The Japanese Patent Office (JPO) has issued a patent to NeurogesX for NGX-1998, a topically applied liquid formulation of prescription strength capsaicin designed to treat pain associated with neuropathic pain conditions.
The patent is entitled Methods and Compositions for Administration of TRPV1 Agonists.
The patent which covers formulation, system, and kit claims will remain in effect in Japan until 2024.
NeurogesX president and CEO Ronald Martell said, "We believe this issued patent enhances the value of NGX-1998 in the Japanese market in the near-term, and the allowed application enables the potential for additional future value through possible product line extension."
NeurogesX NGX-1998 won patent protection in the US under an identically titled patent having a term that extends to 2027. A similar patent application is under review in Europe.
The JPO has also allowed NeurogesX patent application related to the composition and creation of capsaicinoid oils and oils for treating capsaicin-responsive conditions.
The patent scheduled to issue from the application is expected to expire in 2026.
