Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 9,597,288: Transmucosal Delivery Devices with Enhanced Uptake
Introduction to the Patent
United States Patent 9,597,288, titled "Transmucosal delivery devices with enhanced uptake," is a significant innovation in the field of pharmaceutical delivery systems. This patent, granted to its inventors, outlines a novel method and device for the transmucosal delivery of therapeutic agents.
Background of the Invention
The patent addresses the need for more efficient and effective methods of delivering drugs through mucosal tissues, such as those found in the mouth, nose, or gastrointestinal tract. Traditional methods often face challenges like low bioavailability and rapid clearance, which can reduce the efficacy of the therapeutic agents.
Summary of the Invention
The invention described in US Patent 9,597,288 involves a transmucosal delivery device designed to enhance the uptake of therapeutic agents. The device typically includes a carrier matrix, a therapeutic agent, and optionally, permeation enhancers or other components to facilitate drug delivery.
Key Components of the Device
- Carrier Matrix: This is the structural component of the device that holds the therapeutic agent. It can be made from various materials, such as polymers or gels, which are biocompatible and suitable for mucosal contact.
- Therapeutic Agent: This is the active ingredient intended to be delivered through the mucosal tissue. It can be a drug, hormone, or any other bioactive molecule.
- Permeation Enhancers: These are optional components added to the device to improve the penetration of the therapeutic agent through the mucosal barrier.
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the transmucosal delivery device comprising a carrier matrix and a therapeutic agent.
- Claim 2 specifies the device with additional components such as permeation enhancers.
- Claim 3 details the method of using the device for delivering the therapeutic agent.
Dependent Claims
- These claims further specify various aspects of the device and method, including the types of materials used for the carrier matrix, the nature of the therapeutic agents, and the conditions under which the device is used.
Patent Landscape Analysis
To understand the broader context and strategic implications of this patent, a patent landscape analysis is essential.
Geographical Spread
The geographical spread of patents related to transmucosal delivery devices is significant, with filings in various countries including the United States, Europe, Japan, and China. This indicates a global interest in this technology area[1][3].
Saturation of the Patent Space
The patent space for transmucosal delivery devices is moderately saturated, with numerous existing patents and ongoing research in this area. However, there are still opportunities for innovation, particularly in niche areas such as specific types of therapeutic agents or novel materials for the carrier matrix[3].
New Entrants and Market Dynamics
New entrants into this patent space include biotech companies and pharmaceutical firms focusing on advanced drug delivery systems. The market dynamics are driven by the need for more efficient and targeted drug delivery methods, which is a growing area of research and development[3].
Time-Slicing and Trends
Analyzing the patent filings over time reveals an increasing trend in the development of transmucosal delivery devices. There has been a significant rise in patent applications in the last decade, indicating a growing interest in this technology. Time-slicing the data can help identify periods of high activity and areas where innovation is most active[3].
Underappreciated Niche Areas
One underappreciated niche area is the development of transmucosal delivery devices for specific therapeutic agents, such as peptides or proteins, which require specialized delivery systems to maintain their stability and efficacy. Identifying these niches can provide strategic advantages for companies looking to innovate in this space[3].
Strategic Insights
A comprehensive patent landscape analysis provides several strategic insights:
- Geographical Filing Strategies: Understanding the geographical spread helps companies decide where to file patents to maximize protection and minimize costs.
- Competitor Analysis: Identifying key players and their patent portfolios can help in competitive positioning and potential collaborations or acquisitions.
- Innovation Opportunities: Recognizing areas of high saturation and identifying niche opportunities can guide R&D efforts towards more innovative and less crowded spaces.
- Long-Term Decisions: Analyzing trends and saturation levels helps in making long-term decisions about technology pivots and resource allocation[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 9,597,288 represents a significant advancement in transmucosal drug delivery technology. A detailed analysis of its scope and claims, coupled with a broader patent landscape analysis, provides valuable insights for companies and researchers in this field. Understanding the geographical spread, saturation levels, and market dynamics can help in strategic decision-making and identifying opportunities for innovation.
Key Takeaways
- The patent describes a novel transmucosal delivery device with enhanced uptake.
- The device includes a carrier matrix, therapeutic agent, and optional permeation enhancers.
- The patent landscape for transmucosal delivery devices is moderately saturated with global interest.
- Identifying niche areas and trends can guide R&D and filing strategies.
- A comprehensive patent landscape analysis is crucial for strategic advice and decision-making.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of United States Patent 9,597,288?
The main purpose of this patent is to describe a novel transmucosal delivery device designed to enhance the uptake of therapeutic agents through mucosal tissues.
How does the device improve drug delivery?
The device improves drug delivery by using a carrier matrix and optionally, permeation enhancers, to facilitate the penetration of the therapeutic agent through the mucosal barrier.
What is the significance of patent landscape analysis in this context?
Patent landscape analysis helps in understanding the geographical spread, saturation levels, and market dynamics of transmucosal delivery devices, guiding strategic decisions and identifying innovation opportunities.
Who are the potential users of this technology?
The potential users include pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and researchers focused on advanced drug delivery systems.
What are some underappreciated niche areas in this patent space?
Underappreciated niche areas include the development of transmucosal delivery devices for specific therapeutic agents like peptides or proteins, which require specialized delivery systems.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Unified Patents Portal: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-5679714-A
- AcclaimIP - Patent Landscape Analysis: https://www.acclaimip.com/patent-landscaping/patent-landscape-analysis-uncovering-strategic-insights/
- USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- PubChem - Transmucosal delivery devices with enhanced uptake: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US9597288