US 12115233

US patent 12115233, titled "Imaging and radiotherapeutics agents targeting fibroblast-activation protein-α (FAP-α)," was filed on February 23, 2024, under application number US18/585,905 [cite: Original patent text]. It was granted and published on October 15, 2024 [cite: Original patent text]. The patent is assigned to Johns Hopkins University [cite: Original patent text]. The inventors are Xing Yang, Sridhar Nimmagadda, Steven Rowe, Stephanie Slania, and Martin G. Pomper [cite: Original patent text].

Abstract:
The patent discloses imaging and radiotherapeutic agents that target fibroblast-activation protein-α (FAP-α), along with methods for their use in imaging and treating FAP-α-related diseases and disorders [cite: Original patent text].

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims (derived from the Summary section):

1. Claim 1: Compound of Formula (I)
   This claim describes a chemical compound with the general structure B-L-A. In this structure, 'A' is a part designed to specifically target fibroblast-activation protein-α (FAP-α). 'B' is a functional group that allows for either optical imaging, PET imaging, SPECT imaging, or radiotherapy. 'L' acts as a linker, connecting 'B' and 'A' through chemical bonds [cite: Original patent text].

2. Claim 2: Pharmaceutical Composition
   This claim covers a pharmaceutical composition that includes the compound of Formula (I) (B-L-A) mixed with a substance that is pharmaceutically acceptable, such as a carrier, diluent, excipient, or adjuvant [cite: Original patent text].

3. Claim 3: Method for Imaging Disease
   This claim outlines a method for detecting diseases or disorders linked to FAP-α. The method involves administering the compound of Formula (I), where the 'B' component is suitable for optical, PET, or SPECT imaging, and then capturing an image [cite: Original patent text].

4. Claim 4: Method for Inhibiting FAP-α
   This claim describes a method for reducing or stopping the activity of FAP-α. It involves giving an effective amount of the compound of Formula (I) to a subject who requires such inhibition [cite: Original patent text].

5. Claim 5: Method for Treating FAP-α-related Disease
   This claim details a method for treating a disease or disorder associated with FAP-α. This method involves administering an effective amount of the compound of Formula (I) to a subject in need of treatment, where the 'B' component is specifically a radiolabeled functional group suitable for radiotherapy [cite: Original patent text].

Litigation Information:
The patent's Google Patents page indicates that the patent family has ongoing litigation [cite: Original patent text]. Specifically, two PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) cases were filed in 2025: PGR2025-00059, which is pending and instituted, and PGR2025-00065, which has reached a settlement [cite: Original patent text]. A search of CAFC 2026 dockets for patent number 12115233 did not yield any specific results.