The purpose of this column is to highlight and summarize recent key patents in the pharmaceutical arena issued by the US Patent Office in April-May 2020.
Spider Venom Peptides and Methods of Use for Modulating Sodium Channels;
P. Alewood, Z. Dekan, J. Deuis, R. Lewis, and I. Vetter; The University of Queensland, AU; U.S. Patent # 10,662,229; May 26, 2020.
Pamphobeteus nigricolor is a large species of tarantula found in Colombia and Brazil. Present invention is related to the venom of Pamphobeteus nigricolor, capable of inhibiting voltage gated sodium channels to treat or prevent neuropathic, inflammatory, and nociceptive pain. Venomous animals produce venom rich in bioactive components that modulate a wide range of ion channels and receptors. Due to these exquisite properties, venom components have found use in the treatment and management of several conditions. The paralytic function of spider venom is because of peptides that modulate the activity of neuronal ion channels and receptors, such as voltage-gated potassium, calcium and sodium channels. Such peptides may be useful in the treatment or prevention of conditions associated with sodium channel activity.
Injection Mechanism Utilizing a Vial;
A. Limaye; Becton, Dickinson and Company, US; U.S. Patent # 10,653,830; May 19, 2020.
Present invention discloses a delivery system in the form of a vial injector to dispense a liquid medicament. It comprises of a medicament storage chamber, a fluid communication chamber, an outlet port to dispense medicament and a vertical orientation indicator. It has been designed to provide an injection mechanism for delivering a medicament that is simple to manufacture, by using fewer components and materials. It addresses and claims to provide a solution to the problem of inconvenience for a user to carry a vial and one or more syringes when using traditional glass vials and the challenge of high thumb pressure when injecting viscous formulations when using pen injectors.
Blister Package for Pharmaceutical Cartridges;
M.S. Bergey; MannKind Corp., US; U.S. Patent # 10,625,034.; April 21, 2020.
Blister packaging has been in use for years to protect products. In the pharmaceutical industry, blister packaging has been used to deliver tablets, capsules and powders. Generally, blister packs consist of a rigid base sheet having cavities and a cover sheet. An inhalation drug delivery system may include a cartridge containing dry powder formulation, which may be sensitive to degradation by moisture. The present patent discloses a blister packaging system for cartridges used for inhalers. The base sheet includes two or more horizontal rows of interconnected cavities. The cavity has a dome structure allowing placement of the cartridge.
Formulations and Methods for Treating Ulcerative Colitis;
K. Shailubhai, G.S. Jacob, and P. Griffi n; Bausch Health Ireland Ltd., Dublin, IE; U.S. Patent # 10,653,744; May 19, 2020.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic or long-lasting disease that causes inflammation or ulcers of the inner lining of the large intestine; mainly the colon. Currently, there is no therapy to cure the disease. Treatment mainly depends on reduction of symptoms. This patent provides composition and methods to prevent, treat or alleviate a symptom of ulcerative colitis comprising administering to a patient dolcanatide. Dolcanatide is a guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) agonist, which works by increasing intestinal fluid secretion, which can soften stools and stimulate bowel movements. This is a rectal drug delivery system administered once daily for 28 days prior to bedtime as an enema or suppository.
Light-Activated Cation Channel and Uses Thereof;
K. Deisseroth, and E.S. Boyden; Leland Stanford Junior University, US; U.S. Patent # 10,627,410; April 21, 2020.
Cations such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and lithium travel between cytoplasm of the human cell and outside of the cell through cation channels. Such a flow of ions generates electric current and a change in voltage across the cell membrane. Conductance and transmission of signals in neurons are associated with the movement of cations. This patent involves administering an implantable prosthetic device comprising a cellexpressing light-activated cation channel protein into a subject. A light source is introduced near the implantable prosthetic device, which activates the cation channel protein expressed in the cell. The light source is an implantable type.
Acoustic Therapy Device;
P.M. Bonutti; P Tech, US; U.S. Patent # 10,639,052; May 5, 2020.
Acoustic signals are alternative energy source. The present patent discloses a minimally invasive therapeutic system where an external power source is provided for transmitting energy non-invasively through the skin and body of a patient to a medical implant. The medical implant is surgically or percutaneously positioned at a treatment site and generally includes an energy focusing device. The energy focusing device focuses the energy signal into the treatment site to fragment the particulate material. The sensor assembly will utilize the energy signal to image and monitor the treatment site. The system also includes a control unit including a computer for data storage and display.
Methods and Systems for Optothermal Particle Control;
Y. Zheng, L., Lin, and X. Peng; Th e University of Texas System, Austin, US; U.S. Patent # 10,620,121; April 14, 2020.
Electromagnetic fields react with free electrons in metals such as gold or silver accounting for metal’s conductivity and optical properties. Free electrons on a metal’s surface oscillate collectively when hit by light, forming a surface plasmon. This patent involves illuminating a first location of a plasmonic substrate with electromagnetic radiation. The plasmonic substrate can be in thermal contact with a liquid sample comprising a plurality of particles. The electromagnetic radiation comprises a wavelength that overlaps with at least a portion of the plasmon resonance energy of the plasmonic substrate. The plasmonic surface is in thermal contact with a liquid, which may be water, having a first temperature. In the proximal region, there is a second confinement region with a second temperature greater than the fi rst temperature. The patent describes a light-based, lowpowered, and versatile tweezer for all-optical manipulation of nanoparticles and cells.