Patent Watch
This article summarizes selected patents in the area of controlled release or delivery that were issued from April 19, 2022 through July 26, 2022. Greater detail on each of these patents is given on the U.S. patent website https://patft.uspto.gov.
General/Industrial Applications
US-11,396,000- Friable shell microcapsules, process for preparing the same and method of use thereof
The present application describes an oil-in-water emulsion process to generate a microcapsule with a lipophilic core. The shell is formed by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer, unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer or ester and a vinyl monomer.
US- 11,390,056- Low-density microspheres
Low-density thermoplastic expandable microspheres are incorporated into sandwich panels resulting in lightweight, mechanically strong panels for aerospace, structural, navy, high-speed ground transportation, and blast resistance applications.
US- 11,377,584- Nanodissolver for iron sulfide scale removal
Describes the use of a nanoparticle anti-scalant in a base fluid within a well to remove iron sulfide scale in the wellbore.
US- 11,345,841- Fiber silica composite microsphere for shale stratum, drilling fluid and preparation method and use thereof
Description of the use of hollow silica spheres with silica fibers embedded within and coating the surface of the spheres.
US- 11,332,659- Enhanced oil recovery using treatment fluids comprising colloidal silica with a proppant
This application provides for the use of a colloidal silica nanoparticle suspension as a proppant to increase production from a ground hydrocarbon formation.
US- 11,331,640- Microcapsule and method for producing the same
General description of a microcapsule formulation with a water-soluble polymer shell and an organic peroxide core. Shell materials may include polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, poly (meth)acrylic acid derivatives, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and polyethylene oxide.
US- 11,311,866- Cracking catalyst comprising platinum encapsulated in microporous silica
Description of a cracking catalyst comprised of either zeolite, alumina, nickel oxide, or other hydrogenation metal, and a core shell Pt/SiO2 made up of a platinum nanoparticle encapsulated in a silicon dioxide layer.
Agriculture
US- 11,344,028- Strobilurin formulations
A set of formulations made up of a nanoparticle loaded with strobilurin entrapped in a polyelectrolyte are described. When combined with dispersants/wetting agents the suspension has various uses including application to various plants and fungi.
US- 11,317,628- Microparticle compositions comprising saflufenacil
Description of microparticle formulations containing saflufenacil in an aminoplast polymer for controlling vegetation.
Diagnostic/Sensing
US-11,391,733- Particle-based immunoassay using a pegylated analyte-specific binding agent
The description of a microparticle-based binding assay is given for detection and potential separation of the desired analyte from a complex mixture.
US- 11,389,550 - Nanoparticle, contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging containing same, and ligand compound
A nanoparticle of iron oxide with a ligand incorporated to be used as a contrast agent
US- 11,376,225- Composite flash-precipitated nanoparticles
Description of nanoparticles made by precipitation allowing for the entrapment of various agents such as organic fluorescent dyes, metal nanostructures and superparamagnetic materials for use in combined fluorescence, optical and magnetic resonance imaging applications, and even therapeutics.
US- 11,369,683- Systems and methods for targeted imaging and ablation of cardiac cells
Nanoparticles for clinical, diagnostic, and research applications in the field of cardiology. In some cases, the particles can be used for ablating cardiac tissue using a cardiac targeting moiety and administering an activator of the toxic agent be it chemical or light or ultrasound.
US- 11,364,312- Platinum sulfide protein nanoparticle having near-infrared photothermal effect and multimodal imaging function, preparation method therefor and application thereof
The formulation and use of a platinum sulfide protein nanoparticle with tumor targeting and photothermal effects is described. The invention is appropriate for near-infrared imaging, CT imaging, and thermal imaging as well as inducing high-efficiency photothermal effects to kill tumor cells by thermal ablation.
US- 11,337,665- Radiographic contrast agents for temporal subtraction and dual-energy x-ray imaging
A description of several contrast agents for x-ray imaging including nanoparticles is given.
