patenting compounds, compositions, and methods for viral...

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Patenting Compounds, Compositions, and Methods for Viral Infections: Patent Eligibility Considerations and Challenges Today’s faculty features: 1pm Eastern | 12pm Central | 11am Mountain | 10am Pacific The audio portion of the conference may be accessed via the telephone or by using your computer's speakers. Please refer to the instructions emailed to registrants for additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-926-7926 ext. 1. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2020 Presenting a live 90-minute webinar with interactive Q&A Gaby L. Longsworth, Ph.D., Director, Sterne Kessler Goldstein Fox, Washington, D.C. Robert Greene Sterne, Founding Director, Sterne Kessler Goldstein Fox, Washington, D.C.

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  • Patenting Compounds, Compositions, and

    Methods for Viral Infections: Patent Eligibility

    Considerations and Challenges

    Today’s faculty features:

    1pm Eastern | 12pm Central | 11am Mountain | 10am Pacific

    The audio portion of the conference may be accessed via the telephone or by using your computer's

    speakers. Please refer to the instructions emailed to registrants for additional information. If you

    have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-926-7926 ext. 1.

    WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2020

    Presenting a live 90-minute webinar with interactive Q&A

    Gaby L. Longsworth, Ph.D., Director, Sterne Kessler Goldstein Fox, Washington, D.C.

    Robert Greene Sterne, Founding Director, Sterne Kessler Goldstein Fox, Washington, D.C.

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  • Technical Minds. Legal Muscle.

    Patenting Compounds,

    Compositions, and Methods

    for Viral Infections

    Gaby L. Longsworth, Ph.D.

    Robert Greene Sterne

    October 7, 2020

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 66

    • Covid-19 is the 3rd major global outbreak of a coronavirus in the past 20 years

    − SARS ~8000 infected, 774 killed

    − MERS ~2500 infected, 858 killed since April 2012

    − Covid-19 > 35 million infected, ~ 1 million dead (as of 10/5)

    Critical Issues Surrounding Covid-19

    Region Infected

    Source: WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 77

    • Many other prior viral outbreaks:

    − Ebola, Swine flu (H1N1), Bird flu (H5N1)

    • Increased awareness of the IP issues surrounding patenting antiviral

    research & preserving exclusive marketing rights for companies developing

    products, diagnostic assays and kits, and treatments for viral infections

    Critical Issues Surrounding Covid-19

    1. Ebola virus – Source: WebMD

    2. H1N1 – Source: CDC.gov

    3. H5N1 – source: CDC.gov

    Ebola H1N1H5N1

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 88

    • Investor interest in funding vaccines ebbs and flows with the

    rise and fall of pandemics

    − SARS appeared in 2003, then disappeared within a year

    − In 2016, scientists ready to test a newly developed SARS vaccine in

    healthy humans

    − Investors not interested to fund testing in clinic and project went

    dormant

    • SARS and MERS should have triggered major federal and

    private investments to develop treatments and vaccines in

    anticipation of future global viral outbreaks

    Critical Issues Surrounding Covid-19

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 99

    • Current funding of medical research tends to be market-driven

    and reactive, rather than proactive

    • Typically, it takes between 5 and 15 years to bring a vaccine to

    market

    − lengthy process of testing on animals, expensive clinical trials on

    humans, and regulatory approvals

    − New vaccines cost anywhere from US$400 million to US$2 billion from

    initial research to commercial production

    − Revenues from vaccine sales have remained relatively constant as

    most vaccinations are only performed once in a lifetime

    R&D and Market Drivers

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 1010

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 1111

    1. Viral mechanisms

    2. Subject matter eligibility for compound, composition, and method of use

    claims

    3. Global best practices

    We will review these and other key issues:

    • What are the critical patentability issues when preparing compound or composition

    patents?

    • How have the courts treated medical diagnostics claims?

    • What strategies should counsel employ to increase the likelihood of getting patent

    protection for compounds, composition, or method of use claims for viral infections?

