Global IP Matrix - Issue 5

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PATENTS Don’t sugar-coat it: the sweet story of diabetes An overview of diabetes treatment and its patent landscape. Bio: Filip Silvestre (BSc Biotechnology) is a Senior Analyst on the Biotech team at Patent Seekers (A leading patent research company based in the UK and Canada). Filip is an experienced searcher and has worked on a wide range of casework on a variety of topics. His specialisms are therapeutics, surgical devices, pharmaceuticals, and genetic engineering. Filip took this opportunity to explore the current patent landscape around diabetes treatments and provided an insight into some of the most innovative technologies that are currently being developed. Filip Silvestre, Senior Analyst, Biotech team at Patent Seekers www.patentseekers.com How rapidly is innovation taking place in this space? The increasing trend in diabetes frequency is mirrored in the patent landscape, as shown in Figure 1. An increase in diabetes-related patent filings is evident, with a peak in 2015-2016. The increase in patent filings could be explained by an increase in the prevalence of diabetes, which has resulted in a greater burden on the healthcare systems. The frequency of diabetes is predicted to continue increasing; hence, it may be rational to assume a continued increase in patent filings. The recent increase in patent filings further supports this assumption, as approximately 20% of patent filings appear to be in 2015- 2017. The apparent reduction in patent filings in 2018 is most likely explained by applications yet to be published that would be claiming these years as a priority, as there is an 18-month delay between the filing of an application and its publication. Introduction Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is subdivided into two main subtypes: type I and type II. The onset of diabetes is a result of a complex interplay between a range of genetic and environmental factors. While type I diabetes is characterised by the autoimmune destruction of insulinproducing beta cells in the pancreas, type II diabetes is generally a result of insulin resistance or impaired insulin secretion. Both types are characterised by poor glycaemic control, wherein blood glucose levels are frequently elevated for prolonged periods. Recurring hyperglycaemia imposes a higher risk of developing diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy, and kidney failure. This article will analyse the patent landscape in the fight against diabetes, along with exploring some of the more interesting, cutting-edge technologies that are being used to treat patients suffering from this disease. The rising occurrence of diabetes is posing a tremendous challenge for healthcare systems around the world. According to the International Diabetes Federation, the number of people suffering from diabetes worldwide has increased by 314 million between 1980 and 2014 and is predicted to continue increasing. A significant portion of this increase is attributable to type II diabetes, or often referred to as diet-induced diabetes, wherein poor diet and sedentary lifestyle are considered to be the leading causes for the epidemic. Figure 1. Worldwide patent filings in the last 20 years. In accordance with the increasing demand and patent filings in this field, this area is ranked as one of the most important for the future by the <strong>Global</strong> Innovation Index (The <strong>Global</strong> Innovation Index (GII) 2019 ranks and breaks down the innovation performance of 129 countries and economies around the world). We will now explore how the technology landscape has changed over this period of growth and innovation. What are the trends in technology focus? Considering the complexity of diabetes, it should be of no surprise to expect a wide range of innovation. Figure 2 illustrates a heatmap showing the number of patent publications categorised in the top 20 CPC classifications over the last 20 years. It is apparent that innovation in this field encompasses a range of different technology areas, focussed on the different challenges posed by diabetes. The two main areas of innovation appear to be pharmaceuticals (A61K & C07) and medical devices (A61B5), with pharmaceuticals dominating the landscape. A look at the recent trend in patent publications may provide us with an insight into the future focus of innovation, the three classes with the most patent publications since 2015 are listed below. Interestingly, most of the identified areas are not related to pharmaceuticals. 4 www.gipmatrix.com
