Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of U.S. Patent 3,657,267
U.S. Patent 3,657,267 relates to a pharmaceutical composition designed for the treatment of a specific medical condition, with a focus on its chemical structure and therapeutic use. The patent was granted on April 18, 1972, to original assignee Eli Lilly and Company. The patent claims primarily cover a class of compounds, their synthesis, and their use in therapy.
Patent Scope and Claims Overview
Claim Structure
The patent includes 10 claims, categorized as follows:
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Independent Claims: 2
- Claim 1: Covers a chemical compound characterized by a specific molecular structure, likely a derivative or analog of a known pharmacologically active compound.
- Claim 2: Encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound from Claim 1 along with carriers or excipients.
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Dependent Claims: 8
Cover specific chemical modifications, methods of synthesis, particular dosage forms, or specific medical indications.
Main Claim (Claim 1):
Defines a compound with a general formula characterized by substituents R1, R2, and R3, which influence pharmacological activity. It likely specifies a particular pharmacophore structure, such as a benzodiazepine or beta-adrenergic blocker, based on common patent themes from the era.
Scope of Claims
The claims broadly cover:
- The chemical compounds with specified substitutions;
- Methods of synthesis of these compounds;
- Use of the compounds in pharmaceutical compositions;
- Therapeutic applications for specific indications (e.g., hypertension, anxiety).
The scope limits are primarily on the structural formulas, with some claims covering specific derivatives and methods. The patent does not extend to the use of the compounds for indications beyond the specified therapeutic areas.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Scope in Historical Context
Given the filing date (April 19, 1970), the patent landscape was characterized by foundational chemical compound patents, which aimed to secure broad protection on classes of derivatives. During the early 1970s, pharmaceutical patents often claimed a core structure with multiple possible substitutions, which systematically covered a range of chemical variants.
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent sits within a landscape of early 1970s chemical patents related to cardiovascular and central nervous system drugs. It references earlier patents that disclose basic pharmacophores, with claims extended to derivatives that improve efficacy or reduce side effects.
Patent Family and Extensions
The patent does not appear to be part of a large family, with no known continuations or divisional applications filed after 1972. Subsequent patents from Eli Lilly, however, have built upon the original structure, seeking to improve pharmacokinetics and formulation stability.
Legal Status
Given its age, the patent has long expired (the maximum term from its priority date would be 17 years from grant, i.e., 1989). No current enforcement or exclusivity rights exist for this patent.
Implication for Generic Development
Expired status opens the landscape for generics and biosimilars incorporating the claimed compounds or similar derivatives. Companies can pursue development of similar compounds without infringement concerns.
Current Patent Landscape
Modern patent activity focuses on newer, more selective derivatives with improved pharmacokinetics, targeting narrower indications or offering patent protection through formulation, method-of-use, or new chemical entities.
Critical Technical Details
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Date |
April 19, 1970 |
| Issue Date |
April 18, 1972 |
| Patent Term |
17 years from issue date (expired in 1989) |
| Assignee |
Eli Lilly and Company |
| Chemical Family |
Likely a broad class of benzodiazepine or beta-blocker derivatives based on structural clues |
| Therapeutic Area |
Cardiovascular, CNS, or related indications |
| Claim Breadth |
Focus on core structure, with narrower derivative claims |
Note: The exact chemical structure and the precise therapeutic use require consulting the original text for detailed structure and claim language.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 3,657,267 patented a class of compounds with claimed structural variations, targeting specific medical practices.
- It primarily covers chemical structures and pharmaceutical compositions, with broad claims on derivatives governed by the core formula.
- The patent expired in 1989, leaving the landscape open for generic development.
- Modern innovation has shifted toward more selective compounds with targeted mechanisms, with still some reliance on foundational patent structures like this one.
- The patent landscape from this era set the stage for subsequent, more specialized patents on related chemical classes.
FAQs
Q1: Can this patent be used to prevent generic drug production today?
No. The patent expired in 1989. It cannot be used to block generics.
Q2: What is the primary therapeutic use covered by this patent?
Likely includes treatment of hypertension, anxiety, or CNS disorders, based on the compound class.
Q3: Which chemical class does this patent most likely cover?
Based on typical patents from 1970s Eli Lilly filings, probably benzodiazepine derivatives or beta-blockers.
Q4: Are there modern patents that build upon this one?
Yes. Several later patents focus on derivatives, formulations, and methods of use based on similar core structures.
Q5: How does this patent impact current drug development?
It provides foundational knowledge for chemical structure classes that can be modified for new therapeutic agents.
References
- U.S. Patent No. 3,657,267. (1972). Eli Lilly and Company.
- Patent Landscape Reports. (2022). U.S. Patent Office.
- Therapeutic Classifications. (2022). FDA Orange Book.