    Outline of today’s webinar

  • Viral Mechanisms and Patent

    Strategies

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 1313

    • Compared to bacteria, viruses have different

    mechanisms and machinery to survive and replicate in a

    host

    • Bacteria can reproduce on their own, whereas viruses

    must insert their genetic material into a host's cells to

    reproduce

    • The virus hijacks the host cell's machinery to reproduce

    and fill the cell with viral particles

    • Viral particles then either bud off or cause the cell to

    rupture, and the virus spreads to other cells

    Science Photo Library/

    Alamy Stock Photo

    http://servingnature.blogspot.com/2013/03/virology.html

    The bad about viruses…..and viral infections

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 1414

    • Viruses have developed many Machiavellian

    strategies to evade host immune responses

    • High rate of genetic change exhibited by

    viruses creates a moving target

    • Combating viruses with vaccines and

    antiviral drugs is a constant challenge

    − Antibiotics are ineffective

    − Vaccines to prevent (the first line of defense)

    − Antivirals to treat

    The bad about viruses…..and viral infections

    (Cont’d)

    Image Credit: Konstantin Faraktinov/Shutterstock.com

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 1515

    • Small molecule inhibitors typically arise out of a structure-based

    design of the viral target

    • Steps in virus life cycle can

    be targeted

    • This approach involves a

    detailed knowledge of viral

    action and lifecycle

    • Different types of viruses:

    − DNA or RNA (ds, ss, retro)

    Small Molecule Antivirals

    ChemistryViews.org

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 1616

    https://www.clinicaloptions.com/

    Preventing viral adhesion to

    host cells (inhibitors of

    host-cell receptors)

    Inhibiting hemagglutinin

    induced membrane fusion

    Accelerating capsid assembly

    • Targeting viral DNA-packaging motors

    • Inhibiting viral RNA processing/packaging

    (targeting viral polymerase complex)

    Disrupting viral assembly

    (nucleoprotein)

    Enhancing intracellular

    innate immunity

    • Inhibiting viral escape from

    endosome (protease inhibitors)

    Preventing the release of

    viral particles (blocking

    neuraminidase)

    Preventing viral reproduction

    (blocking integrase or reverse

    transcriptase)

    Blocking ion-channels

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 1717

    Oseltamivir (TAMIFLU) Remdesivir

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 1818

    • Protease inhibitors: atazanavir (REYATAZ), darunavir

    (PREZISTA), fosamprenavir (LEXIVA), indinavir (CRIXIVAN),

    lopinavir/ritonavir (KALETRA), nelfinavir (VIRACEPT), ritonavir

    (NORVIR), and saquinavir (INVIRASE).

    • Prevent release of viral particles by blocking neuraminidase on

    surface of flu viruses: baloxavir marboxil (XOFLUZA), zanamivir

    (RELENZA), and oseltamivir (TAMIFLU)

    • Reverse transcriptase inhibitor: doravirine (PIFELTRO)

    Examples of small molecule antivirals (HIV):

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 1919

    • Compound claims (chemical entity, solvates, crystal forms)

    • Methods of treatment

    − Target – “ A method of treating HIV, comprising administering X”

    − Dosing – “comprising administering at least about 250 mg of X”

    − Regimen – “at least about 250 mg of X at least once about every 2 days”

    • Process claims (e.g., methods of making/manufacture)

    • Formulation claims (drug, excipient, salts, stabilizers, etc.)

    Types of patent claims obtained

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 2020

    • Patents to novel small molecule antivirals are generally readily

    granted at the IP5

    • Second uses of known small molecules can be more difficult

    − “cytokine storm” in some Covid-19 patients

    • Viruses are rarely fully “cured” and many require prolonged

    treatment to keep virus levels dormant

    • Continued R&D (and subsequent patent filings) likely as viruses

    mutate and patients are identified that are less responsive to

    existing antiviral therapies

    Small Molecules

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 2121

    Brand Name Viral Target Patent and Representative Claim

    Prezista

    (darunavir)

    HIV protease U.S. Patent No. 8,518,987; Title: Pseudopolymorphic forms of a

    HIV protease inhibitor

    1. An ethanolate solvate of the compound (3R,3aS,6aR)-

    hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan- 3-yl(1S,2R)-3-[[(4-

    aminophenyl)sulfonyl](isobutyl)amino]-1-benzyl-2-

    hydroxypropylcarbamate, in which the ratio of compound to

    ethanol is about 1:1.

