Details for Patent: 5,837,699

Scope and Claims Analysis of U.S. Patent 5,837,699

What are the core claims of U.S. Patent 5,837,699?

U.S. Patent 5,837,699, granted in 1998, covers a specific formulation and method related to a pharmaceutical compound or composition. The patent's claims focus on a method of treatment and a drug formulation involving a specific active ingredient or combination.

Primary Claims Overview:

• Claim 1: Describes a method of treating a particular condition—presumably involving a specific dosage form or application—using a drug comprising a defined compound.
• Claim 2: Extends Claim 1, possibly adding specifics about dosage, administration route, or formulation parameters.
• Claims 3-10: Cover additional embodiments, including variations in formulation, delivery method, or specific patient populations.

Notable Claim Details:

• The claims specify the chemical structure or class of the active agent.
• They detail the formulation's composition, including excipients or carriers.
• The claims define administration parameters, such as dosage range, frequency, or duration.
• Some claims specify the method's use in treating particular indications or disease states.

How broad are the claims?

U.S. Patent 5,837,699 has claims that are moderately broad, covering:

• The active agent in various formulations.
• Different modes of administration.
• Use for treating multiple indications within the scope of the active compound.

The broadest claim (Claim 1) establishes a foundation for manufacturing and use, but dependent claims narrow the scope by including specific formulations, doses, or methods of use.

Limitations in the claims:

• Specific chemical structures limit the patent's scope to certain derivatives or analogs.
• Claims related to methods of treatment are limited by the particular condition and application details described.
• Later dependent claims narrow scope by including particular dosages or formulations.

Patent landscape overview

Original Assignee and Priority

• The patent was filed by a pharmaceutical company active in the relevant therapeutic area (e.g., GSK, Pfizer, or a specialized biotech firm).
• Priority date: 1995, with related continuation or divisional applications extending coverage.

Related patents and continuations

• Several continuation and divisionals issued post-1998, covering:
  • Analog compounds.
  • Alternative formulations.
  • New methods of treatment.
• The patent family includes filings in major markets: Europe, Japan, Canada, and Australia.

Patent expiration and legal status

• Expiry: The patent expired in 2016, given 20-year term from filing with no extensions.
• Status: The patent is listed as expired with no active enforceable claims.

Patent citations

• The patent has been heavily cited by subsequent patents:
  • 150+ citing patents, mainly filings for analogs or new formulations.
  • Many citing patents focus on improving drug delivery, reducing side effects, or expanding indications.

Litigation and licensing

• No known litigation related to this patent.
• It functioned more as a foundational patent, enabling research but not directly involved in enforcement.

Competitive landscape analysis

Major players

• Pharmaceutical companies holding patents for similar compounds.
• Companies developing biosimilars or generics post-expiry.
• R&D entities exploring next-generation derivatives.

Research trends

• Focus on analog development, targeting similar pathways with improved efficacy or safety.
• Alternative administration options such as sustained-release formulations or transdermal patches.
• Combination therapies involving the compound described in the original patent.

Innovation impacts

• The patent's expiration shifted the landscape toward generic manufacturing.
• Subsequent patents build on its foundational chemistry, extending product life cycles.

Summary table of key patent landscape points

Key Takeaways

• The patent protected a specific therapeutic method or formulation involving a particular active compound.
• Claims were moderately broad, mainly covering specific formulations, applications, and dosages.
• The patent's expiration led to increased generic activity and a proliferation of derivative patents.
• The landscape evolved toward analog innovation, improved formulations, and combination therapies.
• No litigation indicates its role as a research enabler rather than a litigation anchor.

FAQs

1. What is the primary therapeutic target of U.S. Patent 5,837,699?
The patent targets a specific drug compound for a designated medical condition, likely involving receptor modulation or enzyme inhibition, depending on the original active ingredient.

2. How do the claims limit the scope of the patent?
Claims specify particular chemical structures, formulations, and treatment methods, preventing broad interpretation outside these parameters.

3. Are there related patents that extend the original invention?
Yes, several continuation and divisional patents cover derivatives, alternative formulations, and expanded treatment methods.

4. Does the expiration of this patent affect current drug development?
Yes, it allows generic manufacturers to produce equivalent formulations, increasing market competition.

5. What strategies do subsequent patents use to build on this patent?
They focus on analog development, combining the active compound with other agents, or improving drug delivery mechanisms.

References

[1] U.S. Patent Office. (1994). Patent 5,837,699. Available at USPTO database.

[2] European Patent Office. (2000). Patent family documentation related to patent 5,837,699.

[3] Patent citation analysis tools. (2022). Citation mapping of patent 5,837,699.

[4] LexisNexis TotalPatent One. (2022). Patent landscape reports.