Details for Patent: 11,020,385

Which drugs does patent 11,020,385 protect, and when does it expire?

Patent 11,020,385 protects RHOPRESSA and ROCKLATAN and is included in two NDAs.

This patent has twenty-nine patent family members in thirteen countries.

Summary for Patent: 11,020,385

Title:	Combination therapy
Abstract:	Described herein are compounds and compositions for treating glaucoma and/or reducing intraocular pressure. Compositions may comprise an isoquinoline compound and a prostaglandin or a prostaglandin analog. Compounds described herein include those in which an isoquinoline compound is covalently linked to a prostaglandin or a prostaglandin analog, and those in which an isoquinoline compound and a prostaglandin free acid together form a salt.
Inventor(s):	Kopczynski Casey, Lin Cheng-Wen, Sturdivant Jill Marie, deLong Mitchell A.
Assignee:	Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Application Number:	US16730015
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims

Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 11,020,385

Introduction

United States Patent 11,020,385, titled "Combination Therapy," is a patent that describes compounds and compositions for treating glaucoma and/or reducing intraocular pressure. Here, we will delve into the details of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.

Patent Overview

The patent, assigned the number US11020385B2, was granted for a combination therapy involving specific compounds and compositions aimed at treating glaucoma and reducing intraocular pressure. Here are the key aspects of the patent:

Publication Number and Authority

• Publication Number: US11020385B2
• Authority: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].

Invention Description

The patent describes compounds and compositions that include isoquinoline derivatives, which are used in combination with other therapeutic agents to treat glaucoma and reduce intraocular pressure. The invention involves specific chemical classes, such as prostaglandins and salts, which are detailed in the patent abstract and claims[4].

Claim Scope

The claim scope is a critical aspect of any patent, as it defines the boundaries of what is protected.

Types of Claims

The claims in US11020385B2 include various types, such as:

• Independent Claims: These claims stand alone and define the invention without reference to other claims.
• Dependent Claims: These claims refer back to and further limit the independent claims.

Claim Language and Specificity

The claims must be anchored to the embodiments described in the specification. Overly broad claims can be risky as they may be easier to invalidate due to issues such as the abstract idea exception or failure to meet the written description requirement[3].

Prior Art and Novelty

Prior art is crucial in determining the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention.

Prior Art Keywords

The patent lists several prior art keywords, including "prostaglandin," "alkyl," "compound," and "hydrogen," which indicate the existing knowledge in the field that the invention builds upon[4].

Global Patent Landscape

To ensure the novelty of the invention, it is essential to conduct a thorough search of prior art globally. Resources such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases like those from the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can be used to identify relevant prior art[1].

Technical Field and Competition

The technical field of glaucoma treatment is highly competitive, with numerous existing treatments and ongoing research.

Existing Treatments

Other patents, such as US-6037368-A, describe different approaches to glaucoma therapy, including the use of 8-iso-prostaglandins. These existing treatments highlight the need for innovative and distinct claims in new patents[5].

Market Demand

The demand for effective glaucoma treatments drives innovation in this field. The patent's focus on combination therapy indicates an attempt to address the limitations of existing treatments and provide a more comprehensive solution.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

The legal and regulatory environment plays a significant role in the validity and enforcement of the patent.

Abstract Idea Exception

The abstract idea exception, as seen in cases like Yu v. Apple Inc., is a critical consideration. Claims that are too broad and merely invoke generic processes or machinery without a specific means or method to improve the relevant technology can be invalidated[3].

Written Description Requirement

The claims must also meet the written description requirement, meaning they must be supported by the detailed description provided in the patent specification. Failure to meet this requirement can lead to claim invalidation[3].

Practical Implications and Future Directions

Understanding the scope and claims of US11020385B2 has practical implications for both the patent holder and competitors in the field.

Enforcement and Licensing

The patent holder must ensure that the claims are enforceable and can be defended against potential challenges. Licensing agreements may also be influenced by the scope and validity of the claims.

Research and Development

Competitors and researchers can use the information from this patent to develop new treatments that do not infringe on the protected claims. This can drive further innovation in glaucoma therapy.

Key Takeaways

• Claim Scope: The claims in US11020385B2 must be carefully drafted to avoid being overly broad and to ensure they are supported by the specification.
• Prior Art: A thorough search of prior art is essential to establish the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention.
• Technical Field: The patent operates in a highly competitive field, necessitating innovative and distinct claims.
• Legal Considerations: The abstract idea exception and written description requirement are critical legal considerations that must be addressed.
• Practical Implications: The patent's scope and claims have significant implications for enforcement, licensing, and future research and development.

FAQs

1. What is the main focus of United States Patent 11,020,385?

   • The main focus is on compounds and compositions for treating glaucoma and reducing intraocular pressure using combination therapy.

2. Why is the claim scope important in a patent?

   • The claim scope defines the boundaries of what is protected and must be carefully drafted to avoid being overly broad and to ensure support from the specification.

3. How can prior art affect the validity of a patent?

   • Prior art can affect the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention. If prior art shows that the invention is not new or is obvious, the patent claims can be invalidated.

4. What is the abstract idea exception in patent law?

   • The abstract idea exception is a legal principle that prevents patents from claiming abstract ideas without a specific means or method to improve the relevant technology.

5. Where can one search for prior art related to US patents?

   • Resources include the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases such as those from the EPO, JPO, and WIPO[1].

Sources

1. USPTO - Search for patents
2. USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
3. Rimon Law - The Importance of Getting the Claim Scope Right in a US Patent Application
4. Google Patents - US11020385B2 - Combination therapy
5. PubChem - 8-iso- prostaglandins for glaucoma therapy - Patent US-6037368-A

Recent additions to Drugs Protected by US Patent 11,020,385

These patents are from the daily update and have not yet been integrated into the regular database

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	Type	RLD	Patent No.	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patent Expiration	Usecode	Patented / Exclusive Use
Alcon Labs Inc	RHOPRESSA	netarsudil mesylate	SOLUTION/DROPS	208254	Dec 18, 2017	RX	Yes	11,020,385					U-1524	REDUCTION OF ELEVATED INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE
Alcon Labs Inc	ROCKLATAN	latanoprost; netarsudil dimesylate	SOLUTION/DROPS	208259	Mar 12, 2019	RX	Yes	11,020,385					U-1524	REDUCTION OF ELEVATED INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE

Drugs Protected by US Patent 11,020,385

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	RHOPRESSA	netarsudil mesylate	SOLUTION/DROPS;OPHTHALMIC	208254-001	Dec 18, 2017		RX	Yes	Yes	11,020,385					REDUCTION OF ELEVATED INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE
Alcon Labs Inc	ROCKLATAN	latanoprost; netarsudil dimesylate	SOLUTION/DROPS;OPHTHALMIC	208259-001	Mar 12, 2019		RX	Yes	Yes	11,020,385					REDUCTION OF ELEVATED INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE

International Family Members for US Patent 11,020,385

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
European Patent Office	3461484		301101	Netherlands
European Patent Office	3461484		2021C/515	Belgium
European Patent Office	3461484		132021000000068	Italy
European Patent Office	3461484		122021000036	Germany
European Patent Office	3461484		C202130024	Spain
European Patent Office	3461484		21C1024	France
European Patent Office	3461484		SPC/GB21/033	United Kingdom