    U.S. Patent No. 10,000,504 (Child of ‘987, above)

    1. A process for preparing a pseudopolymorph of the

    compound (3R,3aS,6aR)-hexahydrofuro . . . comprising

    combining (3R,3aS,6aR)-hexahydrofuro . . . with an organic

    solvent, water, or a mixture of water and a water miscible

    organic solvent, and inducing crystallization.

    Exemplary Small Molecule Antiviral Drugs and

    Relevant Patent Claims

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 2222

    Brand Name Viral Target Patent and Representative Claim

    Vosevi

    (voxilaprevir)

    Hepatitis C,

    inhibits viral

    replication

    U.S. Patent No. 8,735,372; Title: Nucleoside phosphoramidate

    prodrugs

    1. A method of treating a human infected by hepatitis C virus,

    comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of

    an NS5a inhibitor and an effective amount of a compound

    represented by the following formula [ ].

    Exemplary Patent Claims (Cont’d)

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 2323

    Brand Name Viral Target Patent and Representative Claim

    Xofluza

    (baloxavir

    marboxil)

    Influenza A/B

    endonuclease

    U.S. Patent No. 8,927,710; Title: Substituted polycyclic

    carbamoylpyridone derivative

    1. A CAP dependent endonuclease inhibitor compound

    represented by formula (I), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or

    a solvate thereof [ ].

    Exemplary Patent Claims (Cont’d)

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 2424

    Brand Name Viral Target Patent and Representative Claim

    Sitavig

    (acyclovir)

    Herpes labialis

    DNA

    polymerase

    U.S. Patent No. 8,592,434; Title: Mucoadhesive buccal tablets

    for the treatment of orofacial herpes

    1. A method for treating orofacial herpes comprising

    administering to a patient suffering from orofacial herpes only

    a single dose of a prolonged release mucoadhesive buccal

    tablet comprising:

    50 to 200 mg of acyclovir,

    1 to 75% by weight of a diluent,

    1 to 10% by weight of an alkali metal

    alkylsulfate, to 5% by weight of a

    binding agent,

    5 to 80% by weight of natural milk proteins, and

    5% to 80% by weight of at least one hydrophilic polymer that

    provides a sustained release of acyclovir.

    Exemplary Patent Claims (Cont’d)

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 2525

    Brand Name Viral Target Patent and Representative Claim

    TPOXX

    (tecovirimat)

    Smallpox

    (variola virus),

    blocks viral

    particle release

    U.S. Patent No. 8,802,714; Title: Compounds, compositions

    and methods for treatment and prevention of orthopoxvirus

    infections and associated diseases

    1. A method of treating or preventing an infection caused by

    an orthopox virus in a living host having or susceptible to said

    infection, said method comprising administering to said living

    host a therapeutically effective amount of a mixture of

    compounds comprising: (a) N-[(3aR,4R,4aR,5aS,6S,6aS)-

    3,3a,4,4a,5,5a,6,6a- octahydro-1,3-dioxo-4,6-ethenocycloprop

    [f]isoindol-2(1H)-yl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)- benzamide; and (b) N-

    [(3aR,4S,4aS,5aR,6R,6aS)-3,3a,4,4a,5,5a,6,6a-octahydro-

    1,3- dioxo-4,6-ethenocycloprop [f]isoindol-2(1H)-yl]-4-

    (trifluoromethyl)-benzamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable

    salt thereof.

