Summary
U.S. Patent 5,223,510 covers a pharmaceutical compound and related methods. Its scope primarily addresses a specific chemical entity for therapeutic use and defines claims around its composition, formulation, and application. The patent's claims focus on the compound’s structure and certain methods for its use, establishing a broad protection within its chemical class. The patent landscape includes numerous related patents, many of which build on or are contemporaneous with this patent, reflecting active patenting activity in the therapeutic class associated with the compound.
What are the Key Claims of U.S. Patent 5,223,510?
Patent Scope
Issued on June 29, 1993, the '510 patent claims a novel chemical compound—specifically, a pyrazolopyrimidine derivative—and its use as a medicament. The claims revolve around the compound's structure, its pharmaceutical formulations, and methods of treatment.
Claims Breakdown
- Compound claims: The patent includes claims covering the chemical entity with particular substitutions on the pyrazolopyrimidine core. These claims specify various possible functional groups attached to the core structure, leading to a broad coverage of derivatives within the same chemical class.
- Use claims: The patent asserts methods of using the compound to treat specific conditions, primarily those related to the central nervous system, such as depression or anxiety. These claims specify administering the compound or pharmaceutical compositions containing it.
Claim Limitations and Scope
- The core structure is defined with specific substitutions, providing a chemical "family" of compounds.
- The patent emphasizes methods of treatment primarily related to CNS disorders, with claims on dosing regimens and formulations.
- Variations in substitutions are included to extend coverage, but the core chemical structure remains central.
What Does the Patent Landscape Look Like?
Related Patents and Patent Families
The patent landscape features numerous related applications and patents that target similar or derivative compounds within the same chemical class or therapeutic area.
- Priority applications and continuations: Several applications have cited or originated from the same family, suggesting a strategic effort to broaden protection.
- Chemical family expansion: Later patents have claimed compounds with modified substitutions, often overlapping with the scope of '510. These patents support a broad monopoly over related derivatives.
- Therapeutic targeting: Many subsequent patents focus on off-label uses, formulations, or delivery methods, expanding the patent estate related to the compound's applications.
Major Patent Holders and Assignees
- The original assignee for '510 was typically a pharmaceutical company involved in CNS drugs development (exact entity varies).
- Competing entities have filed patents claiming similar compounds or methods, often within the same therapeutic class.
Legal Status and Patent Term
- The patent's expiration date was June 29, 2010, assuming no patent term extensions.
- Several related patents remain active or were filed for extensions, indicating ongoing development efforts.
Key Patent Citations
- Cites prior art related to pyrazolopyrimidines and CNS agents.
- Cited by later patents focused on derivatives, formulations, and specific therapeutic uses within neuropharmacology.
How Does This Patent Fit in the Broader Pharmaceutical Innovation?
This patent constitutes part of a larger portfolio aimed at developing selective CNS drugs, with implications for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It exemplifies a typical strategy of broad chemical claims supported by method claims for specific therapeutic applications. The patent landscape reveals extensive efforts by multiple companies to secure rights on various derivatives and uses.
What are the Legal and Commercial Implications?
- The broad chemical claims create a substantial barrier to entry in the same chemical class or therapeutic niche during its active term.
- The patent landscape reflects active litigation, licensing, and licensing negotiations, typical for drugs with potential market value.
- Post-expiration, generic manufacturers could introduce bioequivalent versions, subject to patent challenges or regulatory approvals.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 5,223,510 protects a class of pyrazolopyrimidine compounds and their use in CNS therapy.
- The claims cover both the chemical structure and methods of treatment, offering broad scope within its class.
- The patent landscape includes overlapping patents that extend protection or focus on derivatives, formulations, or uses.
- Expiration in 2010 opened opportunities for generics unless other patents or data exclusivities apply.
- Active patent activity in the field indicates ongoing research, potential licensing, and market competition.
FAQs
1. What is the main chemical class claimed in U.S. Patent 5,223,510?
It claims pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives, a class often explored for CNS activity.
2. Does the patent cover methods of use or only chemical compounds?
The patent includes claims for both the compounds and methods of using them in therapeutic applications, primarily CNS disorders.
3. How broad are the claims in terms of chemical substitutions?
Claims cover various substituents on the core structure, extending protection across multiple derivatives within the same chemical family.
4. Are there any active patents related to this one?
Most related patents expired around 2010, but several continuation applications and filings for derivatives or formulations exist.
5. What is the significance of this patent in the pharmaceutical industry?
It represents a typical patent in neuropharmacology, creating a foundation for product development and licensing within the CNS drug market.
Citations
- U.S. Patent 5,223,510.
- Patent landscape and citation data sources include the USPTO database and published patent families.
