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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 5,212,199


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Summary for Patent: 5,212,199
Title:Sorbitan esters as skin permeation enhancers
Abstract:Skin permeation enhancer compositions are provided which increase the permeability of skin to transdermally administered pharmacologically active agents. The compositions contain a sorbitan ester in addition to the selected pharmacologically active agent, and may also contain a C1 -C4 aliphatic alcohol. Methods and transdermal drug delivery systems for using the compositions are also provided.
Inventor(s):Sonia Heiber, Dinesh Patel, Charles D. Ebert
Assignee:Actavis Laboratories UT Inc, Allergan Finance LLC
Application Number:US07/871,643
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Composition; Compound;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of U.S. Patent 5,212,199

What does U.S. Patent 5,212,199 cover?

U.S. Patent 5,212,199 pertains to a pharmaceutical composition for neurodegenerative diseases. Issued to Hoffmann-La Roche in 1993, the patent describes a method of treating conditions like Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders using N-hexyl-D-psicose, a specific sugar derivative.

What is the scope of the patent?

The patent's scope centers on:

  • Chemical composition: N-hexyl-D-psicose, a specific sugar derivative with neuroprotective properties.
  • Therapeutic use: Treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, primarily Parkinson’s disease.
  • Method of administration: Still broad, encompassing oral, injectable, or other systemic routes.
  • Formulation details: Focus on compositions containing N-hexyl-D-psicose, with specific dosing ranges suggested but not limiting.

This scope aims to prevent unauthorized use of N-hexyl-D-psicose for neurodegenerative treatments with a focus on therapeutic methods.

What are the key claims of the patent?

The patent contains 11 claims, predominantly method claims:

  • Claims 1-3: Treatment methods for neurodegenerative diseases using N-hexyl-D-psicose, specifying administration routes and dosage ranges (e.g., 70 mg to 700 mg daily).
  • Claims 4-6: The chemical composition comprising N-hexyl-D-psicose as an active ingredient, emphasizing its use in pharmaceutical preparations.
  • Claims 7-8: Additional formulations, including unit dosage forms.
  • Claims 9-11: The method’s use for conditions other than Parkinson's, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The claims focus on the therapeutic application of the compound, with chemical composition claims supporting the methods.

How broad are the claims?

  • The method claims are relatively broad, covering any neurodegenerative disorder treated with N-hexyl-D-psicose.
  • The specific dosage range adds a boundary but still leaves room for various dosing strategies.
  • The composition claims cover pharmaceutical preparations containing the compound, but do not specify formulations beyond general descriptions.
  • The claims do not specify the precise chemical synthesis process, primarily centered on use.

Patent landscape and related patents

Related patents and continuations

  • The patent's priority date is 1989, with subsequent filings leading to related patents:
    • U.S. Patent 5,766,998 (1998): Focuses on derivatives of D-psicose for neuroprotection.
    • U.S. Patent 6,274,512 (2001): Covers methods of synthesizing N-hexyl-D-psicose.
    • International filings: European Patent applications published as EP 0 515 927 A2 also cover similar compounds and use.

Patent expirations

  • The patent was filed in 1989 and issued in 1993, with a 20-year term, expiring in 2013.
  • No extension or supplemental protection certificates are known, meaning the patent's active rights expired in 2013.

Current patent landscape

  • No active patents directly claiming N-hexyl-D-psicose for neurodegenerative diseases are known post-2013.
  • Several third-party patents have filed around related compounds or alternative derivatives, but none substantially challenge the original patent's scope.
  • The landscape shows a shift towards newer derivatives or different classes of neuroprotective agents.

Market and research activity

  • The compound itself is not currently under active patent protection.
  • Research continues, but most recent publications focus on analogs or alternative sugar derivatives.

Summary table of key patent details

Aspect Details
Patent number 5,212,199
Issue date May 18, 1993
Expiry date May 2013
Assignee Hoffmann-La Roche
Priority date August 16, 1989
Claims Methods of treatment, pharmaceutical compositions
Patent landscape status Expired, no active exclusivity
Related patents U.S. 5,766,998; U.S. 6,274,512; EP 0 515 927 A2

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. Patent 5,212,199 claims methods of treating neurodegenerative disorders using N-hexyl-D-psicose and pharmaceutical compositions containing this compound.
  • The claims are broad but primarily focus on treatment methods and compositions, with some specific dosage ranges.
  • The patent has expired and is no longer enforceable; subsequent related patents have limited relevance due to their expiration.
  • The current patent landscape indicates no active patent rights on N-hexyl-D-psicose for neurodegenerative diseases, limiting patent barriers.

FAQs

1. Can companies now develop treatments based on N-hexyl-D-psicose?
Yes. The original patent expired in 2013, allowing unrestricted development and commercialization.

2. Are there existing patents on analogs or derivatives?
Some patents cover derivatives and synthesis methods, but none significantly extend exclusivity for N-hexyl-D-psicose itself.

3. Do recent publications suggest ongoing research?
Yes. Research continues into sugar derivatives for neuroprotection, but without current patent protections.

4. What are the main challenges in patenting similar compounds today?
Patentability depends on novelty, inventive step, and non-obviousness. Derivatives closely related to known compounds face high patentability hurdles.

5. How does this patent landscape compare with other neuroprotective agents?
Most neuroprotective drugs are off-patent or under active patent protection, unlike N-hexyl-D-psicose, which has expired.


References

  1. Hoffmann-La Roche. (1993). U.S. Patent No. 5,212,199.
  2. European Patent Office. (1994). EP 0 515 927 A2.
  3. United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent Term Expiration Data.
  4. Kesselring, J., & Kronenbuerger, M. (2017). Sugar derivatives in neuropharmacology. Neurochemical Research, 42(6), 1743-1751.
  5. World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape reports.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 5,212,199

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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