Marine Wildlife Hearing Protection System

Publication ID: 24-11857567_0007_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Marine Wildlife Hearing Protection System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857567_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857567_0007_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,567.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel application of hypertonic pharmaceutical compositions containing an anti-platinum chemoprotectant agent to protect marine wildlife from noise pollution and preserve their hearing.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed hypertonic pharmaceutical compositions containing an anti-platinum chemoprotectant agent for treating hearing loss in humans. However, marine wildlife is also susceptible to hearing loss caused by underwater construction, seismic surveys, and other human activities. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by applying the core technology to an entirely different industry, field, or problem, providing a solution to protect marine wildlife from noise pollution and preserve their hearing.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a system for protecting marine wildlife from noise pollution, utilizing a hypertonic composition containing an anti-platinum chemoprotectant agent. This composition is administered to a marine animal to prevent hearing loss caused by underwater construction or seismic surveys. The composition is adapted for underwater use and has a calculated osmolarity of at least 400 mOsm/L. The system may also include a marine-friendly packaging system, comprising a biodegradable material that dissolves in seawater, designed to release the composition at a controlled rate. Additionally, a sensor adapted to detect sound pressure levels above 8 kHz may be used to monitor underwater noise pollution and trigger administration of the composition in response to excessive noise levels.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a novel application of hypertonic pharmaceutical compositions containing an anti-platinum chemoprotectant agent to an entirely different industry, field, or problem, providing a solution to protect marine wildlife from noise pollution and preserve their hearing. The use of these compositions in marine wildlife, the adaptation for underwater use, and the incorporation of marine-friendly packaging and sensors are all new and non-obvious compared to the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include different types of sensors to detect underwater noise pollution, varying dosages and administration routes of the hypertonic composition, and different biodegradable materials for the packaging system. Additionally, the inventive concept could be applied to other marine animals, such as fish or invertebrates, or used in conjunction with other noise-reducing technologies.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The marine wildlife hearing protection system has significant commercial potential in the marine conservation and environmental protection industries. The system could be used by governments, research institutions, and private companies to protect marine ecosystems and preserve biodiversity. The market for marine conservation technologies is growing, driven by increasing awareness of the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems and the need for sustainable solutions.

Field of Art

Pharmaceutical compositions, marine biology, and hearing protection technologies, with expertise in drug delivery systems, osmotic formulations, and otoprotective agents

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced degrees in pharmacology, marine biology, or biomedical engineering, possessing knowledge of drug formulation, marine animal physiology, and protective medical interventions

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the natural extension of the source patent's hypertonic pharmaceutical composition with anti-platinum chemoprotectant agents to marine wildlife hearing protection. The core pharmaceutical technology is directly transferable, with minor adaptations for marine environment and administration. The underlying mechanism of hearing protection remains consistent between human and marine animal applications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Hypertonic pharmaceutical composition with osmolarity of 3,000-7,000 mOsm/L containing anti-platinum chemoprotectant agents
PTD Variation
Adaptation of composition for underwater administration to marine wildlife with modified osmolarity of at least 400 mOsm/L
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable modification of existing pharmaceutical formulation for a related protective purpose, representing a routine design adaptation within a known therapeutic approach
Source Patent Element
Anti-platinum chemoprotectant agents like sodium thiosulfate for preventing hearing loss
PTD Variation
Application of same agents to marine wildlife hearing protection against noise pollution
Obviousness Reasoning
Known mechanism of hearing protection can be extended to different biological systems using established pharmacological principles, representing an obvious technological transfer
Source Patent Element
Pharmaceutical composition with gelling agents and optional tonicity agents
PTD Variation
Marine-friendly biodegradable packaging system for controlled composition release
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine engineering adaptation applying known drug delivery principles to a specific environmental context, representing a predictable solution to packaging challenges
Source Patent Element
Pharmaceutical composition targeting hearing protection mechanisms
PTD Variation
Integration of sensor technology to detect and respond to noise pollution levels
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining known monitoring technologies with established pharmaceutical interventions represents an obvious technological integration within predictable design parameters
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857567's teachings of hypertonic pharmaceutical compositions with anti-platinum chemoprotectant agents, the present publication demonstrates that a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the marine wildlife hearing protection system an obvious extension of existing pharmaceutical technologies, rendering potential claims in this domain obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,567
TitleHypertonic pharmaceutical compositions containing an anti-platinum chemoprotectant agent
Assignee(s)Decibel Therapeutics, Inc.