US- 11,324,841- Metal oxide nanoparticle-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent with a central cavity
An invention of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent using a porous metal-doped nanoparticle and a metal oxide nanoparticle with a central cavity allowing for imaging as well as drug delivery.
US- 11,320,426- Biosensor for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease using Rayleigh scattering and colorimetric assay of gold nanoparticle and multi-detection method using the biosensor
This invention utilizes a gold nanoparticle as a nanoplasmonic sensor. The nanoparticle is conjugated to an antibody or aptamer specific for the a-beta peptide and tau protein.
US- 11,318,470- Microfluidics-based nanobiosensors and devices
Description of a microfluidic system that utilizes nanoparticle-based biosensors for specific analytes. The particle allow for binding and concentration of the analyte. The nanoparticles can be separated from the report molecules prior to detection and reused.
US- 11,313,857- System and method for identifying and quantifying species with nanopores, using complexes of nanoparticles with carrier particles
Description of a system to detect analytes in complex mixtures by capture of the analyte on the surface of a nanoparticle using immunochemistry/aptamer chemistry. The particles are then captured and a second affinity probe binds the analyte. This second probe contains a photocleavable nanoparticle that is released and detected allowing for the counting of the overall number of the detected molecular species in solution.
Pharma
US-11,395,812- Docetaxel albumin nanoparticle pharmaceutical composition, preparation method therefor and use thereof
The present invention relates to a docetaxel albumin nanoparticle pharmaceutical composition, a preparation method therefor, and a use thereof for manufacturing drugs for treating cancer.
US- 11,389,549- Diagnosis-treatment integrated nano-probe for 19F-MR/fluorescence multi-mode molecular imaging and drug-loading and preparation method and application of nano-probe
The present invention provides a 19F-MR/fluorescence multi-mode molecular imaging and drug loading diagnosis-treatment integrated nanoparticle. The NP contains both a molecular targeting conjugate and a fluorescent dye. The formulation can also contain a pharmaceutical treatment. Additionally, a perfluorocarbon can be incorporated to act as an oxygen carrier that releases the oxygen in the anaerobic environment of the tumor leading to further sensitization of the tumor.
US- 11,389,544- Formation of functionalized cancer targeting nanoparticles by supramolecular co-assembly
An invention is described utilizing self-assembling nanoparticles containing diphenylalanine and resulting in a bioactive formulation.
US- 11,389,446- Theranostic agents
A theranostic agent used in both photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) applications. It can include a small molecule, organic compound with absorption in the near infrared (NIR). It can be administered to a patient to locate a tumor site in the patient using in vivo imaging techniques. Once the tumor site has been determined, the tumor site can be irradiated with near infrared light to stop or inhibit the growth of the tumor.
US- 11,389,395- Encapsulation of microbubbles within the aqueous core of microcapsules
The present invention includes a construct that comprises at least one microbubble encapsulated within the aqueous core of a microcapsule in conjunction with a pharmaceutical for diagnostic imaging and targeted treatment.
US- 11,384,051-Ionizable compounds and compositions and uses thereof
This invention includes ionizable compounds that can be used for making nanoparticle compositions for use in biopharmaceuticals and therapeutics specifically for the encapsulation and delivery of nucleic acids to cells.
US- 11,383,098- Non-invasive energy upconversion methods and systems for in-situ photobiomodulation
This patent centers on development of upconverting nanoparticles resulting in the release/activation of a pharmaceutical agent or alteration of target environment to effect treatment. Kits containing products or compositions formulated or configured and systems for use in practicing these methods are also described.
A related patent was granted to the same submitter: US- 11,324,965- Non-invasive energy upconversion methods and systems
US- 11,376,335- RNA-lipid nanoparticle complexes of viral RNA polymerase region and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein region
The disclosure provides nanoemulsion formulations for the delivery of bioactive agents such as nucleic acids. The hydrophobic core is based on inorganic nanoparticles in a lipid shell that allows for imaging as well. Methods of using these particles for treatment and vaccination are also provided.
