# How a Specific Eye Drop Formula Treats Glaucoma

> A patent for a precise, low-concentration eye drop solution designed to lower eye pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

- **Patent:** US RE48183
- **Original title:** USRE48183E1 - Pharmaceutical formulations comprising a pyridylaminoacetic acid compound
- **Owner:** Santen Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
- **Granted:** 2020
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 1
- **Field:** biotech, pharmaceutical

## What it does

This patent covers a specific pharmaceutical liquid formulation used as an eye drop to treat glaucoma. The active ingredient is a chemical compound called isopropyl(6-{[4-(pyrazol-1-yl)benzyl](pyridin-3-ylsulfonyl)aminomethyl}pyridin-2-ylamino)acetate. The claims define a very narrow concentration range of this ingredient, specifically between 0.001% and 0.003% (weight/volume), while maintaining a pH balance between 4.0 and 8.0. This precise mixture is intended to be applied directly to the eye to reduce intraocular pressure.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover concentrations of the active ingredient outside the 0.001% to 0.003% (w/v) range.
- Does not cover formulations with a pH level outside the 4.0 to 8.0 range.
- Does not cover the chemical compound itself, only this specific pharmaceutical preparation.
- Does not cover delivery methods other than eye drops or topical instillation.

## The clever bit

The invention focuses on a very specific 'sweet spot' concentration range that provides the necessary pressure-lowering effect while likely minimizing the irritation or toxicity often associated with higher doses of such compounds.

## Real-world examples

1. Rhopressa (netarsudil) or similar Rho kinase inhibitor eye drops
2. Prescription glaucoma eye drop medications

## Why it matters

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, and managing intraocular pressure is the primary treatment. By patenting a specific, highly diluted concentration, the assignee protects a formulation that likely balances efficacy with reduced side effects or improved stability, which is critical for daily patient compliance.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How a Specific Eye Drop Formula Treats Glaucoma cover?

A patent for a precise, low-concentration eye drop solution designed to lower eye pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

### Who owns patent US RE48183?

Santen Pharmaceutical Co Ltd owns this patent, granted in 2020.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on September 1, 2040, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US RE48183 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, and managing intraocular pressure is the primary treatment. By patenting a specific, highly diluted concentration, the assignee protects a formulation that likely balances efficacy with reduced side effects or improved stability, which is critical for daily patient compliance.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover concentrations of the active ingredient outside the 0.001% to 0.003% (w/v) range.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/RE48183/trikafta-triple-combination

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/USRE48183

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._