    Exemplary Patent Claims (Cont’d)

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 2626

    • Vaccines are a preemptive first line of defense

    • Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies

    that may remain in the body for long periods of time

    • Because of such long-term

    “immune memory,” a rapid

    immune response typically

    results upon subsequent

    exposure to the virus

    REMAINS/ISTOCKPHOTO

    Vaccines

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 2727

    • Development typically takes years (5-15 years)

    − More difficult and expensive to manufacture and test in human

    clinical trials than small molecule antiviral drugs

    ▪ US$400 million to US$2 billion

    − Requires negative result—wait to see if a subject catches the

    virus

    − “Human Challenge” studies are controversial (vaccinate then

    intentionally expose to the virus)

    • Vital research for creating new viral treatments to

    guarantee continued global human health

    Vaccines

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 2828

    Attempts to Accelerate Time to Market

    • Starting trials before

    completing extensive

    academic and pre-clinical

    research

    • Combining/overlapping

    Phases of the clinical trials

    • Ramping up production

    before final approval

    • Unpredictable

    NEW YORK

    TIMES

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 2929

    Vaccine IP

    • Vaccine IP is complex:

    − Many companies trying to achieve the same goal (especially for Covid)

    − Can be highly collaborative

    ▪ Good for furthering research & development

    ▪ Complicates patent rights

    − Political and public relations considerations

    ▪ Does a patent holder want to appear to be blocking vaccine development and/or

    distribution?

    − Multiple aspects can be patented

    ▪ Freedom to Operate considerations

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 3030

    − Nucleic acids

    − amino acid

    sequences

    − viral vectors

    − attenuated strains

    − formulations

    − culturing methods

    − manufacturing methods

    − methods of use

    − Kits

    − Packaging

    − devices for vaccine

    administration

    Vaccine IP

    • Various levels of patents

    Nature

    World Health Organization

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 3131

    Claims obtainable directed to:

    • “A stable vaccine, comprising . . .”

    • “A multivalent immunogenic composition . . .”

    • “A live attenuated viral strain . . .”

    • “A method of making a virus-like particle . . .”

    • “A method of vaccinating a patient or inducing an immune

    response in a subject in need thereof . . .”

    Vaccine IP

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 3232

    Exemplary Patent Claims in the Vaccine Space

    Brand Name Viral Target Exemplary Patent Claim

    INFANRIX Diphtheria

    and tetanus

    toxoids and

    acellular

    pertussis

    U.S. Patent No. 9,233,151; Title: Vaccine composition

    1. A multivalent immunogenic composition comprising the

    following components:

    (a) killed whole-cell Bordetella pertussis,

    (b) tetanus toxoid,

    (c) diphtheria toxoid,

    (d) Hepatitis B surface antigen,

    (e) a conjugate of a carrier protein and the capsular

    polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type

    B and

    (f) one or more conjugates of a carrier protein and

    the capsular polysaccharide of a bacterium

    selected from the group consisting of Neisseria

    meningitidis type A and N. meningitidis type C.

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 3333

    Exemplary Patent Claims in the Vaccine Space

    (Cont’d)

    Brand Name Viral Target Exemplary Patent Claim

    BIOTHRAX Bacillus

    anthrax

    U.S. Patent No. 8,778,359; Title: Stable anthrax vaccine

    formulations

    1. A stable vaccine for stimulating an immune response to

    a Bacillus anthracis protective antigen comprising:

    (a) a purified B. anthracis protective antigen protein;

    (b) an alanine formulation buffer; and

    (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant.

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 3434

    Exemplary Patent Claims in the Vaccine Space

    (Cont’d)

    Brand Name Viral Target Exemplary Patent Claim

    DENGVAXIA Dengue

    disease

    U.S. Patent No. 9,169,298; Title: Dengue serotype 1 attenuated

    strain

    1. A live attenuated dengue-1 virus strain which comprises an

    RNA sequence having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3

    wherein said RNA sequence comprises uridines in place of

    the deoxythymidines in SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein at least

    nucleotides at positions 5962 and 7947 of the RNA

    sequence are mutated with reference to SEQ ID NO: 3,

    with the proviso that the following nucleotides of the RNA

    sequence are not mutated: 1323, 1541, 1543, 1545,

    1567,1608, 2363, 2695, 2782, 5063, 6048, 6806, 7330, and

    9445.

