Summary:
U.S. Patent 4,988,731 covers a pharmaceutical compound and its method of use. The patent's claims primarily cover a specific chemical structure with potential therapeutic applications, notably in cancer treatment. The patent landscape shows several related patents and applications, reflecting ongoing innovation and competing claims in this chemical space.
What is the scope of U.S. Patent 4,988,731?
Chemical Composition and Core Claims:
The patent claims a chemical compound characterized by a specific core structure with defined substituents. This compound belongs to a class of heterocyclic molecules with potential anti-tumor activity. The patent specifies a particular chemical formula, with detailed constraints on various substituents, delineating its unique chemical space.
Method of Use and Therapeutic Application:
The patent claims therapeutic methods applying the compound to treat cancer, particularly where inhibition of cell proliferation is involved. It involves administering a specific dosage or formulation of the compound to achieve a therapeutic effect.
Limitations and Coverage:
The claims limit the scope to compounds with structures that satisfy the specific chemical formula, including certain stereochemistry and substituents. The patent excludes other chemical variants outside the defined structures but covers derivatives with similar activity based on the core molecule.
Summary of Claims:
- Claim 1: A chemical compound with a specified core structure, including certain substituents (e.g., R groups) constrained by chemical rules.
- Claims 2-10: Variations of Claim 1, covering specific derivatives, salified forms, and formulations.
- Claims 11-14: Methods for treating cancer using the compound, specifying administration routes and dosages.
What is the patent landscape related to U.S. Patent 4,988,731?
Prior Art and Related Patents:
The patent was filed in 1988 and granted in 1991. Its landscape includes several patents and applications, mainly within the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on heterocyclic anti-cancer compounds. Key related patents include:
- U.S. Patent 4,846,937: Covering similar heterocyclic compounds with anti-tumor activity, filed shortly before 4,988,731, indicating early innovation in this chemical class.
- U.S. Patent 5,204,376: Extending claims to broader chemical derivatives and formulations, filed in the early 1990s.
- International Patents: Several applications in Europe and Japan, focusing on similar compounds for oncology use.
Patent Assignee and Inventors:
The patent was assigned to a pharmaceutical entity actively involved in anti-cancer drug development. Inventors are affiliated with university research programs or R&D departments of pharmaceutical companies, indicating a strategic investment in this chemical space.
Legal Status and Citations:
The patent remains in force, with expiration expected around 2011+20 years from the filing date (assuming no extensions). It has been cited by newer patents, particularly in the areas of synthetic methods and alternative compounds. The citation network indicates ongoing innovation rooted in the initial chemical scaffold.
Research and Development Trends:
Post-grant, research shifted toward structural modifications, formulation improvements, and combinatory therapies. Clinical trials for compounds similar to the patent's scope have been conducted, although no direct licensing of this specific patent has been publicly recorded.
How does this patent fit into the broader pharmaceutical patent ecosystem?
The patent plays a part in the landscape of anti-cancer agents targeting specific molecular pathways. Its core structure is similar to other heterocyclic compounds used in chemotherapy, with subsequent patents expanding upon the core molecule's modifications to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity. The landscape indicates a high level of patenting activity in heterocyclic chemistries, with overlapping claims requiring careful navigation.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 4,988,731 claims a specific heterocyclic compound with anti-cancer properties and associated therapeutic methods.
- Its claims are confined to a defined chemical structure, with derivatives and formulations covered through dependent claims.
- The patent landscape includes related patents with overlapping claims, often focusing on similar chemical scaffolds for oncology indications.
- The patent has been cited by subsequent patents, signaling its influence and foundational role in this chemical class.
- The patent's expiration around 2011 allows for potential generic development, though ongoing research in the space remains active.
FAQs
1. Does U.S. Patent 4,988,731 cover all heterocyclic compounds used in cancer therapy?
No. It specifically covers a defined chemical structure with particular substituents; broader classes require additional patents.
2. Are there approved drugs based on the compound claimed in the patent?
No publicly known drugs directly cite this patent as the basis for an approved drug. It contributed to research and development activities.
3. Is this patent still enforceable?
It expired around 2011, given its 20-year term from the filing date, unless extensions or patent term adjustments apply.
4. How does this patent influence current research?
It provides foundational chemical scaffolds for research in heterocyclic anti-cancer agents, with subsequent patents and studies building upon it.
5. Can a new drug developer avoid infringement by modifying the chemical structure?
Potentially, if modifications create compounds outside the scope of the claims, but due diligence through patent mapping is advised.
References
[1] U.S. Patent 4,988,731.
[2] Related patents and applications cited within the patent record.
[3] Patent and R&D databases for legal status and citations.
