United States Patent 8,623,920: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Overview of the Patent
The United States Patent 8,623,920, titled "Method of Treating Post-Surgical Acute Pain," was issued on January 7, 2014, to Depomed, Inc. This patent is part of a series of patents related to methods for treating acute pain, particularly following surgical procedures such as bunionectomy.
Scope of the Patent
The patent describes a method for treating acute post-surgical pain, specifically pain resulting from osteotomy or bunionectomy surgery. The method involves orally administering a low dose of diclofenac potassium in a liquid dispersible formulation. The dosage ranges from about 13 to about 30 mg, administered every 4 to 8 hours over a period of at least 24 hours, with a daily total amount not exceeding 100 mg[1][4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several key claims:
- The method involves the oral administration of diclofenac potassium in a specific dosage range.
- The formulation is a liquid dispersible form, which enhances the bioavailability and efficacy of the drug.
- The treatment is designed to provide immediate relief from acute pain with minimal risk of cardiovascular events.
- The method is particularly effective for patients recovering from bunionectomy and other osteotomy surgeries[1][4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
This patent is part of a broader portfolio of patents held by Depomed, Inc., which includes other related patents such as:
- U.S. Patent No. 7,662,858
- U.S. Patent No. 7,884,095
- U.S. Patent No. 7,939,518
- U.S. Patent No. 8,110,606
- U.S. Patent No. 9,561,200
These patents collectively cover various aspects of treating post-surgical acute pain using different formulations and dosages of diclofenac potassium[2][5].
Litigation and Enforcement
Depomed, Inc. has been involved in several litigation cases to enforce these patents against generic manufacturers. For example, Depomed filed a lawsuit against Banner Pharmacaps Inc. and Watson Laboratories, Inc. for infringement of these patents, including the '920 patent. The litigation involved disputes over the validity and enforceability of these patents, with Depomed seeking to prevent the commercial manufacture and sale of generic versions of their product, ZIPSOR®, before the expiration of the patents[2][5].
Claim Coverage and Scope Concepts
To manage and analyze the extensive patent portfolio, Depomed would likely use patent analytics tools. These tools help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, which can link similar claims across different patents. This approach enables a comprehensive understanding of the patent landscape, identifying gaps in coverage and potential future design opportunities[3].
Technological and Clinical Significance
The method described in the '920 patent is significant because it provides effective pain relief for patients undergoing osteotomy or bunionectomy surgeries without increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. This is a critical consideration, as many post-surgical pain treatments carry cardiovascular risks. The use of a low-dose, orally administered diclofenac potassium in a liquid dispersible formulation addresses this concern while maintaining efficacy[1][4].
Market and Commercial Impact
The '920 patent, along with other related patents, protects Depomed's product ZIPSOR®, which is a commercially significant drug for treating post-surgical acute pain. The enforcement of these patents helps Depomed maintain market exclusivity and prevent generic competition until the patents expire. This is crucial for the company's revenue and market position[2][5].
Future Directions and Opportunities
The patent landscape around post-surgical pain treatment continues to evolve. Future directions may include the development of new formulations or dosing regimens that further enhance efficacy and safety. The use of patent analytics to identify gaps in coverage and potential future design opportunities is essential for companies like Depomed to stay ahead in the market[3].
Key Takeaways
- The '920 patent covers a method for treating acute post-surgical pain using a specific dosage of diclofenac potassium in a liquid dispersible formulation.
- The patent is part of a broader portfolio of related patents held by Depomed, Inc.
- Litigation has been a key aspect of enforcing these patents against generic manufacturers.
- The method is clinically significant due to its efficacy and safety profile.
- Patent analytics plays a crucial role in managing and analyzing the patent portfolio.
FAQs
What is the main claim of the '920 patent?
The main claim of the '920 patent involves the oral administration of a low dose of diclofenac potassium in a liquid dispersible formulation to treat acute post-surgical pain.
Why is this patent significant clinically?
This patent is significant because it provides a method for treating post-surgical pain that is effective and has a lower risk of cardiovascular events compared to other treatments.
What other patents are related to the '920 patent?
The '920 patent is related to other patents such as U.S. Patent No. 7,662,858, U.S. Patent No. 7,884,095, U.S. Patent No. 7,939,518, and U.S. Patent No. 8,110,606, all held by Depomed, Inc.
How has Depomed enforced this patent?
Depomed has enforced this patent through litigation against generic manufacturers, such as Banner Pharmacaps Inc. and Watson Laboratories, Inc., to prevent the commercial manufacture and sale of generic versions of their product before the expiration of the patents.
What role does patent analytics play in managing this patent portfolio?
Patent analytics helps in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, identifying gaps in coverage, and highlighting future design opportunities, which is crucial for managing and analyzing the extensive patent portfolio of Depomed, Inc.
Cited Sources
- US Patent No. 8,623,920 B2 - Method of treating post-surgical acute pain[1].
- Insight.rpxcorp.com - Litigation documents related to Depomed, Inc.[2].
- SLWIP.com - Patent analytics services[3].
- Google Patents - US8623920B2 - Method of treating post-surgical acute pain[4].
- Insight.rpxcorp.com - Litigation documents related to Depomed, Inc.[5].