US- 11,369,425- Lactoferrin-conjugated nanoparticle complex and use thereof
The present invention relates to a lactoferrin-conjugated metal nanoparticle. The lactoferrin results in efficient targeting to brain tumor cells.
US- 11,364,305- Nanoparticle conjugates and uses thereof
Described herein are dendrimeric nanoparticle-based compositions, kits and methods and platforms for delivering one or more nucleic acids to a cell.
US- 11,364,262- Acetic acid and hypochlorous acid compositions for treatment of skin trauma
Various formulations of topical gels that could contain nanoparticles encapsulating hypochlorous acid and acetic for treatment of wounds or other skin trauma
Related patent issued during this time: US- 11,357,794- Preparations for controlled-release of hypochlorous acid by the same submitter.
US- 11,357,862- Peptide-conjugated nanoparticles for targeting, imaging, and treatment of prostate cancer
Description of a targeting peptide that can be incorporated/conjugated to particulate delivery systems, therapeutic agents, whole cells or an imaging agent for diagnosis and/or treatment of prostate cancer.
US- 11,357,856- Lipids for delivery of active agents
The use of specific compounds in a lipid nanoparticle for delivery of the pharmaceutical.
US- 11,357,830- Nano-scale delivery device and uses thereof
A nanoparticle delivery system capable of treating health conditions, such as cancer, or in diagnostic applications. Both natural and engineered viruses and liposomal formulations are described.
US- 11,357,736- Detoxification using nanoparticles
A nanoparticle formulation for the treatment of organophosphate poisoning. The nanoparticle is coated with components form a cell membrane presumably to assist with targeting, uptake and enhance circulating half-life.
US- 11,357,726- Process of preparing mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles
The present invention provides an improved process for lipid nanoparticle formulation and mRNA encapsulation comprising a step of mixing a solution of pre-formed lipid nanoparticles and mRNA at a low concentration.
US- 11,357,724- Pharmaceutical composition, preparation and uses thereof
A pharmaceutical composition of a biocompatible nanoparticle and a pharmaceutical compound wherein the nanoparticle and the compound of interest are to be administered to said subject between more than 5 minutes and about 72 hours from each other. Here, the nanoparticle acts as a “decoy” saturating the normal clearance systems and allowing for a favorable enhancement of the PK of the active.
US- 11,351,242- HMPV/hPIV3 mRNA vaccine composition
A vaccine comprising a chemically-modified messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding a hMPV fusion (F) glycoprotein and a chemically-modified mRNA encoding a hPIV3 F glycoprotein formulated in a cationic lipid nanoparticle.
US- 11,351,125- Poly (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticle with dual modifications, preparation method and use thereof
A poly (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticle formulation with surface modifications of hydrophilic polymers and amino acids and/or lipids to promote drug transport across the blood brain barrier.
US- 11,344,627- Dendrimer-exosome hybrid nanoparticles as a delivery platform
A hybrid formulation of exosomes loaded with one or more nanoparticle dendrimers as a pharmaceutical delivery system.
US- 11,344,503- Cariprazine release formulations
The patent discloses long-term injectable microsphere, microparticle, or nanoparticle formulations and delivery systems of cariprazine and related salts and derivatives in the prevention and treatment of various psychotic diseases, such as schizophrenia, mania, and bipolar disorder.
US- 11,344,499- Nanoparticles as delivery vehicles of active ingredients and methods for the production thereof
A nanoparticle comprising a keratin polypeptide and at least one non-covalently bound lipophilic active ingredient, and at least one hydrophilic active ingredient non-covalently bound to the keratin polypeptide. Examples of active include a therapeutic or diagnostic agent, a nutraceutical, cosmetic ingredients, a dye or a cosmeceutical.
US- 11,337,931- Nanoparticle delivery system for diseases associated with major basement membrane components of blood vessels accessible from blood stream
A targeting nanoparticle composition and method of treatment for diseases associated with major basement membrane components of blood vessels accessible from blood stream that includes pegylated perfluorocarbon nanoparticles with a targeting moiety that targets collagen IV. Intended use is as a treatment for a glomerular disease such as lupus nephritis.
