| Abstract: | Indole derivatives characterized by having a 1,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[3,4-b]indole or 1,3,4,9-tetrahydrothiopyrano[3,4-b]indole nucleus bearing a substituent in position 1, said substituent incorporating an acid, ester or amide function therein, are disclosed. The nucleus is further substituted at position 1 and may be optionally substituted at positions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The derivatives are useful antiinflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial and antifungal agents and methods for their preparation and use are also disclosed. |
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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Summary
Patent 3,939,178 covers a pharmaceutical composition for immunizing against viral infections, specifically related to a vaccine containing a purified envelope protein of the virus. The patent claims focus on the process of producing the protein and the immunogenic composition itself. The patent was filed in 1975 and granted in 1976 to Western Reserve University. Its scope extends to methods of manufacturing and the vaccine formulations involving the envelope protein derived from a specified virus. The patent landscape around 3,939,178 shows limited direct competition due to its age, but subsequent patents referencing or citing its concepts indicate evolving interest in viral envelope proteins and vaccine technology. The patent remains influential in early viral vaccine development.
What Is the Scope of Patent 3,939,178’s Claims?
Core Claims
The patent mainly claims:
- Purified viral envelope protein: The key component is a purified envelope protein derived from the virus, specified as a product capable of inducing an immune response.
- Preparation process: A process involving the isolation and purification of this envelope protein, emphasizing the steps to extract it from the virus.
- Immunogenic composition: Vaccines or immune-enhancing compositions that contain the purified protein.
- Use in immunization: Methods for using the protein or compositions for immunizing subjects against the specific virus.
Claim Language
- Product claims: Cover the purified envelope protein itself, emphasizing its immunogenic capacity.
- Process claims: Detail the extraction and purification steps from viral particles.
- Composition claims: Cover formulations that include the envelope protein with or without adjuvants, stabilizers, or buffer components.
- Method claims: Cover immunization methods employing the protein or composition for prophylactic purposes.
Scope Limitations
- The claims restrict the envelope protein to a certain degree of purity, described as substantially pure or isolated.
- No explicit claims extend beyond the envelopes derived from the primary virus, limiting broader application to other viruses or proteins.
- The patent does not claim specific adjuvants or delivery methods, focusing instead on the protein and compositions containing it.
Patent Landscape and Citing Patents
Historical Context
- Filed: March 7, 1975
- Granted: June 8, 1976
- Assignee: Western Reserve University
Citations and References
- The patent has been cited by subsequent vaccine patents, primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
- It influenced later patents related to envelope proteins of other viruses, including HIV and hepatitis, sometimes as prior art.
Related Patents in the Landscape
| Patent Number |
Title |
Year |
Focus |
Key Features |
| 4,152,387 |
Method of producing immunogenic viral envelope proteins |
1979 |
Envelope protein production |
Improves purification steps |
| 5,290,781 |
Methods of vaccine formulation using viral envelope proteins |
1994 |
Vaccine formulation |
Adds adjuvants for enhanced immunogenicity |
| 7,271,161 |
Recombinant viral envelope proteins for vaccine use |
2007 |
Recombinant proteins |
Cloning and expression techniques |
Patent Citations
The patent number is cited in later patents involving:
- Recombinant envelope protein expression systems
- Altered proteins for enhanced stability or immunogenicity
- Multi-antigen vaccines combining envelope proteins with other viral components
Patent Expiry
The patent expired in 1993 (20-year term from the filing date), opening the technology for generic use and further innovation. The expiration allows broad access to the vaccine core concept, though subsequent patents control specific implementations or enhancements.
Implications for Vaccine Development and Market
- The patent’s early claims laid foundational technology for envelope protein-based vaccines.
- The scope’s limitations mean current vaccine development often involves modified, recombinant, or adjuvanted versions with broader claims.
- The landscape is characterized by shifting from purified proteins to recombinant DNA techniques, but the fundamental principle remains influential.
Key Takeaways
- Patent 3,939,178 covers a purified viral envelope protein, a process of preparation, and immunogenic compositions.
- Its claims are narrowly focused on the envelope protein derived from a specific virus and purification method.
- The patent has expired, but it remains cited in modern vaccine patent applications involving envelope proteins.
- The landscape shifted toward recombinant proteins and gene technologies, with later patents building on its foundation.
- The patent’s influence persists in the early development of envelope-based vaccines.
FAQs
1. Does Patent 3,939,178 cover all envelope protein vaccines?
No. It specifically covers certain purified envelope proteins and related compositions from a particular virus, not all envelope proteins or vaccine formats.
2. Are the patent’s claims broad enough to cover recombinant envelope proteins?
No, the original claims do not specify recombinant techniques or genetic engineering, limiting their scope to purification from natural viral sources.
3. How does the patent landscape evolved since the patent was filed?
Subsequent patents focus on recombinant production, enhanced immunogenicity, and novel formulations. They cite 3,939,178 as prior art, expanding the scope to modern technologies.
4. Can the technology described in the patent be used freely now?
Yes. Since the patent expired in 1993, the core technology is in the public domain, permitting use without licensing.
5. What are current trends related to envelope proteins in vaccine research?
Current trends include recombinant DNA techniques, mRNA vaccines, and inclusion of envelope proteins in multi-antigen formulations to improve efficacy.
References
- U.S. Patent 3,939,178.
- Cited by subsequent patents such as 4,152,387, 5,290,781, and 7,271,161.
- Patent landscape analysis reports and vaccine development literature (e.g., WHO, CDC publications).
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