How Tiny Particles Make CBD Easier to Absorb
This patent describes a special mix of ingredients that creates tiny, stable CBD particles, making it easier for the body to absorb the compound and improving how long it lasts in the body.
Original patent title: “Compositions for the delivery of therapeutic agents and methods of use and making thereof”
This patent describes a special mix of ingredients that creates tiny, stable CBD particles, making it easier for the body to absorb the compound and improving how long it lasts in the body. Granted to Disruption Labs in 2022 with 16 claims and 2 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2041.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent covers a lipid-based nanoparticle composition designed to deliver cannabidiol (CBD). The composition is an oil-in-water nanoemulsion, meaning tiny oil droplets containing CBD are evenly spread in water. It includes specific amounts of CBD (1-10%), phosphatidylcholine (2.5-15%), a sterol (0.5-5%), and a medium chain triglyceride (2.5-15%), with water making up 60-80% of the mix (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1). The nanoparticles are very small, averaging 75 nm to 200 nm, which helps with absorption. A key feature is their stability: the nanoparticles change size by less than 10% when exposed to simulated stomach or intestinal fluids for at least an hour (Claim 1). This stability helps the CBD survive digestion and get into the bloodstream more effectively, potentially leading to faster absorption (Tmax less than 4.5 hours, Claim 3) and higher concentrations in the body (Cmax of at least 80 ng/ml after 15 mg/kg dose, Claim 13). For example, a person could take this composition orally, and the CBD would be absorbed more efficiently than other forms.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover CBD compositions that use traditional surfactants or emulsifiers other than phosphatidylcholine (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1).
- Does not cover compositions where the CBD, phosphatidylcholine, sterol, or medium chain triglyceride fall outside the specified weight percentages (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1).
- Does not cover nanoparticles that change size by more than 10% when exposed to simulated gastric or intestinal fluids (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1).
- Does not cover compositions where the average nanoparticle size is outside the 75 nm to 200 nm range (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1).
- Does not cover the delivery of therapeutic agents other than cannabidiol (CBD) using this specific composition (ClaimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 1).
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The clever part is creating a highly stable, small-particle CBD nanoemulsion without relying on common synthetic surfactants. By using specific ratios of natural lipids like phosphatidylcholine and sterols, the composition achieves excellent stability in harsh digestive environments and enhances the body's ability to absorb CBD.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
CBD oil tinctures designed for enhanced bioavailability
CBD-infused beverages
CBD capsules or softgels with improved absorption
Topical CBD creams or lotions using nanoemulsion technology
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Many beneficial compounds, like CBD, are not easily absorbed by the body when taken orally. This patent provides a way to create a stable, highly absorbable form of CBD, which can improve its effectiveness for consumers. By ensuring the nanoparticles remain stable through the digestive system, it addresses a major challenge in delivering lipid-soluble compounds. This technology could lead to more reliable and potent CBD products, enhancing their therapeutic potential.
Filed
March 24, 2021
Granted
March 1, 2022
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Disruption Labs, the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, is likely continuing to develop and commercialize products based on this technology. Companies in the broader cannabis and wellness industries, particularly those focused on cannabinoid delivery systems, are also exploring similar nanoparticle and nanoemulsion approaches to improve product efficacy and consumer experience. This includes both established pharmaceutical companies researching cannabinoid-based medicines and consumer brands in the dietary supplement space.
Market impact
This patent contributes to the growing market for highly bioavailable CBD products, which aims to overcome the poor absorption of traditional CBD oils. By offering a stable and effective delivery system, it enables the creation of more consistent and potent products, potentially leading to increased consumer trust and broader adoption of CBD. This technology helps differentiate products in a crowded market by promising better efficacy, which can drive innovation and competition among manufacturers of cannabinoid-based health and wellness items.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent covers a lipid-based nanoparticle composition designed to deliver cannabidiol (CBD). The composition is an oil-in-water nanoemulsion, meaning tiny oil droplets containing CBD are evenly spread in water. It includes specific amounts of CBD (1-10%), phosphatidylcholine (2.5-15%), a sterol (0.5-5%), and a medium chain triglyceride (2.5-15%), with water making up 60-80% of the mix (Claim 1). The nanoparticles are very small, averaging 75 nm to 200 nm, which helps with absorption. A key feature is their stability: the nanoparticles change size by less than 10% when exposed to simulated stomach or intestinal fluids for at least an hour (Claim 1). This stability helps the CBD survive digestion and get into the bloodstream more effectively, potentially leading to faster absorption (Tmax less than 4.5 hours, Claim 3) and higher concentrations in the body (Cmax of at least 80 ng/ml after 15 mg/kg dose, Claim 13). For example, a person could take this composition orally, and the CBD would be absorbed more efficiently than other forms.
The clever bit
The clever part is creating a highly stable, small-particle CBD nanoemulsion without relying on common synthetic surfactants. By using specific ratios of natural lipids like phosphatidylcholine and sterols, the composition achieves excellent stability in harsh digestive environments and enhances the body's ability to absorb CBD.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover CBD compositions that use traditional surfactants or emulsifiers other than phosphatidylcholine (Claim 1).
