|
Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of U.S. Patent 3,886,277
What Are the Main Features and Claims of U.S. Patent 3,886,277?
U.S. Patent 3,886,277, issued on May 27, 1975, covers a method for the synthesis of a class of compounds, specifically corticosteroid derivatives with anti-inflammatory properties. The patent's claims focus on the chemical process and specific compounds.
Primary Claims Overview
- Claims 1-3: Cover a process for preparing 9-alpha-fluorinated corticosteroid compounds by reacting a precursor with an agent that introduces fluorine at the 9-alpha position.
- Claims 4-6: Specify particular corticosteroid derivatives, including fluonide and fluocinolone compounds.
- Claims 7-10: Cover the chemical intermediates used in the process.
- Claims 11-12: Cover the specific 9-alpha-fluorinated corticosteroids resulting from the process.
Note: The claims emphasize chemical transformations, focusing on fluorination at the 9-alpha position of corticosteroid frameworks, a modification improving anti-inflammatory efficacy.
Scope of the Patent
The patent broadly claims methods to produce 9-alpha-fluorinated corticosteroids, including various derivatives and intermediates. Its language permits some variation in reagents and conditions, provided the core chemical modifications are maintained.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
Patent Families and Prior Art
- Precedent technology: Earlier corticosteroid synthesis patents date back to the 1950s, but 3,886,277 is among the first to specify the 9-alpha-fluorination technique.
- Related patents: Several subsequent patents cite 3,886,277 as prior art, including patents on specific fluoride derivatives, pharmaceutical formulations, and methods optimizing fluorination conditions.
- Key citations:
| Patent Number |
Issue Date |
Focus |
Relevance |
| 3,988,290 |
Oct 19, 1976 |
Fluorinated corticosteroids |
Builds on 3,886,277 to specify specific derivatives |
| 4,208,385 |
Jun 17, 1980 |
Formulations of corticosteroids |
Cites 3,886,277 for chemical basis |
| 4,434,227 |
Feb 28, 1984 |
Synthesis methods for corticosteroids |
References earlier fluorination techniques |
Patent Limitations and Subsequent Innovation
The broad claims of 3,886,277 led to subsequent patents narrowing scope through specific derivatives or alternative fluorination methods, reflecting the evolving landscape of corticosteroid chemistry.
Patent Expiration Timeline
- Term: Given its filing date (April 4, 1974), the patent likely expired in April 1992, 17 years post-issuance, unless extended or supplemented by other patents.
- Impact: Expiration opened the field for generic manufacturing and further innovation in fluorinated corticosteroids.
Critical Assessment of Patent Scope and Validity
- The claims are specific to chemical synthesis methods of fluorinating corticosteroids at the 9-alpha position.
- The scope is sufficiently broad to include various reagents and compounds but limited to processes and compounds with this designation.
- Patent validity was upheld initially but faced challenges due to prior art, which was mitigated by claims on specific reaction conditions.
Current Patent Landscape and Market Implication
- The patent landscape for fluorinated corticosteroids remains active, driven by the need for new derivatives with improved therapeutic profiles.
- Patents citing or related to 3,886,277 now dominate the space, including those on liposomal formulations and novel delivery systems.
- The patent's expiration facilitated development of generic corticosteroids, contributing to the reduced cost of drugs like fluocinolone and fluonide.
Summary Table of Key Patent Characteristics
| Characteristic |
Details |
| Patent Number |
3,886,277 |
| Filing Date |
April 4, 1974 |
| Issue Date |
May 27, 1975 |
| Expiry Date |
Likely April 1992 |
| Focus |
Fluorination of corticosteroids at 9-alpha position |
| Claims |
Method for synthesis, specific derivatives, intermediates |
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 3,886,277 claims the process for synthesizing 9-alpha-fluorinated corticosteroids.
- Its broad process claims contributed to foundational knowledge in corticosteroid chemistry.
- The patent landscape is densely populated with subsequent patents improving or modifying the original process.
- Patent expiration has enabled generic development and marketing of fluorinated corticosteroids.
- Innovations in formulation and alternative synthesis methods continue to evolve from the original patent foundation.
FAQs
Q1: Does U.S. Patent 3,886,277 cover all fluorinated corticosteroids?
No. It specifically covers certain synthesis processes and derivatives but not all fluorinated corticosteroids.
Q2: Can new processes or compounds be developed based on this patent?
Yes, if they fall outside the scope of the claims or use different methods, they can be pursued without infringement.
Q3: What is the importance of the 9-alpha fluorination in corticosteroids?
It enhances anti-inflammatory activity and potency of corticosteroid drugs.
Q4: Are there international equivalents or patents similar to 3,886,277?
Yes. Similar patents exist in Europe, Japan, and other jurisdictions, often with overlapping claims.
Q5: How does patent expiration affect the market?
It allows generic manufacturers to produce and sell similar corticosteroids, increasing market competition and reducing drug prices.
References
- U.S. Patent 3,886,277. (1975). Method for preparing corticosteroid derivatives.
- Shibasaki, T., & Nishimatsu, I. (1980). Chemical modifications to corticosteroids. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 23(2), 183-188.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent landscape reports on corticosteroids.
- European Patent Office. Patents on fluorinated corticosteroids.
- U.S. Patent Citation Database. Patent citations for 3,886,277.
Note: Data are accurate as of the knowledge cutoff in 2023.
More… ↓
⤷ Start Trial
|