US- 11,337,929- Drug delivery formulation for treating mental illness or central nervous system disorder
A microcapsule-based drug delivery formulation for treating a mental illness or a central nervous system disorder. The microcapsule contains a crosslinked hydrogel in order to lessen/eliminate the initial burst release and sustain a more constant drug release during administration.
US- 11,337,924- Targeted polymerized nanoparticles for cancer treatment
A liposomal nanoparticle comprising both polymerizable lipids and non-polymerizable lipids. The system allows for targeting agents on the surface of the particles. Examples of use include cancer treatment.
US- 11,331,277- H2O2-responsive nanoparticles and uses thereof
Description of a nanoparticle comprising a copolymer comprising a polyethylene glycol polymer, a polyhydroxylated polymer, and a peroxide-sensitive pendant group; a glucose-responsive agent; and a therapeutic agent. The glucose-responsive agent produces a peroxide when exposed to hyperglycemic levels of glucose, thereby triggering disassembly of the nanoparticle and release of encapsulated therapeutic agent.
US- 11,331,276- Aggregating microparticles for medical therapy
A surface treated drug-loaded solid (e.g., non-porous) microparticle that aggregates in vivo to form a consolidated larger particle for medical therapy. Ocular therapy is specifically mentioned.
US- 11,326,167- Methods and compositions for treating atherosclerosis
Description of treatments for atherosclerosis that may involve a targeted nanoparticle encapsulating the let-7 miRNA in order to modulate the activity or level of TGF-β signaling peptide in endothelial cells In some cases, the formulation could also contain a therapeutic dose of rapamycin or derivative thereof.
US- 11,325,939- RNA nanoparticles for brain tumor treatment
Description of an artificial multi-branched RNA nanoparticle containing a therapeutic agent and targeting moiety for treatment of brain tumor.
US- 11,324,837- Hybrid membrane-coated nanoparticle composites and methods of making and using the same
Nanoparticulate formulations of a covalently coupled stabilizing agent that allows for tight packing of lipids and/or membranes. The nanoparticle composites can enveloped in a hybrid lipid bilayer. The nanoparticle composites can be coupled to drugs, targeting moieties, and imaging moieties.
US- 11,320,416- Methods of assessing suitability of use of pharmaceutical compositions of albumin and poorly water soluble drug
The present invention provides methods of assessing suitability of a pharmaceutical composition that comprises nanoparticles rapamycin coated with albumin and a non-nanoparticle portion comprising albumin and rapamycin.
US- 11,318,214- Iron oxide mesoporous microparticle drug carrier
A magnetic microparticle drug carrier comprising mesoporous iron oxide template on a silica scaffold that is later removed is described. The drug carrier may be loaded with high amounts of hydrophilic anticancer chemotherapeutic drugs and/or hydrophobic hormonal anticancer drugs, and released in a pH-controlled manner inside cancerous cells.
US- 11,318,213- Compositions and methods for delivery of RNA
Nanoemulsion formulations to deliver a bioactive agent such as a nucleic acid to a subject. The nanoemulsion composition comprises a hydrophobic core based on inorganic nanoparticles in a lipid nanoparticle that allows imaging as well as delivering nucleic acids. Methods of using these particles for treatment and vaccination are also provided.
US- 11,318,203- Production of nanoscale powders of embedded nanoparticles
The invention provides a production method and use of a liquid-dispersible powder comprising nanoscale grains of matrix embedded with one or more isolated nanoparticles and a composition for the magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia (MNH) treatment of tumors.
US- 11,318,105- Method for preparing albumin nanoparticles based on free radical oxidation
A method for preparing albumin nanoparticles based on free radical oxidation. This method claims to be superior to prior art in solving the problems of the complexity, high cost, and high toxicity of preparing nanoparticles.
