Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,889,740
Introduction
United States Patent 8,889,740, issued to Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly for the treatment of neurological diseases. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
The patent, titled "Controlled Release Formulation of Amantadine," was issued on November 18, 2014. It is part of a series of patents that Adamas Pharmaceuticals has developed to cover various aspects of amantadine-based controlled-release products[5].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of this patent is broad and encompasses several key areas:
Composition of Matter Claims
The patent includes composition of matter claims that pertain to the specific formulation of amantadine hydrochloride. This involves the chemical composition and the physical form of the drug, which is designed for controlled release. These claims are crucial as they protect the unique formulation developed by Adamas Pharmaceuticals[5].
Method of Treatment Claims
In addition to composition claims, the patent also covers methods for treating neurological diseases. These methods are based on the pharmacokinetic profile of amantadine HCl, which allows for once-daily dosing over a wide range of strengths and formulations. This includes treatments for Parkinson’s disease and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders[5].
Claims Analysis
The claims in this patent can be categorized into two main types:
Independent Claims
These claims stand alone and define the invention without reference to other claims. For example, Claim 1 might describe the controlled-release formulation of amantadine hydrochloride, including its specific composition and release characteristics.
Dependent Claims
These claims refer back to and further limit the independent claims. For instance, a dependent claim might specify a particular strength or formulation of the amantadine hydrochloride that is covered under the broader independent claim.
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape for amantadine-based controlled-release products is complex and involves multiple stakeholders.
Related Patents
Adamas Pharmaceuticals has a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio related to amantadine. This includes several other patents that cover different aspects of the drug, such as other formulations, methods of administration, and combination therapies. At the time of the issuance of US 8,889,740, Adamas had nine issued patents and 12 pending applications related to these products[5].
International Patent Filings
To protect their intellectual property globally, companies like Adamas Pharmaceuticals often file patent applications in multiple countries. This involves using resources such as the Global Dossier and searching international patent offices like the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Competitor Activity
The pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive, and companies often monitor each other's patent filings to stay ahead. For example, changes in patent laws or interpretations can significantly impact the value of existing patents, making it essential for companies to continuously adapt their strategies[4].
Economic and Strategic Impact
The issuance of this patent has significant economic and strategic implications for Adamas Pharmaceuticals.
Revenue Generation
Patents like US 8,889,740 can generate substantial revenue through licensing agreements and product sales. For instance, Adamas Pharmaceuticals has licensed some of its intellectual property rights to companies like Allergan, which markets and sells products based on these patents, providing Adamas with royalties[4].
Competitive Advantage
A robust patent portfolio provides a competitive advantage by protecting the company's innovations and preventing others from using similar formulations or methods. This allows Adamas to maintain market exclusivity and invest in further research and development without fear of immediate competition[5].
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Coverage: The patent covers both composition of matter and method of treatment claims, providing broad protection for Adamas Pharmaceuticals' innovations.
- Pharmacokinetic Profile: The patent is based on the pharmacokinetic profile of amantadine HCl, enabling once-daily dosing and various formulations.
- Global Protection: To ensure global protection, companies must file patent applications in multiple jurisdictions and use resources like the Global Dossier.
- Economic Impact: Patents can generate significant revenue through licensing and product sales, providing a competitive advantage in the market.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main subject of United States Patent 8,889,740?
The main subject of this patent is a controlled-release formulation of amantadine hydrochloride for the treatment of neurological diseases.
Q2: What types of claims are included in this patent?
The patent includes both composition of matter claims and method of treatment claims.
Q3: How does this patent contribute to Adamas Pharmaceuticals' intellectual property portfolio?
This patent is part of a comprehensive intellectual property strategy, providing protection for Adamas' innovations in amantadine-based products and enabling the company to maintain market exclusivity.
Q4: What is the significance of the pharmacokinetic profile in this patent?
The pharmacokinetic profile of amantadine HCl allows for once-daily dosing over a wide range of strengths and formulations, which is a key innovation protected by this patent.
Q5: How can companies like Adamas Pharmaceuticals protect their intellectual property globally?
Companies can protect their intellectual property globally by filing patent applications in multiple countries and using resources such as the Global Dossier and international patent offices.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Biospace - Adamas Pharmaceuticals Issued Six Additional U.S. Patents: https://www.biospace.com/adamas-pharmaceuticals-issued-six-additional-u-s-patents
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Public Now - Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: https://docs.publicnow.com/viewDoc?hash_primary=196445EF52DD2F84751516D1D485F46A412B62BA
- GlobeNewswire - Adamas Pharmaceuticals Issued Six Additional U.S. Patents: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2014/12/02/687988/30654/en/Adamas-Pharmaceuticals-Issued-Six-Additional-U-S-Patents.html
