United States Patent 11,285,134: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 11,285,134, titled "Presbyopia treatments," is a significant patent in the field of ophthalmology, particularly for the treatment of presbyopia. This patent, assigned to AbbVie Inc., is part of a broader portfolio of intellectual property protecting the drug Vuity. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the overall patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Patent Number and Title
- Patent Number: US11285134B2
- Title: Presbyopia treatments
Issuance and Status
- Issued: March 29, 2022
- Status: Active[1][4].
Inventors and Assignees
The patent lists several inventors, including Michael R. Robinson, Mohammed Dibas, Jaya Giyanani, Anuradha Gore, Sungwook Lee, Haixia Liu, Aileen Morgan, and Jihao Zhou. The assignee is AbbVie Inc., which acquired the rights from Allergan Inc.[4].
Scope of the Patent
Ocular Conditions and Vision Parameters
The patent describes methods and compositions for the treatment of ocular conditions, with a specific focus on presbyopia. Presbyopia is a common age-related condition that affects the eye's ability to focus on close objects. The patent outlines the use of pharmaceutically acceptable ophthalmic pilocarpine formulations to improve vision parameters[4][5].
Key Aspects of the Invention
- Pilocarpine Formulations: The patent details the use of pilocarpine, a muscarinic receptor agonist, in ophthalmic formulations to treat presbyopia. Pilocarpine helps in reducing the size of the pupil, which can improve near vision.
- Dosage and Administration: The patent covers various aspects of dosage and administration, including the concentration of pilocarpine and the mode of application (e.g., eye drops)[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims are crucial as they outline what is protected under the patent.
- Claim 1: This claim typically sets the broadest scope of the invention, describing the composition and method of treatment using pilocarpine formulations.
- Subsequent Claims: These claims narrow down the scope by specifying particular aspects such as the concentration of pilocarpine, the formulation type, and the method of administration[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims, providing additional specificity and narrowing the scope further. These claims help in defining the invention more precisely and can include variations in dosage, formulation, and administration methods.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape for presbyopia treatments includes several related patents, some of which are also held by AbbVie Inc.
- US10610518: Another patent related to presbyopia treatments, also issued to AbbVie Inc., which expires on April 24, 2039. This patent covers similar aspects of pilocarpine formulations and their use in treating ocular conditions[1][5].
Patent Expiration
- Expiration Date: The patent US11285134B2 is set to expire on April 24, 2039, providing AbbVie Inc. with exclusive rights to the invention for approximately 14 years from the date of issuance[1][5].
Generic Availability
As of the current date, there is no generic version of Vuity available in the United States. The absence of generic alternatives is due to the active patent protection[5].
Metrics for Patent Scope
Independent Claim Length and Count
Research on patent scope often uses metrics such as independent claim length (ICL) and independent claim count (ICC) to measure the breadth and complexity of patent claims. Narrower claims, as indicated by shorter ICL and lower ICC, are often associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Impact on Innovation and Litigation
The scope and claims of this patent can influence innovation and litigation in the field. Broader claims might lead to increased licensing and litigation costs, potentially diminishing incentives for further innovation. However, the narrowing of claims during the examination process, as observed in this patent, can mitigate these issues[3].
Global Dossier and International Implications
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This service can be useful in understanding the global patent landscape for presbyopia treatments and how different jurisdictions handle similar inventions[2].
Public Search and Access
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool and other resources like the Public Search Facility and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) provide public access to patent information. These tools are essential for conducting thorough patent searches and understanding the prior art in the field[2].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent US11285134B2 covers specific methods and compositions for treating presbyopia using pilocarpine formulations.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the scope of the invention.
- Expiration: The patent is set to expire on April 24, 2039.
- Related Patents: Other patents, such as US10610518, are part of the broader patent landscape for presbyopia treatments.
- Generic Availability: No generic version of Vuity is currently available due to active patent protection.
- Metrics and Impact: The patent's scope and claims can influence innovation and litigation, with narrower claims generally associated with a more streamlined examination process.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of the United States Patent 11,285,134?
A: The primary focus is on methods and compositions for the treatment of presbyopia using ophthalmic pilocarpine formulations.
Q: Who is the assignee of this patent?
A: The assignee is AbbVie Inc.
Q: When is the patent set to expire?
A: The patent is set to expire on April 24, 2039.
Q: Are there any generic versions of Vuity available?
A: No, there are currently no generic versions of Vuity available in the United States.
Q: How can one access the file histories of related patent applications globally?
A: The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices.
Sources
- Pharsight - GreyB: Vuity patent expiration.
- USPTO: Search for patents.
- Hoover Institution: Patent Claims and Patent Scope.
- Google Patents: US11285134B2 - Presbyopia treatments.
- Drugs.com: Generic Vuity Availability.
