Developments in inhaled combination therapies: patent activity 2013-2014

Area of Science:

• Respiratory medicine
• Pharmaceutical innovation
• Intellectual property law

Background:

• Inhaled drug formulations from handheld devices have been central to asthma and COPD treatment since the 1970s.
• Combination therapies, particularly corticosteroids with long-acting beta-agonists, have revolutionized treatment paradigms.
• Novel inhaled drug combinations (e.g., LAMA/LABA, triple therapies) and delivery devices are increasingly developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent patent filings for inhaled drug combinations and delivery devices for asthma and COPD.
• To assess the landscape of innovation and intellectual property in respiratory drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of recent patent filings.
• Analysis of patents claiming inhaled drug combinations for respiratory diseases.
• Examination of patents related to novel inhalation device technology.

Main Results:

• A modest level of patenting activity was observed for inhaled drug combinations.
• Major pharmaceutical companies in the respiratory market are the primary filers of these patents.
• One inhalation technology specialist demonstrates significant patenting activity, while generics companies show limited engagement.

Conclusions:

• The low volume of patent filings for inhaled respiratory drug combinations is notable.
• Dominance by major pharmaceutical players suggests a concentrated innovation landscape.
• Generics companies' limited activity is attributed to constraints in claiming novel active ingredient combinations.