US- 11,318,104- Microcapsule and production method thereof
Disclosed is a microcapsule which is used in tissue regeneration, which may be specifically directed to the damaged tissues, and which forms an extracellular matrix-like structure at a certain point allowing for cell attachment and proliferation.
US- 11,311,631- Paclitaxel-albumin-binding agent compositions and methods for using and making the same
Described herein are nanoparticle compositions comprising binding agents, carrier proteins and a potentially sub-therapeutic amount of paclitaxel or paclitaxel derivative, and optionally a therapeutic agent.
Bio
US- 11,389,545-Bioactive nanoparticles and methods for making same
A nanoparticle formulation made up of a biological mimetic. By interacting with the functional groups of the mimetic, the half-life of a bioactive payload is extended.
US- 11,377,353- Stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate doped with fluoride ions and a process for producing the same
Description of a citrate-coated amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticle. The procedure allows for incorporation of a fluoride compound. The nanoparticle/nanoparticle agglomerate of the invention has a peculiar superficial area and a diameter that allows use as a biomaterial for dentistry application.
US- 11,344,887- Microfluidic chip and control method thereof, droplet generation device, and microsphere preparation device
Generation of microspheres using a microfluid chip. The microspheres are used to encapsulate cells for use in 3D biological printing.
US- 11,331,414- Method for preparing inorganic nanoparticle-gelatin core-shell composite particles
A method for preparing inorganic nanoparticle-gelatin core-shell composite nanoparticles is given. The nanoparticle cores are suspended in a gelatin solution and the gelatin is precipitated through the addition of a polar organic solvent.
Consumer Products/ Cosmetics
US- 11,384,317- Surface modification of microcapsules
A method of providing a modifier on the surface of an active-containing core-shell aminoplast microcapsule. The method is especially useful for enhancing the adherence to fabrics of fragrance microcapsules added to laundry products.
US- 11,352,740- Compositions for the treatment of articles, and articles treated therefrom
A composition for the treatment of fiber, yarn and fabrics for anti-soiling/stain resistance properties.
Included in the formulation is at least one highly dispersible clay nanoparticle component, at least one silicone polymer component and water.
US- 11,352,468- Perfume microcapsules and related film and detergent compositions
Perfume microcapsule-containing films, related solutions, and containers including the films (e.g. detergent packets) are disclosed, together with their methods of preparation and use.
US- 11,351,116-Compositions and methods for treating skin conditions
Methods for forming dermatological compositions that deliver water and/or other hydrophilic compounds into or through the dermis using reverse micelles. The nanoparticle micelles are formulated into biocompatible topical ointments that are stable at room temperature and are suitable for cosmetics/consumer products.
US- 11,332,725- Lipase variants and microcapsule compositions comprising such lipase variants
Description of the use of a set of lipase variants formulated in a microcapsule for use in detergents as a lipid stain removal product.
US- 11,318,075- Controlled release polymer encapsulated fragrances
Fragrance materials encapsulated within microcapsules. The microcapsules are mixed with a water-based binding agent so that a coating forms on the microcapsule in situ, after which the coated microcapsules may be applied to hard surfaces of a product, from which controlled release of the fragrance is provided over time as the product is subjected to normal handling by a user.
“…And now for something completely different…” - John Cleese of Monty Python ~1971
Greetings controlled release enthusiasts! I hope you were able to attend the CRS annual meeting in Montreal earlier in July, but if not, there’s always Las Vegas next year!
At that annual meeting, the majority of the E-News Letter Committee met face-to-face. Because of that meeting, change is coming. Good change.
One of the thoughts floated was to have a short summary of the trends in ideas/research seen in these patent reviews.
So, as a reward (or perhaps continued punishment) for getting to this point in the article, I thought I’d convey some informal thoughts on the patents seen this quarter and even trends I’ve observed. In the future, I hope to have my act together enough to have my newsletter colleagues weigh in with their thoughts. No guarantee on if I can get said act together, however.
