this patent within the broader technological field.

Technology Area

• The patent falls under the technology area of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, specifically within the subcategory of ophthalmic treatments. This area is highly competitive and saturated with numerous patents, making a comprehensive landscape analysis essential for identifying trends and potential competitors[3].

Competitor Analysis

• A patent landscape analysis would reveal the key players in this technology area. For instance, companies that have a significant number of patents related to ophthalmic treatments and mucus-penetrating particles would be identified. This helps in understanding the competitive landscape and potential licensing or collaboration opportunities[3].

Patent Saturation

• The analysis would also show the level of patent saturation in this area. High saturation indicates a mature technology area where it might be challenging to secure new patents without significant innovation. This could prompt the need to pivot to newer inventive spaces to maintain a competitive edge[3].

Strategic Insights

A thorough patent landscape analysis provides several strategic insights:

Long-term Decisions

• It helps in making long-term decisions about R&D investments. By identifying areas of high patent saturation, companies can decide whether to continue investing in a particular technology or to explore new areas[3].

Competitive Positioning

• The analysis helps in understanding the competitive positioning of the company. For example, if a company has a significant number of patents in a niche technology area, it indicates a strong market position and potential for future innovation[3].

Licensing and Collaboration

• It identifies potential licensing or collaboration opportunities. Companies with complementary patents or technologies can be identified, and strategic partnerships can be formed to enhance the market position of the invention[3].

Example of Patent Landscape Analysis

In a patent landscape analysis, the abandoned and active technologies of a company can be mapped against their entire patent portfolio. For instance, if a company has a large number of patents in a particular CPC (Cooperative Patent Classification) area that have been abandoned, it may indicate a shift in their R&D focus. This can be visualized using time-slicing to show the cessation of patent activity in certain areas over time[3].

Key Takeaways

• Innovation Focus: The patent highlights the importance of innovation in particle transport through mucus, particularly in ophthalmic treatments.
• Competitive Landscape: The technology area is highly competitive, necessitating a thorough patent landscape analysis to understand the strategic position.
• R&D Decisions: The analysis helps in making informed R&D decisions by identifying areas of high patent saturation and potential for new inventions.
• Collaboration Opportunities: It identifies potential licensing or collaboration opportunities with other companies in the field.

FAQs

1. What is the primary focus of United States Patent 10,940,108?

   • The primary focus is on particles, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus, particularly for ophthalmic treatments.

2. How does the patent landscape analysis help in strategic decision-making?

   • It helps in identifying areas of high patent saturation, competitive positioning, and potential licensing or collaboration opportunities.

3. What are some of the specific components mentioned in the patent?

   • The patent mentions components such as loteprednol etabonate, poloxamer 407, and sodium citrate.

4. Why is it important to analyze the competitive landscape in this technology area?

   • Analyzing the competitive landscape helps in understanding the market position, identifying potential competitors, and making informed R&D decisions.

5. How can companies use patent landscape analysis to pivot their R&D focus?

   • By identifying areas of high patent saturation, companies can decide to pivot to newer inventive spaces to maintain a competitive edge and ensure future innovation.

Sources

1. US10940108B2 - Compositions and methods for ophthalmic and/or other applications - Google Patents
2. Patent Landscape Analysis - Uncovering Strategic Insights - AcclaimIP
3. Pharmaceutical drugs covered by patent 10,940,108 - Drug Patent Watch

Drugs Protected by US Patent 10,940,108

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate
Alcon Labs Inc	EYSUVIS	loteprednol etabonate	SUSPENSION/DROPS;OPHTHALMIC	210933-001	Oct 26, 2020		RX	Yes	Yes	10,940,108					A METHOD FOR TREATING DRY EYE IN A PATIENT

International Family Members for US Patent 10,940,108

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
Australia	2013256064
Australia	2013256092
Australia	2014342097
Australia	2018201215
Australia	2018202074