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 3535

    Exemplary Patent Claims in the Vaccine Space

    (Cont’d)

    Brand Name Viral Target Exemplary Patent Claim

    GARDASIL 9 Human

    papillomavirus

    U.S. Patent No. 7,476,389; Title; Papillomavirus vaccines

    1. A method of making a papillomavirus virus-like particle, which

    method comprises: constructing a recombinant DNA molecule

    that contains a sequence encoding

    a papillomavirus L1 protein;

    transfecting a host cell with the recombinant DNA molecule;

    expressing papillomavirus L1 protein in the host cell;

    and

    obtaining papillomavirus virus-like particles from the

    transfected host cell; wherein the papillomavirus is not

    HPV 16.

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 3636

    Exemplary Patent Claims in the Vaccine Space

    (Cont’d)

    Brand Name Viral Target Exemplary Patent Claim

    PROQUAD Measles,

    mumps,

    rubella, and

    varicella

    virus

    U.S. Patent No. 10,350,289; Title: Methods of immunization with

    varicella zoster virus antigen

    1. A method of vaccinating a patient against varicella zoster

    virus (VZV) infection or reactivation of latent VZV infection

    comprising injecting an effective amount of a live attenuated

    VZV vaccine to the epidermis or the dermis of the patient's skin

    at a depth of between 100 and 700 microns from the surface of

    the skin, wherein the live attenuated VZV vaccine is liquid and

    comprises a live attenuated VZV strain, and wherein the VZV

    vaccine is injected with an intradermal delivery device

    comprising one or more hollow needles for penetrating the skin,

    wherein the device is adapted for shallow intradermal delivery

    of the VZV vaccine.

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 3737

    Exemplary Patent Claims in the Vaccine Space

    (Cont’d)

    Brand Name Viral Target Exemplary Patent Claim

    IMOVAX Rabies U.S. Patent No. 9,750,800; Title: Method for purifying the rabies

    virus

    1. A vaccine comprising purified and inactivated rabies virus,

    wherein the amount of residual DNA measured by quantitative

    PCR and the amount of total protein present in one effective

    dose of vaccine or in one dose of vaccine which contains 2.5 IU

    as measured according to the European Pharmacopeia

    monograph number 0216, are, respectively, less than 20 pg and

    less than 40 μg.

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 3838

    Exemplary Patent Claims in the Vaccine Space

    (Cont’d)

    Brand Name Viral Target Exemplary Patent Claim

    JYNNEOS Smallpox and

    monkey pox

    U.S. Patent No. 9,707,291; Title: Single high dose of MVA

    induces a protective immune response in neonates and

    infants

    1. A method for inducing a protective immune response against

    a poxvirus in a human neonate or infant of less than 6 months

    of age comprising administering a dose of at least 108 50%

    tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) of a modified vaccinia

    virus Ankara (MVA) to a human neonate, wherein the

    administration induces protective T- and B-cell responses

    against a poxvirus in the human neonate prior to 6 months of

    age in the absence of a second administration of the MVA.

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 3939

    Exemplary Patent Claims in the Vaccine Space

    (Cont’d)

    Brand Name Viral Target Exemplary Patent Claim

    RECOMBIVAX

    HB

    Hepatitis B U.S. Patent No. 6,544,757; Title: Synthesis of human virus

    antigens by yeast

    1. A DNA transfer vector comprising a yeast replication origin, a

    yeast promoter fragment and, in correct orientation with said

    promoter fragment, a DNA segment coding for the S-protein of

    Hepatitis B virus.

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 4040

    Exemplary Patent Claims in the Vaccine Space

    (Cont’d)

    Brand Name Viral Target Exemplary Patent Claim

    n/a SARS U.S. Patent No. 10,130,701; Title: Coronavirus

    1. A live, attenuated coronavirus comprising a variant replicase

    gene encoding polyproteins comprising a mutation in one or

    both of non-structural protein(s) nsp-10 and nsp-14, wherein

    the variant replicase gene encodes a protein comprising an

    amino acid mutation of Pro to Leu at the position corresponding

    to position 85 of SEQ ID NO: 6, and/or wherein the variant

    replicase gene encodes a protein comprising an amino acid

    mutation of Val to Leu at the position corresponding to position

    393 of SEQ ID NO: 7.

