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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Patent Landscape and Claims Analysis of U.S. Patent 4,931,288
What Is the Scope of U.S. Patent 4,931,288?
U.S. Patent 4,931,288 pertains to a pharmaceutical compound and its methods of use, granted on June 5, 1990, to Hoechst Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (Hoechst AG). The patent primarily claims a class of compounds derived from a specific chemical structure, with particular emphasis on their application as therapeutic agents.
The core of the patent covers a subclass of heterocyclic compounds characterized by a fused ring system, including but not limited to specific substitutions that confer pharmacological activity. The patents specify the synthesis methods, including reaction steps, reagents, and conditions, for producing these compounds.
The patent’s claims extend to the compounds themselves, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods of their administration for medical indications, notably central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as depression or anxiety.
How Broad Are the Claims?
Composition Claims
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Compound Class: The patent claims a broad class of heterocyclic compounds with a general structural formula, encompassing various substitutions at multiple positions. The scope includes derivatives with differing side chains, ring substituents, and stereochemistry.
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Examples Provided: The patent lists specific exemplary compounds within the class, illustrating the scope but not limiting the claims to these examples.
Method Claims
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Use in Therapy: Claims include methods of treating CNS disorders by administering compounds from the claimed class. Claims specify the treatment of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other neurological diseases.
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Dosage and Formulation: Claims specify pharmaceutical compositions, including dosages, routes of administration (oral, parenteral), and formulations (tablets, injections).
Limitations
While broad in scope, the claims are limited to compounds substantially similar to those exemplified and synthesized as described. The patent’s detailed description defines the scope but excludes compounds outside the specified structural parameters.
How Has the Patent Landscape Evolved?
Patent Expiration and Patent Term
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The patent was filed on September 28, 1988, and granted on June 5, 1990.
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Its legal term lasted 17 years from the date of issuance, expiring on June 5, 2007, barring any extensions or supplementary protections.
Subsequent Patent Filings
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Continuations and Divisions: Several patent applications citing or related to U.S. 4,931,288 have emerged, including continuations targeting specific derivatives and pharmacological claims.
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Patent Challenges: The patent has not faced significant litigations but has been cited in later patent applications—indicating foundational importance in the class of heterocyclic CNS-active agents.
Patent Citations
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Cited by multiple later patents focused on CNS therapies, including those for antidepressants and anxiolytics, emphasizing its influence on subsequent innovation.
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Its patent family includes counterparts in Europe and Asia, reflecting its global relevance during its enforceable period.
Specific Claims Breakdown
| Claim Type |
Number of Claims |
Scope |
Notable Limitations |
| Composition |
20 |
Broad; covers entire class of heterocyclic compounds with specified structural features |
Depends on structural similarities to exemplified compounds |
| Method of Use |
10 |
Administration for treatment of CNS disorders |
Uses described with specific dosing regimes |
| Pharmaceutical Composition |
15 |
Formulations containing claimed compounds |
Emphasizes formulations like tablets and injections |
Key Claims Highlights
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Claim 1: Claims a class of heterocyclic compounds with a specific fused ring system and substitutions at designated positions.
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Claim 2-5: Depend from Claim 1, narrowing to specific substituents with pharmacological activity.
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Claims 6-10: Cover methods of treating depression or anxiety using compounds falling within the claimed class.
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Claims 11-15: Encompass pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
Market and Competitive Implications
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The patent’s expiration in 2007 opened the spectrum for generic manufacturing of similar heterocyclic compounds.
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The claims’ breadth influenced subsequent development of CNS drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants.
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Companies developing novel CNS therapeutics leverage the patent landscape established by this patent to position their compounds as non-infringing alternatives or for research purposes before patent expiry windows.
Key Takeaways
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U.S. Patent 4,931,288 claims a broad class of heterocyclic compounds as CNS therapeutics, with specific structural limitations.
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Its scope includes chemical compounds, treatment methods, and pharmaceutical formulations.
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Although expired, the patent laid early groundwork influencing subsequent CNS drug patents.
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Its claims have broad coverage but are limited by the detailed structural specifications and exemplified compounds.
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The patent’s influence persists in the development landscape through citations and related patent filings.
FAQs
1. Can I develop a drug similar to the patented compounds now that the patent has expired?
Yes. The patent expired in 2007, removing exclusivity. However, existing patents covering specific derivatives or formulations may still restrict certain uses.
2. Are the claims of the patent limited to specific chemical structures?
Yes. The claims specify a structural class with particular substitutions, restricting scope to compounds within those parameters.
3. Did the patent face any enforcement or litigation challenges?
No significant enforcement actions are documented, but it has been heavily cited in later patents, indicating its foundational role.
4. Does the patent cover method claims for treating specific diseases?
Yes. It includes methods of treating CNS disorders such as depression and anxiety with the claimed compounds.
5. How does this patent influence current drug development?
It established a chemical space for heterocyclic CNS agents, guiding subsequent patent applications and research pathways within the pharmacological class.
References
- U.S. Patent 4,931,288. (1990). Pharmacologically active heterocyclic compounds and methods of use. [Online]. Available at USPTO database.
- Risch, N. (1997). Pharmacological diversity initiated by this patent landscape. Journal of CNS Drugs, 11(5), 313–321.
- WIPO Patent Family Records. (2005). 全球专利分析.
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