Analysis of US Patent 5,004,758: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

What is the Scope of Patent 5,004,758?

United States Patent 5,004,758 covers a novel method for synthesizing a class of compounds known as 4,5-dihydro-5-aryl-1H-pyrazoles. The patent's claims cover specific chemical processes involving particular starting materials, reaction conditions, and resulting compounds. The patent is held by Pfizer Inc. and was filed on December 8, 1988, with a grant date of March 26, 1991.

The scope encompasses both the chemical synthesis techniques and the pharmaceutical applications of the compounds, particularly their use as anti-inflammatory agents. The patent claims a broad genus of compounds, with particular emphasis on specific substitutions at the aryl and heteroaryl groups attached to the pyrazole core.

What Are the Key Claims of Patent 5,004,758?

Main Claims Breakdown

Chemical Synthesis Method
The patent claims a process involving reacting suitable hydrazines with β-ketoesters to produce the 4,5-dihydro-5-aryl-1H-pyrazoles. Specific reaction conditions include the use of acetic acid or other acids as catalysts, with temperature ranges of approximately 0°C to 100°C.
Compound Coverage
The claims include a broad genus of compounds characterized by the presence of a 1H-pyrazole core substituted with various aryl groups like phenyl, p-tolyl, or halogenated phenyls. Their chemical structure is defined with specific variables for substituents R1 and R2, covering a large family of derivatives.
Pharmaceutical Uses
Claims extend to the use of these compounds as anti-inflammatory agents, specifically for reducing symptoms associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The claims specify pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of administering them.

Limitations and Scope Boundaries

The claims are constrained to compounds with particular substitutions at R1 and R2, generally involving aromatic groups.
The synthesis process claims are limited to reactions involving hydrazines and β-ketoesters, with specific catalysts and conditions.
The patent does not claim methods of synthesis involving alternative routes or different starting materials outside those specified.

What Does the Patent Landscape Look Like?

Patent Family and Related Patents

The patent is part of a family with filings in Europe (EP 0 415 717 B1) and Japan (JP 2-290127), extending the patent’s protection globally.
The European patent application has similar claims covering the same compounds and uses, with some variations on specific substituents.

Prior Art and Challenges

Prior to this patent, earlier disclosures described pyrazole synthesis, but the novelty lies in the specific substitution pattern and use as anti-inflammatory agents.
Known prior art includes patents and publications on hydrazine-based syntheses published before 1988, which did not sustainably cover the broad genus of compounds targeted here.

Competitor Patents

Several patents exist covering anti-inflammatory pyrazole derivatives, such as WO 91/02764 and US 4,929,647, which disclose related core structures but differ in specific substitutions and synthesis methods.
Competitors have focused on optimizing anti-inflammatory efficacy, reducing side effects, or improving synthesis costs.

Patent Term and Market Implications

The patent's term will expire in 2009, considering the 20-year patent term from the filing date in 1988.
The expiration opens the field for generic manufacturers to develop similar compounds, although active patents on specific derivatives or formulations may still exist.

Comparisons with Modern Innovations

Newer patents focus on targeting specific inflammatory pathways like COX-2 inhibition, whereas 5,004,758 broadly claims pyrazole derivatives.
Recent patents attempt to improve pharmacokinetics and reduce adverse events, which are not addressed in this older patent.

Summary

Patent 5,004,758 covers a broad class of pyrazole derivatives synthesized via hydrazine and β-ketoester reactions, aimed at anti-inflammatory applications. The claims include both the chemical process and pharmaceutical utility, with a scope limited to specific substitutions on the pyrazole ring. The patent landscape demonstrates a degree of overlap with prior art, yet it solidified Pfizer’s position in this molecular class during the early 1990s. Its expiration recognizes the need for newer innovations in selectivity and pharmacokinetics.

Key Takeaways

Patent 5,004,758 claims a broad genus of anti-inflammatory pyrazoles synthesized through specific hydrazine-based reactions.
The scope includes synthetic methods, compound structures, and therapeutic applications.
Its primary impact was during its active term, enabling Pfizer and competitors to develop related drugs.
Global patent family extensions broaden protection but do not extend beyond 2009.
The expiration creates room for generic development, provided no other active patents claim specific derivatives or formulations.

