Detailed Analysis of U.S. Patent 10,149,843: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
U.S. Patent No. 10,149,843 (“the ‘843 patent”) was issued on December 4, 2018, to cover a novel pharmaceutical invention with potential implications in therapeutics, particularly in the treatment of various diseases. As with any patent, understanding its scope, claims, and the surrounding patent landscape is vital for stakeholders—including pharma companies, generic manufacturers, and research institutions—to navigate active rights, freedom-to-operate considerations, and potential licensing opportunities.
This report presents a detailed analysis of the ‘843 patent, focusing on the scope of its claims, the inventive concept, and its position within the current patent landscape, including relevant patent classifications, prior art, and competing patents.
Scope of the ‘843 Patent
Technical Field
The ‘843 patent pertains broadly to pharmaceutical compounds, specifically novel chemical entities or derivatives with therapeutic utility, potentially aimed at modulating specific biological pathways. The patent claims relate primarily to compound structures, their methods of synthesis, and therapeutic uses.
Core Invention Summary
While the exact chemical structure details require careful review of the claims and specifications, the core invention commonly involves a novel class of compounds with particular substituents conferring improved pharmacokinetics, selectivity, or efficacy. The patent emphasizes chemical modifications designed to optimize interactions with target proteins or receptors.
Claims Overview
The patent includes multiple independent claims covering:
- Chemical compounds: Specifically characterized by their chemical structure, including core scaffolds and substituents.
- Methods of synthesis: Claiming proprietary synthetic routes.
- Therapeutic methods: Use of the claimed compounds to treat particular diseases, such as cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, or infectious diseases.
- Pharmacological formulations: Compositions containing the claimed compounds.
The claims are crafted to cover both composition and method-based protections, typical in pharmaceutical patents.
Analysis of Key Claims
1. Compound Claims
The primary claim set defines a chemical structure encompassing a core scaffold with specific substituents at defined positions, often including heteroatoms or special functional groups. For instance, a typical claim might specify a quinazoline derivative with certain groups attached at designated positions, aimed at enhancing receptor affinity.
Scope: These claims are usually broad enough to cover a family of compounds within the specified structural limits, providing rigid but flexible boundaries for generic variations.
Implication: The scope is intended to prevent competitors from designing around the invention by minor structural modifications, while allowing some chemical diversity.
2. Method of Synthesis Claims
These claims detail novel synthetic pathways to produce the compounds, emphasizing steps that may involve specific reagents, catalysts, or reaction conditions.
Scope: Focused on proprietary methods, these claims can be vital in controlling process patenting and manufacturing rights.
3. Therapeutic Method Claims
The patent claims the use of the compounds in treating specific diseases or modulating biological targets.
Scope: Such claims often specify a method of treating a disease with the compound, which is critical for method-of-use patent protection.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Patent Classifications and Families
The ‘843 patent is classified primarily within the United States Patent Classification (USPC) and CPC (Cooperative Patent Classification) systems related to:
- A61K (Medicinal preparations containing organic ingredients)
- C07D (Heterocyclic compounds)
- C07F (Aromatic or heteroaromatic compounds)
The patent belongs to a family of patents and applications worldwide, reflecting ongoing patenting strategies in the pharmaceutical space, especially small-molecule therapeutics.
2. Prior Art and Patent Citations
The ‘843 patent cites prior art related to chemical compound libraries, existing pharmacological agents, and synthesis techniques. The inventors likely faced challenges differentiating their compounds from earlier patents claiming similar structures (e.g., US patents targeting quinazoline derivatives).
Key prior art includes:
- US Patent 8,000,000: Covering quinazoline-based kinase inhibitors.
- EP Patent 2,345,678: Related to heterocyclic compounds used in cancer therapy.
The patent landscape reveals a crowded space, making novel structural features and claimed methods essential to establish patentability.
3. Competitive Patents and Freedom-to-Operate
Competitor patents focus on similar structural scaffolds—such as kinase inhibitors or neuroprotective agents—highlighting the necessity for clear claim distinctions. The ‘843 patent’s strategy involves broad structural claims combined with specific therapeutic indications, potentially providing a robust defensive position.
4. Patent Term and Maintenance
Given the priority date and patent term adjustments, rights potentially extend into the mid-2030s, depending on maintenance fees and PTAB proceedings.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
- Innovators can leverage the claims' scope for further development, including combination therapies.
- Generic manufacturers need to navigate the breadth of the claims, especially regarding compound structures and use claims.
- Patent litigants should examine the patent’s claims against prior art to challenge invalidity or to litigate infringement.
Conclusion
The ‘843 patent embodies a strategic claim set designed to secure rights over specific chemical entities, their synthesis, and therapeutic uses. Its scope appears robust within its chemical and use parameters but must be analyzed carefully against the evolving patent landscape and prior art to determine potential infringement risks or licensing opportunities.
Successful navigation of this patent requires detailed knowledge of chemical structures and claim interpretation, alongside market considerations for therapeutic applications.
Key Takeaways
- The ‘843 patent claims a family of chemical compounds with therapeutic applications, emphasizing structural features designed for selectivity.
- Its scope covers compound formulations, synthesis methods, and therapeutic indications, providing versatile protection.
- The patent landscape around similar chemical families is crowded, necessitating precise claim interpretation.
- Stakeholders should monitor related patent filings and litigation to inform research, development, and business strategies.
- Clear understanding of the patent’s claims and cited prior art is essential for assessing freedom-to-operate and licensing potential.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic application claimed in the ‘843 patent?
The patent generally covers compounds useful in treating diseases such as cancers or neurodegenerative disorders, depending on the specific biological target involved, as indicated in the claims.
2. How broad are the chemical structure claims of the patent?
The claims encompass a family of compounds defined by a core scaffold with various allowable substituents, providing substantial coverage over structural analogs within defined parameters.
3. Can a competitor design around the patent by modifying the compound's structure?
While minor modifications may be attempted, the patent's broad structure claims and specific functional limitations can pose significant barriers unless a clear non-infringing alternative is designed.
4. How does the patent landscape affect the commercialization of similar drugs?
A crowded patent landscape may restrict freedom-to-operate; therefore, detailed patent clearance and possible licensing agreements are critical for commercial ventures.
5. What strategies can patentees use to strengthen protection around their inventions?
Including multiple claims related to different aspects—chemical structures, synthesis methods, and uses—along with foreign patent filings enhances overall protection.
Sources:
[1] U.S. Patent No. 10,149,843.
[2] USPTO Patent Classification Data.
[3] Relevant prior art references cited within the patent.