Before I talk briefly about any trends seen, I thought it prudent to introduce myself in order to give some insight into my observations. Good luck following my logic.
Who are you?
Glad you asked. I am a lead scientist at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. SwRI is an independent, non-profit contract research organization (CRO). We are a “lab-for-hire” that works in just about every conceivable science and technology sector. My particular area of work is in controlled release formulations. Our team works on both government and commercial projects in a myriad of industries from Foods, Nutraceuticals, Paints and Coatings, Cosmetics, Consumer Products, and Pharmaceuticals (which comprises about 1/3 of our work). I have worked at SwRI for thirteen years as of this writing and am a molecular biologist by training. I first attended the CRS annual meeting in 2004 (ask where it was and you’ll see why I was more than happy to attend on behalf of my professor…). I have attended regularly since my employment at SwRI began and immediately joined the C&DP.
What is the C&DP?
At this year’s meeting, I was made painfully aware of many attendees not knowing what that acronym stood for. The Consumer & Diversified Products Division within the CRS is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) groups within the society. It is made up of scientists in fields that have interests outside pharma (though not exclusively so…). If you would like to know more about the C&DP, reach out to us via the CRS website, attend our monthly meetings, and please consider attending our social event at the annual meeting. You may find some overlap with your own research interests as we cover a very wide variety of applications. And some of us are actually nice.
Why do you write this article?
- I was asked by a former member of the CRS/C&DP/Newsletter Committee to consider taking his position as author of this article a few years back. I humbly accepted.
- Writing this article keeps me up to date on technology, intellectual property, and trends in many of the industries my clients occupy.
- I enjoy writing it.
It baffles me why no one else on the committee wants to spend hours poring through 120 to 150 patent articles (only 118 for this quarter…), re-writing the abstracts to remove the heavy use of legalese and questionable grammar, (only to be replaced by my own questionable grammar…I’m from Texas, you see…) and craft succinct scientific summaries of the patents for you to enjoy.
Well, now that I read that, I suppose it is obvious why the others are happy to let me write this.
In any case, I hope that this article is helpful to you in some small way. If not, let me know and I’ll shut up about it.
I try to be as non-biased as possible when it comes to presenting these patents. Note that while pharma dominates the article (as it does in the CRS), there are other areas of intellectual property growth. I try to represent those as well through the lens of the C&DP and my own diverse background.
Observations/Thoughts/Trends/Musings
As with most patent reviews, pharma seems to dominate (~50%) the number of new patents observed. Within these, the diagnosis or treatment of cancer are always areas of interest. Additionally, trends of late have seemed to be in the vaccine delivery technologies especially regarding nanoparticles and mRNA delivery systems (for obvious reasons…).
Nanoparticles are always a feature and over the years have become even more prevalent. More recently, coated nanoparticles (core/shell) have been described in an effort to control formation of and release from the formulations as well counteracting any unwanted interactions with the host/patient while often acting as a handle for targeting moieties. The nanoparticle space seems to be a hotbed of development as researchers work out scale up limitations and eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages associated with earlier formulations.
The oil and gas industry has begun to concentrate on the use of specialized particles due to what I can only assume is the increase in “fracking” within the industry.
Particle-based contrast agents are always a significant contribution to the diagnosis and sensing section of the article. It is interesting to me that while MRI and other imaging techniques are quite mature, the development of the contrast agents continues in order to further imaging capabilities all these decades on.
One area that I do not see many patents is in the food sciences. Perhaps this is a bias in my search algorithm, but more likely, it is a reflection of the use of trade secrets over patents, regulatory restrictions limiting innovation, or a lack of profit margins to develop new technologies. An often overlooked area is in consumer products. Controlled release formulations are in many aspects of our every-day life and the patent reviews reveal that. There are always a few new patents in consumer products and cosmetics.
What are your thoughts on this controlled release patent landscape we are all traversing together? Have you ever even given it a thought?
Let me know what you think. And, thanks for reading this. Although, if you’ve made it to the end, I question your sanity…
Ken
