NovoCure has filed a patent for a method to reduce the unpleasant electrosensation effect experienced by some subjects during treatment with alternating electric fields. The method involves increasing the active area of transducer arrays by applying an AC signal between pairs of arrays at certain times. The patent also includes a claim for a method to treat tumors and deliver substances across biological barriers using alternating voltages at different frequencies applied during different intervals of time. GlobalData’s report on NovoCure gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on NovoCure, Neuromodulation implants was a key innovation area identified from patents. NovoCure's grant share as of September 2023 was 28%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for treating tumor and delivering substance across biological barrier
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230310877A1) describes a method and apparatus for treating tumors and delivering substances across biological barriers in the target region. The method involves applying alternating voltages at different frequencies between sets of electrode elements positioned on opposite sides of the target region. The alternating voltages are applied during different intervals of time.
The first claim of the patent describes the method in detail. It involves applying an alternating voltage at a first frequency between a first set of electrode elements and a second set of electrode elements positioned on opposite sides of the target region. Similarly, an alternating voltage at a second frequency is applied between a third set of electrode elements and a fourth set of electrode elements. Additionally, an alternating voltage at a third frequency is applied between both the first and third sets of electrode elements and both the second and fourth sets of electrode elements. The alternating voltages at different frequencies are applied during different intervals of time.
The second claim of the patent describes the positioning of the electrode elements on the different sides of the target region.
The third claim explains that the frequencies of the alternating voltages are selected to have specific effects. The first and second frequencies are selected to have an anti-mitotic effect on the target region, while the third frequency is selected to increase the permeability of the biological barrier in the target region.
The fourth claim states that the first and second frequencies can be the same.
The fifth claim provides a range for the first and second frequencies, which should be between 50 kHz and 1 MHz, while the third frequency should be between 50 kHz and 300 kHz.
The sixth claim suggests that the alternating voltage at the third frequency should be applied for at least 24 hours.
The seventh claim states that the steps of applying the alternating voltages at the first and second frequencies should be repeated in an alternating sequence at least 10,000 times.
The eighth claim introduces an apparatus for implementing the method described in the previous claims. It includes a signal generator for generating the alternating voltages at different frequencies and a bank of switches for routing the voltages to the appropriate electrode elements. The apparatus also includes a controller programmed to control the switching of the voltages at different intervals of time.
The remaining claims of the patent further describe variations and details of the method and apparatus, including the positioning of electrode elements, the frequencies of the alternating voltages, and the repetition of the steps.
Overall, this patent describes a method and apparatus for treating tumors and enhancing the delivery of substances across biological barriers using alternating voltages at different frequencies. The method and apparatus aim to have specific effects on the target region and the biological barrier.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on NovoCure, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies
