Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 9,352,041
Introduction
United States Patent 9,352,041, titled "Use of an oleogel containing triterpene for healing wounds," presents a novel approach to wound healing using an oleogel formulation. This patent, issued to AMRYT RESEARCH LIMITED, addresses the need for an effective, simple, and well-tolerated wound healing preparation, particularly for chronic wounds.
Technical Field
The patent falls within the technical field of wound healing, specifically focusing on the use of oleogels containing triterpenes. Triterpenes, such as betulin, betulinic acid, and lupeol, are natural compounds known for their therapeutic properties[1][4].
Background of the Invention
Traditional wound healing substances like dexpanthenol or chamomile extracts often require auxiliary materials such as emulsifiers, solvents, or preservatives. These additives can interfere with the healing process and may cause allergic reactions. The invention aims to overcome these limitations by developing a triterpene-containing oleogel that is free from such auxiliary materials[1].
Summary of the Invention
The patent describes an oleogel composed of a non-polar liquid and a triterpene-containing powder. This oleogel is designed to be simple to produce and highly effective in healing skin wounds, especially chronic wounds, while being well-tolerated and minimizing the risk of allergic reactions[1][4].
Claims
The patent includes several key claims:
- Claim 1: The use of an oleogel for healing wounds, which contains a non-polar liquid and at least one triterpene-containing powder as an oleogel-forming agent.
- Subclaims: These include various embodiments and refinements, such as the specific composition of the triterpene fraction, methods for achieving the desired particle size and dispersibility of the powder, and the use of different non-polar liquids like sunflower oil[1][4].
Composition of the Oleogel
The oleogel-forming agent is a micronized triterpene-containing powder, which may include betulin, betulinic acid, lupeol, or allobetulin. The triterpene fraction in this powder is preferably greater than 80 weight-percent, and more preferably greater than 90 weight-percent. The powder is mixed with a non-polar liquid, such as sunflower oil, to form a stable semisolid gel with pronounced thixotropy[1].
Methods for Achieving Desired Particle Size
To ensure the powder has the necessary dispersibility and particle size for gel formation, various methods can be employed. These include pulverizing the particles using collision or gravitation methods, dissolving the powder in a suitable solvent like tetrahydrofuran (THF) and recrystallizing it, or using techniques such as spray drying or cooling of a saturated solvent[1].
Efficacy and Safety
The oleogel has been shown to cause complete healing of wounds, including chronic wounds where no spontaneous healing had previously occurred. This formulation is well-tolerated and reduces the risk of allergic reactions compared to traditional wound healing preparations[4].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding this invention involves several key aspects:
- Related Applications: This patent is a continuation of earlier applications, including U.S. application Ser. No. 13/509,416 and International Application No. PCT/EP2010/068157, indicating a thorough and iterative development process[1].
- Competing Technologies: The patent distinguishes itself from other wound healing technologies by avoiding the use of auxiliary materials that can interfere with healing or cause allergic reactions.
- Future Directions: The use of triterpene-containing oleogels opens up new avenues for wound healing treatments, particularly for chronic wounds, and may inspire further research into the therapeutic applications of triterpenes[1].
Claim Coverage and Scope Concepts
To fully understand the patent's coverage, it is essential to analyze the claims and scope concepts. This involves categorizing the patents by claims and overarching scope concepts, which can help in identifying gaps or opportunities in the patent landscape. Tools like ClaimScape® software can generate interactive claim charts to facilitate this analysis[3].
Key Takeaways
- The patent introduces an innovative oleogel formulation containing triterpenes for wound healing.
- The oleogel is free from auxiliary materials, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and interference with the healing process.
- The triterpene fraction is crucial, with a preferred composition of greater than 80 weight-percent.
- Various methods can be used to achieve the desired particle size and dispersibility of the triterpene-containing powder.
- The formulation has shown efficacy in healing chronic wounds.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary component of the oleogel described in the patent?
A: The primary component is a triterpene-containing powder mixed with a non-polar liquid, such as sunflower oil.
Q: Why is the triterpene-containing oleogel considered an improvement over traditional wound healing substances?
A: It avoids the use of auxiliary materials like emulsifiers, solvents, or preservatives, which can interfere with healing and cause allergic reactions.
Q: How is the particle size of the triterpene-containing powder adjusted?
A: Methods include pulverizing, dissolving in a solvent and recrystallizing, or using techniques like spray drying or cooling of a saturated solvent.
Q: What types of wounds is the oleogel particularly effective for?
A: The oleogel is particularly effective for healing chronic wounds where no spontaneous healing had previously occurred.
Q: How does the patent distinguish itself in the wound healing technology landscape?
A: It introduces a novel formulation that is simple to produce, highly effective, and well-tolerated, making it a significant advancement in wound healing technology.
Cited Sources
- US Patent for Use of an oleogel containing triterpene for healing wounds - Justia Patents.
- Use of an oleogel containing triterpene for healing wounds - Patent US-9352041-B2 - PubChem.
- Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law - SLWIP.
- US9352041B2 - Use of an oleogel containing triterpene for healing wounds - Google Patents.