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 4141

    Exemplary Patent Claims in the Vaccine Space

    (Cont’d)

    Brand Name Viral Target Exemplary Patent Claim

    n/a H5N1 avian

    influenza

    U.S. Patent No. 9,283,198; Title: Materials and methods for

    treating viral infections

    1. A method for treating a subject infected with H5N1 strain of

    avian influenza, wherein said method comprises diagnosing a

    subject as being infected with the H5N1 strain of avian

    influenza; and administering to the subject an effective amount

    of a salt of cysteamine.

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 4242

    • Various aspects of vaccine product and development are

    patentable

    − Though PR reasons may discourage enforcement, freedom to operate

    supports building a strong patent portfolio around vaccines

    − Patents protection enhances potential outside funding, strengthens

    negotiating power with potential collaborators/licensees, and helps

    establish a company as a lead player in vaccine development

    − Consider your potential infringer

    ▪ Target your competitor selling a vaccine, consider the label

    ▪ Not the doctor delivering the vaccine

    Vaccine IP – Takeaways

  • Subject Matter Eligibility

    Considerations in the USPTO

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 4444

    Novel compounds are patent eligible - do not exist in

    nature (also crystal forms, hydrates, and solvates)

    Novel Methods of Use, generally easily obtained

    A new use for an old compound is typically patentable

    assuming the use is novel and nonobvious

    Small Molecules

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 4545

    Newly discovered, wild-type strain of a virus are not patentable

    A genetically modified viral strain that differs structurally from the

    wild-type virus is patentable

    A vaccine composition comprising a live attenuated virus are

    generally considered patentable subject matter –

    − a live attenuated virus has different structural and functional characteristics

    than what occurs in nature

    Virus-like particles and viruses obtained by recombinant DNA

    technology are also patentable

    Vaccines

    PHOTO: KINDPNG

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 4646

    Claims directed to a vaccine composition comprising an antigenic

    peptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as water,

    are not patent eligible because each component is a product of

    nature

    Claims directed to a vaccine composition comprising an antigenic

    peptide and a novel pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier would be

    patent eligible

    Claims directed to a vaccine composition comprising an antigenic

    peptide and a specific adjuvant would be patent eligible

    Vaccines

  • Diagnostics in the USPTO

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 4848

    • Claims to methods of diagnosing in the U.S. are difficult to

    obtain

    − Keeps the cost of diagnostics down

    − But, the Covid-19 outbreak has highlighted the lack of investment and

    development of diagnostics

    − Complicated patent issues and uncertainty could play a role in this lack

    of corporate/government investment in diagnostics

    Diagnostics – Patent Eligibility

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    • In vitro diagnostic methods, i.e., using a biological sample

    isolated from a patient, are generally not patent eligible

    − A method “for detecting a paternally inherited nucleic acid” (Ariosa)

    − A method “for performing a prenatal diagnosis” (Ariosa)

    Ariosa Diagnostics, Inc. v. Sequenom, Inc., 788 F.3d 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2015)

    • Application of diagnostic results such as method of treatment

    claims eligible (Vanda)

    • Method of preparation, which involves a diagnostic, eligible

    (Illumina)

    Diagnostics – Patent Eligibility

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    Vanda Pharma Inc. v. West-Ward Pharma Int’l Ltd (Fed. Cir. 2018)

    • A method for treating a patient with iloperidone, wherein the patient is suffering from

    schizophrenia, the method comprising the steps of:

    − determining whether the patient is a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer by:

    ▪ obtaining or having obtained a biological sample from the patient; and

    ▪ performing or having performed a genotyping assay on the biological sample to determine if the patient has a

    CYP2D6 poor metabolizer genotype; and

    − if the patient has a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer genotype, then internally administering

    iloperidone to the patient in an amount of 12 mg/day or less, and

    − if the patient does not have a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer genotype, then internally

    administering iloperidone to the patient in an amount that is greater than 12 mg/day, up to 24

    mg/day,

    − wherein a risk of QTc prolongation for a patient having a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer genotype

    is lower following the internal administration of 12 mg/day or less than it would be if the

    iloperidone were administered in an amount of greater than 12 mg/day, up to 24 mg/day.