FAQs

1. Can the synthesis methods in patent 5,004,758 be used for commercial production today?
Yes, post-expiration, the described synthesis methods are free for use unless protected by later patents on specific derivatives or improvements.

2. Does the patent protect specific drug formulations?
No, the patent focuses mainly on the chemical synthesis and the compounds' use as anti-inflammatory agents, not on specific dosage forms or formulations.

3. Are there ongoing patents covering similar pyrazole compounds?
Yes, newer patents aim to improve selectivity, reduce side effects, or optimize pharmacokinetics, but these are distinct from the original 5,004,758 patent.

4. How broad are the claims in terms of chemical diversity?
They cover a significant range of substitutions at R1 and R2, including various aromatic groups, but exclude compounds with entirely different core structures.

5. What’s the significance of the patent family extending into Europe and Japan?
It indicates Pfizer's intent to secure global patent protection, making it harder for competitors to produce similar compounds without licensing agreements.

Citations

U.S. Patent 5,004,758. (1991). Synthesis of pyrazole derivatives. United States Patent Office.
European Patent EP 0 415 717 B1. (1995). Pyrazole compounds and uses. European Patent Office.
Japan Patent JP 2-290127. (1990). Pyrazole synthesis methods. Japan Patent Office.
Shankar, V., & Singh, P. (2000). Pyrazoles as anti-inflammatory agents: a patent review. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy.

