{
  "patent_number": "US RE39497",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How to Store Fragile Biological Materials Without Refrigeration",
  "original_title": "USRE39497E1 - Storage of materials",
  "summary": "A method for preserving unstable biological materials like proteins by trapping them in a solid, glass-like sugar or polymer matrix that prevents decay at room temperature.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes a way to keep delicate biological materials, such as proteins or enzymes, from breaking down when they are not kept in a fridge. It works by dissolving the fragile material into a water-soluble carrier, like a sugar or a synthetic polymer, and then turning that mixture into a solid, glassy, amorphous state. Because the material is locked inside this rigid 'glass,' it cannot move or react, effectively pausing its degradation at room temperature. When a scientist needs to use the material again, they simply add water to dissolve the glass and release the active substance.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover materials that are already stable in aqueous solution at room temperature.",
    "Does not cover storage methods that rely on freezing or standard refrigeration.",
    "Does not cover the storage of rennin specifically, as it is explicitly excluded in claim 17.",
    "Does not cover liquid-state storage solutions that do not form a glassy amorphous solid."
  ],
  "filed": "2001-08-28",
  "granted": "2007-02-27",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "Nektar Therapeutics",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/nektar-therapeutics",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Felix Franks",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/felix-franks"
    },
    {
      "name": "Ross H. M. Hatley",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/ross-h-m-hatley"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 11,
  "tags": [
    "biotech",
    "pharmaceutical",
    "materials"
  ],
  "abstract": "A material or mixture of materials which is not itself storage stable is rendered storage stable by incorporation into a water-soluble or swellable glassy or rubbery composition which can then be stored at ambient temperature. Recovery is by adding aqueous solution to the composition.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/RE39497/epogen-epoetin-alfa",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/RE39497/epogen-epoetin-alfa/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/USRE39497",
  "relatedPatents": []
}