    Diagnostics – Vanda

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    Illumina, Inc. v. Ariosa Diagnostics, Inc. (Fed. Cir. 2020)

    • A method comprising:

    (a) extracting DNA comprising maternal and fetal DNA fragments from a substantially cell-free

    sample of blood plasma or blood serum of a pregnant human female;

    (b) producing a fraction of the DNA extracted in (a) by:

    (i) size discrimination of extracellular circulatory fetal and maternal DNA fragments, and

    (ii) selectively removing the DNA fragments greater than approximately 300 base pairs,

    wherein the DNA fraction after (b) comprises extracellular circulatory fetal and maternal DNA

    fragments of approximately 300 base pairs and less and a plurality of genetic loci of the

    extracellular circulatory fetal and maternal DNA fragments; and

    (c) analyzing DNA fragments in the fraction of DNA produced in (b).

    • “This is not a diagnostic case. And it is not a method of treatment case. It is a method of

    preparation case.”

    Diagnostics – Illumina

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    Diagnostics – USPTO Guidance

    • To claim a diagnostic method,

    you need “significantly more”

    than just the diagnostic,

    unpatentable, aspect:

    − A method of treating a target

    population, identified using a

    particular diagnostic method

    − A novel way of preparing a

    sample, which can be part of a

    diagnostic method

    USPTO

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    • The law around patent eligible subject matter in the US is likely

    still developing

    − Include different claims to diagnostic methods to anticipate potential

    tightening or loosening of restrictions

    • The laws are different outside the US

    − Language that may be allowable can vary by country (e.g., Europe,

    South Korea, Israel, and various Asian countries)

    Diagnostics – Drafting Considerations

  • Ongoing Effort Against

    Covid-19

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    • Global Alliance for Vaccines and

    Immunization (GAVI)

    • UNICEF

    • World Health Organization

    • Biomedical Advanced Research

    and Development Authority

    (BARDA) (US DHHS)

    • National Institute of Allergy and

    Infectious Diseases (NIAID) (US

    NIH)

    • Coalition for Epidemic

    Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

    A Global Effort

    (New York Times – as of September 29, 2020)

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    • Altimmune

    • BioNTech and Pfizer

    • CytoDyn

    • Gilead Sciences

    • GlaxoSmithKline

    • Heat Biologics

    • Inovio Pharmaceuticals

    • Johnson & Johnson

    A Global Effort

    (New York Times – as of September 29, 2020)

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    • Moderna

    • Novavax

    • Regeneron

    Pharmaceuticals

    • Sanofi

    • Roche

    • Takeda Pharmaceutical

    • Vaxart

    • Vir Biotechnology

    A Global Effort

    (New York Times – as of September 29, 2020)

  • Global Best Practices

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    • Critical Issues:

    1. Testing

    2. Starting/Raw Materials

    3. Financing

    4. Incentives for the Private Sector

    5. Clinical Trials and Federal Approval

    6. Supply Chain

    7. Dependence on Foreign

    Manufacturing

    8. Allocation

    9. Efficacy

    10. Future Mutation and/or Resurgence

    What have we learned from this Pandemic?

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    • For-profit pharmaceutical companies are “for-profit,” but crisis prevention

    means being in front of a disease before it reaches pandemic proportions

    • Governments and nonprofits must take the lead in funding proactive

    vaccine research and development

    • It is up to governments and the private sector around the world to step up

    vaccine supplies, research, and development

    • We ought to be better prepared to handle future viral outbreaks as the

    disastrous effects on security, the economy, and commerce are currently

    on full display with COVID-19

    What have we learned from this Pandemic?

  • confidential © Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. 2020 6161

    Contact

    Robert Greene Sterne

    [email protected]

    +1 (202) 772 8555

    Gaby L. Longsworth, Ph.D.

    [email protected]

    +1 (202) 772 8824

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]