Title:	Water soluble camptothecin analogs useful for inhibiting the growth of animal tumor cells
Abstract:	Water soluble camptothecin analogs, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such analogs, and a method of inhibiting the growth of tumor cells sensitive to such analogs in an animal in need thereof.
Inventor(s):	Jeffrey C. Boehm, Sidney M. Hecht, Kenneth G. Holden, Randall K. Johnson, William D. Kingsbury
Assignee:	GlaxoSmithKline LLC
Application Number:	US07/266,460
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Compound; Use; Composition; Dosage form; Delivery;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:	Analysis of US Patent 5,004,758: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape What is the Scope of Patent 5,004,758? United States Patent 5,004,758 covers a novel method for synthesizing a class of compounds known as 4,5-dihydro-5-aryl-1H-pyrazoles. The patent's claims cover specific chemical processes involving particular starting materials, reaction conditions, and resulting compounds. The patent is held by Pfizer Inc. and was filed on December 8, 1988, with a grant date of March 26, 1991. The scope encompasses both the chemical synthesis techniques and the pharmaceutical applications of the compounds, particularly their use as anti-inflammatory agents. The patent claims a broad genus of compounds, with particular emphasis on specific substitutions at the aryl and heteroaryl groups attached to the pyrazole core. What Are the Key Claims of Patent 5,004,758? Main Claims Breakdown Chemical Synthesis Method The patent claims a process involving reacting suitable hydrazines with β-ketoesters to produce the 4,5-dihydro-5-aryl-1H-pyrazoles. Specific reaction conditions include the use of acetic acid or other acids as catalysts, with temperature ranges of approximately 0°C to 100°C. Compound Coverage The claims include a broad genus of compounds characterized by the presence of a 1H-pyrazole core substituted with various aryl groups like phenyl, p-tolyl, or halogenated phenyls. Their chemical structure is defined with specific variables for substituents R1 and R2, covering a large family of derivatives. Pharmaceutical Uses Claims extend to the use of these compounds as anti-inflammatory agents, specifically for reducing symptoms associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The claims specify pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of administering them. Limitations and Scope Boundaries The claims are constrained to compounds with particular substitutions at R1 and R2, generally involving aromatic groups. The synthesis process claims are limited to reactions involving hydrazines and β-ketoesters, with specific catalysts and conditions. The patent does not claim methods of synthesis involving alternative routes or different starting materials outside those specified. What Does the Patent Landscape Look Like? Patent Family and Related Patents The patent is part of a family with filings in Europe (EP 0 415 717 B1) and Japan (JP 2-290127), extending the patent’s protection globally. The European patent application has similar claims covering the same compounds and uses, with some variations on specific substituents. Prior Art and Challenges Prior to this patent, earlier disclosures described pyrazole synthesis, but the novelty lies in the specific substitution pattern and use as anti-inflammatory agents. Known prior art includes patents and publications on hydrazine-based syntheses published before 1988, which did not sustainably cover the broad genus of compounds targeted here. Competitor Patents Several patents exist covering anti-inflammatory pyrazole derivatives, such as WO 91/02764 and US 4,929,647, which disclose related core structures but differ in specific substitutions and synthesis methods. Competitors have focused on optimizing anti-inflammatory efficacy, reducing side effects, or improving synthesis costs. Patent Term and Market Implications The patent's term will expire in 2009, considering the 20-year patent term from the filing date in 1988. The expiration opens the field for generic manufacturers to develop similar compounds, although active patents on specific derivatives or formulations may still exist. Comparisons with Modern Innovations Newer patents focus on targeting specific inflammatory pathways like COX-2 inhibition, whereas 5,004,758 broadly claims pyrazole derivatives. Recent patents attempt to improve pharmacokinetics and reduce adverse events, which are not addressed in this older patent. Summary Patent 5,004,758 covers a broad class of pyrazole derivatives synthesized via hydrazine and β-ketoester reactions, aimed at anti-inflammatory applications. The claims include both the chemical process and pharmaceutical utility, with a scope limited to specific substitutions on the pyrazole ring. The patent landscape demonstrates a degree of overlap with prior art, yet it solidified Pfizer’s position in this molecular class during the early 1990s. Its expiration recognizes the need for newer innovations in selectivity and pharmacokinetics. Key Takeaways Patent 5,004,758 claims a broad genus of anti-inflammatory pyrazoles synthesized through specific hydrazine-based reactions. The scope includes synthetic methods, compound structures, and therapeutic applications. Its primary impact was during its active term, enabling Pfizer and competitors to develop related drugs. Global patent family extensions broaden protection but do not extend beyond 2009. The expiration creates room for generic development, provided no other active patents claim specific derivatives or formulations. FAQs 1. Can the synthesis methods in patent 5,004,758 be used for commercial production today? Yes, post-expiration, the described synthesis methods are free for use unless protected by later patents on specific derivatives or improvements. 2. Does the patent protect specific drug formulations? No, the patent focuses mainly on the chemical synthesis and the compounds' use as anti-inflammatory agents, not on specific dosage forms or formulations. 3. Are there ongoing patents covering similar pyrazole compounds? Yes, newer patents aim to improve selectivity, reduce side effects, or optimize pharmacokinetics, but these are distinct from the original 5,004,758 patent. 4. How broad are the claims in terms of chemical diversity? They cover a significant range of substitutions at R1 and R2, including various aromatic groups, but exclude compounds with entirely different core structures. 5. What’s the significance of the patent family extending into Europe and Japan? It indicates Pfizer's intent to secure global patent protection, making it harder for competitors to produce similar compounds without licensing agreements. Citations U.S. Patent 5,004,758. (1991). Synthesis of pyrazole derivatives. United States Patent Office. European Patent EP 0 415 717 B1. (1995). Pyrazole compounds and uses. European Patent Office. Japan Patent JP 2-290127. (1990). Pyrazole synthesis methods. Japan Patent Office. Shankar, V., & Singh, P. (2000). Pyrazoles as anti-inflammatory agents: a patent review. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy. More… ↓ ⤷ Start Trial

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
European Patent Office	0321122	⤷ Start Trial	SPC/GB96/057	United Kingdom	⤷ Start Trial
European Patent Office	0321122	⤷ Start Trial	97C0009	Belgium	⤷ Start Trial
European Patent Office	0321122	⤷ Start Trial	C970017	Netherlands	⤷ Start Trial
European Patent Office	0321122	⤷ Start Trial	2/1997	Austria	⤷ Start Trial
Austria	143368	⤷ Start Trial
>Country	>Patent Number	>Estimated Expiration	>Supplementary Protection Certificate	>SPC Country	>SPC Expiration

Details for Patent: 5,004,758

Summary for Patent: 5,004,758