- Does not cover compositions where the CBD, phosphatidylcholine, sterol, or medium chain triglyceride fall outside the specified weight percentages (Claim 1).
- Does not cover nanoparticles that change size by more than 10% when exposed to simulated gastric or intestinal fluids (Claim 1).
- Does not cover compositions where the average nanoparticle size is outside the 75 nm to 200 nm range (Claim 1).
- Does not cover the delivery of therapeutic agents other than cannabidiol (CBD) using this specific composition (Claim 1).
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
10/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
11/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$176K – $562K
Midpoint $351K · 14.5 yr remaining · industry ×3.0
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
16 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
West, T. B., Sloat, B. R., & Sandoval, M. A. (2022). How Tiny Particles Make CBD Easier to Absorb (U.S. Patent No. 11,260,033). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11260033/compositions-for-the-delivery-of-therapeutic-agents-and-methods-of-use-and-makin
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
Embed
Add this patent to your site
Drop this plain-English patent card into any blog post or article — free, no signup. It always links back to the full breakdown here.
<div data-patentlens-widget data-patent-number="US11260033"></div> <script src="https://patentbrief.org/embed.js" async></script>
Stay in the loop
Get a weekly digest of new patents.
One email per week. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Keep exploring
Related patents you should know
US 4683195 · 1987
How to Make Billions of Copies of a DNA Segment
This patent describes the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a method to rapidly create many copies of a specific piece of DNA or RNA, enabling its detection and analysis.
Cetus Corp
US 8697359 · 2014
How to Edit Genes in Human Cells Using an Engineered CRISPR System
This patent describes an engineered CRISPR-Cas9 system for precisely cutting DNA in eukaryotic cells to change how genes work, opening the door for gene editing in complex organisms.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
US 7657849 · 2010
How the iPhone's Slide-to-Unlock Gesture Works
Apple's 2010 patent describes unlocking a device by dragging a specific graphical image across the touchscreen along a predefined path, a gesture that became iconic with the original iPhone.
Apple Inc
US 4733665 · 1988
How Doctors Implant a Permanent Stent Using a Balloon
This patent describes the method for placing a permanent, expandable wire mesh tube inside a blood vessel or other body tube using a balloon-tipped catheter to widen it and keep it open.
Expandable Grafts Partnership
US 4965188 · 1990
How to Make Many Copies of a DNA Piece with Heat
This patent describes the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method, a technique to make millions of copies of a specific DNA segment using a heat-resistant enzyme and repeated temperature changes.
Cetus Corp
US 4235871 · 1980
How to Encapsulate Active Materials in Lipid Bubbles Efficiently
This patent describes a method for trapping biologically active substances inside tiny, multi-layered fat bubbles called liposomes, using a specific water-in-oil emulsion and gel-forming process to improve how much material gets captured.
Individual
Semantically similar
You might also find these interesting
US 20220304938 · Nanosphere Health Sciences
Tiny Lipid Balls for Precise, Better-Absorbed Cannabinoid Medicine
US 9925149 · 2018 · Nanosphere Health Sciences
How to Build Tiny Lipid Carriers for Delivering Nutrients
US 5002952 · 1991 · Green Cross Corp Japan
How to Make Hard-to-Absorb Medicines Easier for the Body to Use
US 20190307892 · Eriochem Usa
Targeting Drugs to Specific Body Tissues Using ApoE3-Coated Nanoparticles
More to explore
More in Biotech & Medicine
US 4683195 · 1987 · Cetus Corp
How to Make Billions of Copies of a DNA Segment
US 8697359 · 2014 · Massachusetts Institute of Technology
How to Edit Genes in Human Cells Using an Engineered CRISPR System
US 4733665 · 1988 · Expandable Grafts Partnership
How Doctors Implant a Permanent Stent Using a Balloon
US 4965188 · 1990 · Cetus Corp
How to Make Many Copies of a DNA Piece with Heat
New to patents?
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How Tiny Particles Make CBD Easier to Absorb cover?
This patent describes a special mix of ingredients that creates tiny, stable CBD particles, making it easier for the body to absorb the compound and improving how long it lasts in the body.
Who owns patent US 11260033?
Disruption Labs owns this patent, granted in 2022.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on March 24, 2041, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 11260033 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 2 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
Many beneficial compounds, like CBD, are not easily absorbed by the body when taken orally. This patent provides a way to create a stable, highly absorbable form of CBD, which can improve its effectiveness for consumers. By ensuring the nanoparticles remain stable through the digestive system, it addresses a major challenge in delivering lipid-soluble compounds. This technology could lead to more reliable and potent CBD products, enhancing their therapeutic potential.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover CBD compositions that use traditional surfactants or emulsifiers other than phosphatidylcholine (Claim 1).
Patent monitoring