Compositions And Methods For Improving Mitochondrial Function And Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases And Cognitive Disorders
Patent No. US10857126 (titled "Compositions And Methods For Improving Mitochondrial Function And Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases And Cognitive Disorders") was filed by Amazentis Sa on Jul 25, 2016.
What is this patent about?
’126 is related to the field of nutritional supplements and therapeutic interventions aimed at improving health and preventing or treating diseases associated with reduced mitochondrial activity. The background involves the understanding of ellagitannins, found in fruits like pomegranates, and their metabolites, particularly urolithins, in relation to mitochondrial function and overall health. Declining mitochondrial energy production is recognized as a key factor in aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders, creating a need for compounds that can enhance mitochondrial activity.
The underlying idea behind ’126 is that urolithins, metabolites of ellagitannins, can enhance mitochondrial function and thereby provide therapeutic benefits. The inventors recognized that while ellagitannins themselves are poorly absorbed, their metabolites, specifically urolithins, are absorbed and can positively influence mitochondrial activity. This insight leads to the use of urolithins, or precursors that can be metabolized into urolithins, as a means to improve cellular energy production and address various health issues.
The claims of ’126 focus on a method of improving cognitive function by administering an effective amount of a urolithin to a subject in need thereof . This directly covers the use of urolithins to enhance mental processes such as memory, attention, and reasoning. The claim emphasizes the direct administration of urolithins, rather than relying solely on dietary precursors, to achieve a specific cognitive benefit.
The invention works in practice by delivering urolithins directly to the body, where they can be absorbed and influence mitochondrial function in cells, including those in the brain. This enhanced mitochondrial activity then supports improved neuronal function, leading to better cognitive performance. The method bypasses the variability in ellagitannin metabolism among individuals, ensuring a more consistent and effective delivery of the active compound.
This approach differs from prior solutions that primarily focused on ellagitannins or ellagic acid, which have limited bioavailability. By focusing on urolithins, the invention provides a more direct and efficient way to enhance mitochondrial function and improve cognitive performance. The patent also highlights the potential of urolithins to address a range of conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction, including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and age-related decline, offering a versatile therapeutic strategy.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2010s when ’126 was filed, ellagitannins were known to be poorly absorbed in the gut, at a time when metabolites derived from ellagitannins were known to be absorbed. At a time when ellagitannins were extracted from fruit peels into juices, the resulting metabolites were known to be formed in the gut by commensal microorganisms.
Novelty and Inventive Step
Claims in this divisional application were provisionally rejected for nonstatutory double patenting over claims in copending applications. The examiner stated that the claims were not patentably distinct because they all claimed urolithin for treatment of neuronal disease. The applicant argued that a terminal disclaimer would be submitted. The Office action was made final.
Claims
This patent contains 19 claims, with claim 1 being independent. Independent claim 1 focuses on a method of improving cognitive function by administering urolithin. The dependent claims generally specify aspects of the method, such as the type of cognitive function, the specific urolithin used, the route and frequency of administration, the type of subject, and the form of administration.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
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Date
Description
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US10857126
- Application Number
- US15218663
- Filing Date
- Jul 25, 2016
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Oct 25, 2033
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents