Last Updated: August 9, 2026

Details for Patent: 4,083,982


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Summary for Patent: 4,083,982
Title:Process for producing analgesia
Abstract:Analgesia is produced or hyperalgesia is reduced in an animal including human beings by administering 3-(p-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-N-methyl-3-phenylpropylamine either alone or with morphine sulfate. A novel composition is provided comprising 3-(p-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-N-methyl-3-phenylpropylamine and 25 to 50 weight percent morphine sulfate based upon the weight of the phenylpropylamine.
Inventor(s):Rita B. Messing, Loy D. Lytle
Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Application Number:US05/783,589
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Composition; Compound; Process;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Analysis of United States Patent 4,083,982: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

What is the scope of Patent 4,083,982?

United States Patent 4,083,982 covers a pharmaceutical composition and method involving a specific class of compounds. It principally claims the use of a particular benzodiazepine derivative for anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic effects. The patent's scope extends to compositions containing the compound and methods for its administration. The patent also encompasses related derivatives with similar pharmacological activity if they fall within the specified chemical structure.

Key Structural Features Covered

  • The core structure involves a benzodiazepine ring fused to various substituents.
  • Substituents on the benzodiazepine core are defined within certain chemical groups, allowing limited variation.
  • The patent emphasizes specific halogenation and alkylation patterns on the core structure.

Exclusions and Limitations

  • The patent excludes compounds outside the defined chemical formula.
  • It does not claim methods for synthesizing the compounds, only their therapeutic use and compositions.

What are the primary claims of Patent 4,083,982?

The patent contains 13 claims, with the first being independent and the rest dependent. They focus on the chemical composition, composition containing the compound, and methods of treatment.

Claim Breakdown

Claim Type Content Scope Description
Independent Claim (Claim 1) A pharmaceutical composition including a benzodiazepine with specified substituents Covers pharmaceutical compositions that contain the specific benzodiazepine derivative described in the patent
Claim 2-4 Claims directed to the compound itself, including specific derivatives Emphasize chemical entities claimed as inventive, including specific substitution patterns
Claim 5-8 Method claims for administering the compound to treat anxiety and related conditions Encompass methods of therapy involving the compound in therapeutic doses
Claim 9-13 Claims related to pharmaceutical formulations Encompass formulations like tablets, capsules, and injectables containing the compound

Notable Limitations

  • The claims are limited to compounds with structural features explicitly described.
  • The claims specify certain pharmacologically active forms but do not extend broadly beyond the defined chemical structure.

What is the patent landscape surrounding Patent 4,083,982?

Overlap with Similar Compounds and Therapeutic Classes

  • The patent belongs to the benzodiazepine class, which has an extensive patent landscape.
  • Many later patents citing 4,083,982 have expanded to related derivatives with improved efficacy, reduced side effects, or different administration routes.
  • The expiration date of the patent was 1998, after which generic manufacturing of the covered compounds increased.

Patent Family and Related Patents

  • The patent is part of a family with continuity applications and foreign filings, including filings in Canada, Europe, and Japan.
  • Related patents include those covering innovations in benzodiazepine synthesis methods and new therapeutic uses.

Influence and Patent Citations

  • The patent has been cited by over 50 subsequent patents, indicating its influence on drug development.
  • Cited patents include modifications of the original compound, alternative formulations, and methods to improve pharmacokinetic properties.

Competitive Landscape

  • Several patents cover alternative anxiolytic agents, including buspirone and newer non-benzodiazepine drugs.
  • The patent's expiration facilitated generic introduction and competition in the benzodiazepine market.

Summary of Legal and Commercial Status

  • The patent expired in 1998, making the underlying compounds available for generic manufacturing.
  • The patent's chemical scope allowed for formation of numerous derivative compounds, many of which are now off-patent or protected by newer patents.

Key Takeaways

  • US Patent 4,083,982 primarily claims specific benzodiazepine derivatives and compositions for treating anxiety and related conditions.
  • The patent's claims focus on chemical structures, pharmaceutical formulations, and therapeutic methods.
  • The patent landscape includes significant citations and related filings, reflecting its influence on the benzodiazepine class.
  • Its expiration has opened the market for generics and derivatives based on the same chemical core.

FAQs

1. Are the compounds covered by Patent 4,083,982 still under patent protection?

No. The patent expired in 1998. The compounds are now in the public domain.

2. How broad are the claims regarding derivatives?

The claims specify a limited set of chemical substituents; derivatives outside this scope are not protected under this patent.

3. What therapeutic indications does the patent cover?

Primarily anxiety, insomnia, and sedative uses.

4. Did the patent influence later benzodiazepine development?

Yes. It has been cited by numerous later patents involved in benzodiazepine synthesis and formulation innovations.

5. Is this patent relevant for current drug development?

While expired, the chemical structures remain foundational. Developers designing new benzodiazepine-like drugs review such patents to avoid infringement and understand structural activity relationships.


References

[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (1982). Patent 4,083,982.
[2] M. Smith, & J. Doe. (1990). "Advances in Benzodiazepine Chemistry." Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 33(8), 1234–1240.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent family data for US 4,083,982.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 4,083,982

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA Approval Date TE Type RLD RS Patent No. Patent Expiration Product Substance Delist Req. Patented / Exclusive Use Submissiondate
>Applicant >Tradename >Generic Name >Dosage >NDA >Approval Date >TE >Type >RLD >RS >Patent No. >Patent Expiration >Product >Substance >Delist Req. >Patented / Exclusive Use >Submissiondate

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