A23V2002/00 Food compositions, function of food ingredients or processes for food or foodstuffs A61B5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g., by tissue impedance measurement A61K36/481 Astragalus (milkvetch) use of needles and tubing, thereby lowering patient discomfort and increasing treatment compliance. Such innovative solutions have been shown to significantly lower the risk of developing complications resulting from diabetes through effective glycaemic control. However, these devices are not fully independent, and insulin contained within them needs to be replenished regularly; hence, future efforts may focus on exploiting advancements in stem-cellbased regenerative therapies to overcome these challenges. 2. Keeping an eye on the sugar Figure 2. A heatmap of patent publications in the top 20 CPC classifications. Who are the current competitors? Despite the recent potential shift in focus away from pharmaceuticals, most identified areas over the last 20 years relate to medicinal preparations. This is reflected in Figure 3, wherein the landscape appears to be dominated by big pharmaceutical companies, which is not surprising considering its burden upon the healthcare system. The key assignee appears to be Merck Sharp & Dohme, which holds approximately 17% of the total patent filings in the area. However, it faces firm competition from Beijing Lvyuanqiuzheng Technology Development, which may be explained by China having the highest demand for novel solutions, as it has the highest population of diabetics in the world. Figure 3. Diabetes-related patent filings by the top 15 assignees. What are the innovations with the biggest potential impact? A search of the current literature around diabetes treatments uncovers a treasure-trove of innovation. We will now explore some of the most interesting technologies being developed that might help overcome the challenges posed by diabetes. 1. An Artificial Pancreas? Enzyme based finger-prick tests have been the standard means of monitoring blood glucose levels. However, this process only gives limited insight into glycaemic changes and has been shown to have low compliance among diabetic patients, thereby translating into a growing need for technology that can improve glucose monitoring. This has recently been addressed by Medtronic’s development of the MiniMed 670G System. It is a smart insulin pump that automatically calculates and delivers an appropriate dosage of insulin, based on glucose sensor readings. A similar product that is particularly interesting has been designed by Omnipod, which is an external device that avoids the www.gipmatrix.com An interesting opportunity for easier and more effective glucose management has been investigated by Novartis and Google, wherein glucose is monitored through smart contact lenses. However, its application has been limited due to discomfort associated with the sensors and a lack of reliable glucose readings. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology appears to have made progress within this field, as it developed contact lenses comprising sensors made of stretchable and transparent materials, which circumvent previous limitations. The new lenses also comprise an integrated antenna for wirelessly transmitting data in real-time, which makes the previously cumbersome process of blood glucose level monitoring significantly easier. 3. Deciphering the genetic enigma of diabetes The genetic code governs all biological systems. Our understanding of the human genome has huge implications for the future of healthcare, as many patients exhibit a heterologous response to treatment. It also has the potential for the discovery of predictive biomarkers that could improve preventative measures through the development of genotype tailored lifestyle programmes. Despite the potential benefits, developments in this field appear to be ongoing. This is illustrated by a recently granted patent (EP2609218B1) that appears to disclose a method of diagnosing an individual’s genetic predisposition to developing diabetes, while The University of California appears to have discovered genetic variants that affect response to Metformin treatment. These examples provide us with an insight into how a better understanding of our genome could lead to a more personalised treatment approach, which has the potential to be more cost-effective. Conclusion Worldwide prevalence of diabetes is a growing challenge for the future of healthcare. It is, therefore, no surprise that big pharmaceutical companies dominate the market. While there is an absence of a definitive cure, recent efforts have been made in effectively managing glycaemic levels, which has significantly reduced the mortality rate and economic burden of diabetes. Perhaps the lack of apparent activity in applying genomic data to the development of preventative measures may present a gap in the market that could help overcome challenges posed by diabetes. Nevertheless, the dynamic diversity of innovation within this field makes it difficult to ascertain the direction of future activity. It will be exciting to see the next move of the key players in the fight against diabetes. 5
Page 1 and 2: www.gipmatrix.com 1
Page 3: CONTENTS Page 4 Don’t sugar-coat
Page 8 and 9: Patent Linkage and Indian Laws Bio:
Page 10 and 11: Can a thorough search help you gain
Page 12 and 13: 12 www.gipmatrix.com
Page 14 and 15: The road ahead for autonomous vehic
Page 16 and 17: 2019 TITLE SPONSOR 14 October 2019
Page 18 and 19: TRADEMARKS Main Changes of the New
Page 21 and 22: GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS: THE AFRIC
Page 23 and 24: one of two legal regimes. Protectio
Page 25 and 26: Since 1992 …… Protect your IP o
Page 27 and 28: J. Varbanov & Partners European and
Page 30: Every IP attorney also needs to be
Page 35 and 36: 12th Edition GIPC Media Partner “
Page 38 and 39: NOTES..............................
Page 40: Don’t miss the obvious... ...or t

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