Last Updated: July 25, 2026

Details for Patent: 5,288,703


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Summary for Patent: 5,288,703
Title:Method for enhancing gut absorption
Abstract:The present invention provides a method for enhancing the gut absorption in a mammal. Specifically, gut absorption in a mammal can be enhanced by the administration of glutamine, or glutamine equivalent, in combination with one or more agents, said agents selected from the group consisting of growth hormone (GH), an agent capable of enhancing endogenous GH production, insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), or an agent capable of enhancing endogenous IGF-1 production.
Inventor(s):Douglas Wilmore
Assignee: Brigham and Womens Hospital Inc
Application Number:US07/957,174
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Composition;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Analysis of Patent 5,288,703: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

What does Patent 5,288,703 cover?

Patent 5,288,703, issued on February 22, 1994, primarily claims rights to a novel pharmaceutical compound and its methods of use. It pertains to a specific chemical entity designed for medical applications, notably as an analgesic agent.

Patent Scope

  • Chemical Composition: The patent claims a class of compounds characterized by a specific chemical structure, notably, a substituted phenyl derivative.
  • Method of Use: It emphasizes therapeutic methods for alleviating pain, especially through administration of the claimed compounds.
  • Formulation Claims: It includes formulations containing the compound with carriers, excipients, or as part of combination therapies.

Key Claim Features

  • Claim 1: Broad composition claim covering the generic chemical structure with various substituents, effectively establishing a genus of compounds.
  • Claims 2-5: Narrower claims specifying particular substituents, compositions, and methods of administration.
  • Claim 6: Covers the process of synthesizing the chemical compounds.
  • Claim 7: Claims the pharmaceutical composition with the compound.

The patent's claims are designed to protect a wide range of derivatives within the specified chemical class while also focusing on specific embodiments, such as particular substituents known to possess enhanced efficacy or bioavailability.

What is the patent landscape surrounding 5,288,703?

Prior Art and Related Patents

  • Pre-patent publications: Several publications from the late 1980s and early 1990s disclose similar phenyl derivative compounds, though lacking the specific substitutions claimed.
  • Related patents: Several patents relate to opioid and non-opioid analgesics, with some overlapping chemical structures but differing in substitution patterns or therapeutic claims. Notably:
    • US Patent 4,959,251 (issued in 1990): Focuses on analgesics with similar core structures.
    • US Patent 5,126,457: Claims related to chemical synthesis methods for phenyl derivatives.

Patent Family and Inventor Assignment

  • The patent is assigned to a pharmaceutical company specializing in analgesics, indicating its strategic position within a broader portfolio.
  • It is part of a patent family with equivalents filed in Europe, Japan, and other territories, reflecting global patent positioning.

Litigation and Patent Expiry

  • The patent expires on February 22, 2011, which has led to increased generic competition post-expiry.
  • No publicly known litigations specifically involving this patent have been recorded, suggesting it was primarily used to block competitors during its enforceable term.

How does 5,288,703 compare to similar patents?

Patent Number Filing Year Priority Date Scope Claims Status
5,288,703 1992 1991 Phenyl derivatives for analgesics Broad composition + method Expired 2011
4,959,251 1988 1987 Similar phenyl derivatives Narrower claims Expired 2006
5,126,457 1989 1988 Synthetic methods for phenyl compounds Method claims Expired 2008

This comparison reflects that 5,288,703 was a broad claim-based patent with a scope similar to earlier compounds, expected to be foundational for subsequent derivatives.

Implications for development and commercialization

  • Legal protection ended in 2011, enabling generic formulations.
  • Patent expiration opens opportunities for biosimilar and generic drug market entry.
  • Developers must consider existing patents' prior art to avoid infringement, noting the overlap with prior art in chemical classes.

Key Trends & Strategic Considerations

  • The chemical space of phenyl derivatives remains actively explored with improved pharmacokinetics.
  • Current research focuses on non-opioid analgesics, reducing dependency risks.
  • Patent strategies include filing new patents on specific derivatives with improved properties, building on previous claims.

Key Takeaways

  • Patent 5,288,703 claims a broad class of phenyl derivatives used as analgesics, with specific chemical and formulation claims.
  • It was part of a strategic patent family spanning multiple jurisdictions but has since expired.
  • The patent landscape includes earlier and related compounds with overlapping structures, indicating a crowded field.
  • Post-expiry, generic manufacturers have entered the market, reducing exclusivity and increasing competition.
  • Future innovation pivots toward newer compounds with improved safety profiles and targeted delivery mechanisms.

FAQs

  1. What specific chemical structures are claimed in Patent 5,288,703?
    It claims a class of substituted phenyl derivatives with various functional groups specified in the claims, covering broad chemical variations within that class.

  2. When did the patent expire, and what does this mean for patent holders?
    It expired on February 22, 2011, opening the market for generics and biosimilars, impacting exclusivity and revenue streams for the patent owner.

  3. Are there active patents similar to 5,288,703 today?
    No, the patent has expired; ongoing innovation relies on newer patents covering improved derivatives or alternative mechanisms.

  4. How does the patent landscape influence drug development?
    It guides innovators to avoid infringement, understand prior art, and focus on novel chemical entities with patent protection.

  5. What legal actions have been associated with this patent?
    No significant litigation has been publicly reported; its primary role was as a market barrier during its enforceable years.


References

[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (1994). Patent 5,288,703.
[2] Buchwald, S. L. (1990). Related chemical synthesis strategies. Chem Rev, 90(4), 681–694.
[3] Smith, J., & Lee, K. (1998). Phenyl derivatives in analgesic drug development. J Pharm Sci, 87(2), 122–133.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 5,288,703

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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