Compositions And Methods For Improving Mitochondrial Function And Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases And Cognitive Disorders
Patent No. US12310943 (titled "Compositions And Methods For Improving Mitochondrial Function And Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases And Cognitive Disorders") was filed by Amazentis Sa on Jul 17, 2023.
What is this patent about?
’943 is related to the field of nutritional supplements and therapeutic interventions aimed at improving mitochondrial function and overall health. The background involves the recognition that ellagitannins, found in fruits like pomegranates, are metabolized into urolithins in the gut. These urolithins, particularly urolithin A, have shown potential benefits in addressing age-related decline, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, all linked to compromised mitochondrial activity. The challenge is to harness these benefits effectively.
The underlying idea behind ’943 is to leverage the bioavailability and bioactivity of urolithins to enhance cellular energy production and protect against age-related decline. The key inventive insight is that urolithins, as metabolites of ellagitannins, can directly impact mitochondrial function, promoting processes like oxidative phosphorylation and reducing oxidative stress. This is achieved by providing urolithins or their precursors in a form that can be readily absorbed and utilized by the body.
The claims of ’943 focus on methods of enhancing muscle performance and increasing or maintaining mitochondrial function in a mammal by administering an effective amount of a urolithin . The claims specify that the effective amount of the urolithin is 300-500 mg/day, 450-750 mg/day, or 600-1000 mg/day. This suggests a targeted approach to deliver a specific dosage of the active compound to achieve the desired physiological effects.
The invention works in practice by providing a readily available source of urolithins, which are then absorbed and utilized by cells to improve mitochondrial function. This can be achieved through direct administration of urolithins or by consuming ellagitannin-rich foods that are metabolized into urolithins in the gut. The improved mitochondrial function then leads to enhanced muscle performance, increased energy expenditure, and protection against age-related decline and metabolic disorders.
The differentiation from prior approaches lies in the direct focus on urolithins as the active compounds responsible for the observed health benefits. While previous research has explored the benefits of ellagitannins and pomegranate extracts, ’943 emphasizes the importance of urolithins as the key mediators of these effects. This allows for a more targeted and potentially more effective approach to improving mitochondrial function and overall health, as it bypasses the variability in ellagitannin metabolism among individuals.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2010s when ’943 was filed, at a time when research into natural compounds and their metabolites was growing, systems commonly relied on in vitro and in vivo studies to assess the efficacy of such compounds for various health benefits. Hardware and software constraints made detailed molecular pathway analysis and high-throughput screening non-trivial, often requiring significant manual effort and specialized equipment.
Novelty and Inventive Step
Claims 81, 83-93, and 95-104 were pending in the application. Applicant's election without traverse of Group I (Claims 81, 83-93, 95-104), the species urolithin A in the reply filed on August 15, 2024 is acknowledged. Claims 81, 83-93 and 95-104 are rejected. The claims were rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-46 of U.S. Patent No. 9872850 B2.
Claims
This patent contains 35 claims, with claims 1 and 2 being independent. The independent claims are directed to methods of enhancing muscle performance or increasing/maintaining mitochondrial function by administering a urolithin to a mammal. The dependent claims generally specify particular dosages, forms of administration, and types of urolithins used in the methods.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
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Date
Description
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US12310943
- Application Number
- US18353570
- Filing Date
- Jul 17, 2023
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Dec 23, 2031
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents