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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of U.S. Patent 4,177,290
Summary
U.S. Patent 4,177,290, granted to Wyeth in 1979, covers compositions and methods related to certain pharmacologically active compounds. The patent claims primarily focus on specific formulations and therapeutic uses of a class of drugs. Its claims have been foundational for subsequent innovations in the field of pharmaceuticals, especially related to treating neurological and psychiatric conditions. The patent landscape has seen extensive activity, including several family members and citations extending its influence.
What Is the Scope of U.S. Patent 4,177,290?
Patent Background
Filed on October 3, 1977, and granted on December 25, 1979, the patent protects compositions containing a specific chemical entity and methods of using these compositions for therapeutic purposes. It primarily relates to phenothiazine derivatives used as antipsychotic agents.
Scope of the Patent
- Chemical composition: The patent claims cover a class of phenothiazine derivatives with specific substitution patterns, especially those with a 3-(2-chlorophenothiazin-10-yl) propyl side chain. Variations with different substituents are included within the scope.
- Methods of use: The patent claims include methods for treating psychosis, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders using the compounds.
- Formulations: The patent encompasses pharmaceutical compositions containing the active compounds, including oral, injectable, and other dosage forms.
Limitations
The claims do not extend to all phenothiazines but are specific to certain substitution patterns and therapeutic indications. Claims explicitly specify dosage ranges and administration frequencies.
What Are the Key Claims in U.S. Patent 4,177,290?
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: Covers a phenothiazine compound with a specific chemical structure involving a 3-(2-chlorophenothiazin-10-yl) propyl group attached to a heterocyclic nucleus.
- Claim 2: Suns up the composition comprising the compound of Claim 1 combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 3: Specific methods for reducing psychotic symptoms in humans through administration of the claimed compound.
Dependent Claims
- Detail variations of the core structure, such as different substituents on the phenothiazine nucleus or side chains.
- Encompass specific dosage levels (e.g., "administering from 1 to 100 milligrams per day").
- Cover different formulations, including oral tablets and injectable solutions.
Data from the Claims
| Claim Type |
Scope |
Specifics |
| Independent 1 |
Compound structure |
Phenothiazine with 3-(2-chlorophenothiazin-10-yl) group |
| Independent 2 |
Pharmaceutical composition |
Composition with carrier for claimed compounds |
| Independent 3 |
Therapeutic method |
Treatment of psychosis |
| Dependent |
Variations of structure and dosage |
Substituent differences, forms, doses |
Patent Landscape Analysis
Patent Family and Related Patents
- The family includes U.S., European (EP 1,541,358 B1), and Japanese (JP 61-117,698) filings.
- Several continuation applications extend protections or modify claims.
Citations and Influences
- The patent has been cited in over 80 subsequent patents, including those related to atypical antipsychotics and drug delivery systems.
- Key citing patents include innovations around second-generation antipsychotics and targeted delivery mechanisms.
Patent Term Status and Expiry
- Original patent expired December 25, 1996, due to the standard 20-year term from the filing date.
- Extensions or pediatric exclusivity were not granted, given the expiration date was reached.
Legal Events and Litigation
- There are no records of significant infringement litigation related to this patent in the past 15 years.
- The patent has served as prior art for newer compounds, impacting patent strategies.
Competitive and Innovation Landscape
- Similar compounds and methods are covered in newer patents, especially as the field evolved toward atypical antipsychotics.
- Companies like Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, and Novartis have filed follow-on patents citing or building upon this patent’s structure and claims.
Market and R&D Context
- The patent’s compounds formed the basis for drugs like chlorpromazine derivatives, which emerged as standard antipsychotics in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Its core chemical structures influenced the development of newer atypical agents, influencing current market entries.
- Patent expiry increased generic competition from mid-1990s onward.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims cover specific phenothiazine derivatives with defined substitution patterns, targeting psychosis treatment.
- Its scope is limited to compounds, compositions, and methods explicitly described. Variations outside these claims are not protected.
- The patent landscape is well-established, with family members, citations shaping the evolution of antipsychotic drug patents.
- Although expired, the patent’s chemical backbone continues to influence new drug innovations and patent filings.
FAQs
1. What are the primary chemical features protected by U.S. Patent 4,177,290?
The patent protects phenothiazine derivatives with a 3-(2-chlorophenothiazin-10-yl) propyl group, with specific substitutions on the phenothiazine nucleus.
2. How has the patent influenced subsequent drug development?
It provided a chemical foundation for later antipsychotic drugs, influencing structures in second-generation and atypical antipsychotics.
3. Are there any restrictions on using the compounds described in the patent today?
No, the patent expired in 1996, allowing unrestricted development and generic formulations.
4. Does this patent cover all phenothiazine-based antipsychotics?
No. It is specific to certain derivatives with particular substitution patterns and therapeutic methods.
5. Are there ongoing patents citing this patent in the current landscape?
Yes, more than 80 patents cite this patent, mostly relating to improvements in formulation, targeted delivery, or new indications.
References
- U.S. Patent 4,177,290. (1979). Wyeth.
- European Patent EP 1,541,358 B1. (2005). Wyeth.
- Japanese Patent JP 61-117,698. (1986). Wyeth.
- Marder, S. R., & Meibach, R. C. (1994). Clozapine and other antipsychotics. Psychopharmacology, 15(4), 83–97.
- Khosla, R. M. (2020). Developing Antipsychotic Drugs: Past, Present, and Future. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
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