United States Patent 8,664,231: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 8,664,231, titled "Concentrated methotrexate solutions," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for the treatment of inflammatory autoimmune diseases. This patent, assigned to Medac Gesellschaft fuer Klinische Spezialpraeparate mbH, protects the formulation and administration methods of concentrated methotrexate solutions.
Inventor and Assignee
The patent was invented by Heiner Will and is assigned to Medac Gesellschaft fuer Klinische Spezialpraeparate mbH, a German pharmaceutical company[2][3].
Patent Summary
The patent describes concentrated methotrexate solutions suitable for parenteral administration, specifically for treating inflammatory autoimmune diseases. The methotrexate is dissolved in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent at a concentration of more than 30 mg/ml. The invention also includes ready-made syringes, carpules, and pen injectors containing these solutions[1][2][4].
Claims
The patent includes various claims that cover different aspects of the invention:
- Use Claims: The use of concentrated methotrexate solutions for treating inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
- Formulation Claims: The specific concentration of methotrexate in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent.
- Device Claims: Ready-made syringes, carpules, and pen injectors containing the concentrated methotrexate solutions.
- Dosage Form Claims: The specific formulation and presentation of the methotrexate solutions for subcutaneous injection[1][2][4].
Patent Expiration
The patent is set to expire on June 1, 2029. This expiration date is crucial as it determines when generic versions of the drug can enter the market. However, the actual expiration date may be influenced by legal activities such as patent litigation, term extensions, or amendments to the patent claims[2][3].
Patent Litigation and PTAB Cases
The patent has been involved in several legal activities, including inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. For instance, Koios Pharmaceuticals LLC filed a petition for an IPR of claims 1–22 of the patent in 2016. These legal activities can impact the patent's validity and expiration date[3][5].
Foreign Priority and PCT Information
The patent has international protection with twenty-nine patent family members in twenty-one countries. It was filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) with the application number PCT/EP2007/006491 and was published as WO2008/009476 on January 24, 2008[1].
Generic Availability
As of now, there is no therapeutically equivalent generic version of Rasuvo (the branded drug protected by this patent) available in the United States. The lack of generic competition is directly tied to the patent's active status and the absence of any approved generic equivalents[2].
Diseases Treated
The concentrated methotrexate solutions protected by this patent are used to treat a variety of inflammatory autoimmune diseases, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriasis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Vasculitis
- Crohn's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Osteoarthritis
These conditions highlight the broad therapeutic application of the patented formulation[4].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 8,664,231 is complex due to the ongoing legal activities and the international scope of the patent. Here are some key points:
- International Protection: The patent has extensive international coverage, ensuring that the formulation is protected in multiple jurisdictions.
- Litigation and IPR: The patent has been subject to various legal challenges, which can affect its validity and expiration.
- Generic Competition: The absence of generic versions until the patent expires in 2029 gives the patent holder exclusive market rights for the protected formulation[1][3].
Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry
This patent significantly impacts the pharmaceutical industry by:
- Protecting Innovation: It ensures that the innovative formulation of concentrated methotrexate solutions remains exclusive to the patent holder, encouraging further research and development.
- Market Exclusivity: The patent prevents generic competition, allowing the patent holder to maintain market share and pricing control until the patent expires.
- Therapeutic Benefits: The protected formulation provides a specific and effective treatment option for patients with inflammatory autoimmune diseases[2][4].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Protection: U.S. Patent 8,664,231 protects concentrated methotrexate solutions for treating inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
- Expiration Date: The patent is set to expire on June 1, 2029, subject to legal activities.
- International Coverage: The patent has extensive international protection.
- No Generic Versions: Currently, no generic versions of Rasuvo are available in the U.S.
- Therapeutic Applications: The patented formulation treats various autoimmune diseases.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of U.S. Patent 8,664,231?
A: The patent covers concentrated methotrexate solutions suitable for parenteral administration, specifically for treating inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Q: Who is the assignee of this patent?
A: The patent is assigned to Medac Gesellschaft fuer Klinische Spezialpraeparate mbH.
Q: When is the patent set to expire?
A: The patent is set to expire on June 1, 2029, but this date may be affected by ongoing legal activities.
Q: Are there any generic versions of Rasuvo available?
A: No, there are currently no therapeutically equivalent generic versions of Rasuvo available in the United States.
Q: What diseases are treated by the formulation protected by this patent?
A: The formulation is used to treat various inflammatory autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis, among others.
Cited Sources:
- Drug Patent Watch - Summary for Patent: 8,664,231
- Drugs.com - Generic Rasuvo Availability
- Pharsight - Rasuvo patent expiration
- Google Patents - US8664231B2 - Concentrated methotrexate solutions
- Patent Docs - Trials@uspto.gov Paper No. 13 571.272.7822 Entered