Analysis of U.S. Patent 5,512,570: Methods for Treating Alzheimer's Disease

U.S. Patent 5,512,570, titled "Methods for Treating Alzheimer's Disease," was granted on April 30, 1996, to The Regents of the University of California. The patent claims methods for treating Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders by administering specific compounds, primarily N-substituted piperidine and N-substituted azacycloheptane derivatives. These compounds are described as having potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and exhibiting selectivity for AChE over butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). This selectivity is a key aspect of the claimed therapeutic utility, aiming to mitigate side effects associated with non-selective cholinesterase inhibitors.

What are the Core Claims of U.S. Patent 5,512,570?

The patent's central claims revolve around the therapeutic application of a defined class of chemical compounds for treating Alzheimer's disease and other conditions involving cholinergic deficits.

Claimed Therapeutic Methods

The primary claims are directed towards methods of treatment. Specifically, the patent claims:

A method for treating Alzheimer's disease which comprises administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I.
A method for treating a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a deficit of cholinergic neurotransmission which comprises administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

Formula I, as defined in the patent, encompasses N-substituted piperidine and N-substituted azacycloheptane derivatives. The substituents are critical to the claimed activity and selectivity.

Chemical Scope of Formula I

The compounds are characterized by specific structural features:

Core Structures: Piperidine or azacycloheptane rings.
N-Substitution: The nitrogen atom of these rings is substituted with a group that confers AChE inhibitory activity and selectivity. This typically involves a benzyl or substituted benzyl group, often with a linker to an oxygen or sulfur atom, which is further attached to a moiety designed to interact with the AChE active site.
Key Substituents: The patent details various substituents on the aromatic rings and the nature of the linker group, all aimed at optimizing inhibitory potency and selectivity. For example, the presence of specific electron-donating or withdrawing groups on the benzyl ring is described as influencing efficacy.

The patent provides numerous examples of specific compounds within this structural class, detailing their synthesis and biological activity.

In Vitro and In Vivo Data Supporting Claims

The patent includes data demonstrating the efficacy of the claimed compounds.

Enzyme Inhibition Assays: In vitro studies show significant inhibition of human and electric eel AChE. IC50 values (the concentration of inhibitor required to inhibit 50% of the enzyme's activity) are reported, with many compounds demonstrating nanomolar potency against AChE.
Selectivity Ratios: Crucially, the patent highlights the selectivity of these compounds for AChE over BuChE. This is often presented as a ratio of IC50 values (BuChE IC50 / AChE IC50). Compounds with higher ratios exhibit greater selectivity for AChE. For instance, some exemplified compounds demonstrate selectivity ratios exceeding 100, indicating a strong preference for inhibiting AChE.
Animal Models: Evidence from animal models of cognitive impairment, relevant to Alzheimer's disease, is also presented. These studies typically involve administering the compounds and assessing improvements in memory or learning tasks.

The data presented aims to establish that the claimed compounds are not only potent AChE inhibitors but also possess a therapeutic advantage due to their selective action, potentially leading to fewer gastrointestinal and other side effects commonly associated with non-selective cholinesterase inhibitors like tacrine or donepezil in their early development stages.

What is the Current Status and Prosecution History of U.S. Patent 5,512,570?

Understanding the patent's journey through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides insight into its legal standing and potential limitations.

Grant and Original Assignee

The patent was granted on April 30, 1996, to The Regents of the University of California. This indicates that the initial inventors assigned their rights to the university.

Maintenance Fees and Status

As of the present, U.S. Patent 5,512,570 is in its post-grant phase. Maintenance fees are required to keep a U.S. patent in force. These fees are due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after the patent grant. Failure to pay these fees results in the patent expiring. A check of USPTO records is necessary to confirm the payment status and current expiration date. Assuming all fees have been paid, the patent would have an expected expiration date of April 30, 2016 (20 years from the filing date, which for this utility patent would be based on the earliest priority date, likely in the early to mid-1990s). However, patent term adjustments or extensions can alter this date.

Prosecution History

The prosecution history (available through USPTO Public PAIR or other patent databases) would detail the interactions between the applicant and the patent examiner. This includes:

Office Actions: Examiner's rejections or objections based on prior art or lack of clarity.
Applicant Responses: Arguments and amendments made by the applicant to overcome rejections.
Allowed Claims: The final set of claims as granted.

Reviewing this history is crucial for identifying any limitations or narrower interpretations placed on the claims during examination. For instance, if broad claims were initially rejected and subsequently narrowed to specific structural sub-classes, this would impact the patent's scope in subsequent legal challenges or licensing negotiations.

Who Are the Key Players and Competitors in the Alzheimer's Disease Patent Landscape?

The Alzheimer's disease therapeutic landscape is highly competitive, with numerous patents covering drug candidates, treatment methods, and diagnostic tools.

Major Pharmaceutical Companies

Large pharmaceutical entities are dominant in this space, holding extensive patent portfolios. Companies with significant R&D investment in Alzheimer's therapeutics include:

Pfizer: Has historically been active in CNS drug development.
Eli Lilly and Company: Known for its development of donepezil (Aricept), a widely used AChE inhibitor.
Merck & Co., Inc.: Invested in various Alzheimer's approaches.
Bayer AG: Has had multiple compounds in development for neurodegenerative diseases.
Bristol-Myers Squibb: Engaged in research for Alzheimer's and related conditions.

Biotechnology Companies

Emerging and established biotech firms also contribute significantly to innovation and patent filings. These companies often focus on novel mechanisms of action beyond cholinesterase inhibition.

Academic Institutions and Licensing

Academic institutions, like The Regents of the University of California, are significant sources of foundational research and early-stage patent filings. They often license their patented technologies to commercial entities for further development and commercialization. U.S. Patent 5,512,570 likely falls into this category, where the university developed the initial intellectual property and may seek to license it.

Competitive Technologies and Drug Classes

The patent landscape for Alzheimer's disease treatments is diverse and includes:

Cholinesterase Inhibitors: The class to which compounds claimed in U.S. Patent 5,512,570 belong. Competitors include patents covering donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, as well as newer generations or improved formulations of these drugs.
NMDA Receptor Antagonists: Memantine (Namenda) represents this class.
Beta-Amyloid Targeting Therapies: Patents covering monoclonal antibodies (e.g., aducanumab, lecanemab) and small molecules aimed at reducing amyloid plaque formation or aggregation.
Tau Protein Targeting Therapies: Patents focusing on preventing tau hyperphosphorylation or aggregation.
Neuroinflammation and Synaptic Plasticity Modulators: Emerging areas with ongoing patent activity.

The specific focus of U.S. Patent 5,512,570 on selective AChE inhibition places it in direct competition with other cholinesterase inhibitors, particularly those developed around the same time or with similar mechanisms of action. However, the development of disease-modifying therapies targeting amyloid and tau has shifted the competitive focus in recent years.

What is the Potential Commercial and Strategic Value of U.S. Patent 5,512,570 Today?

The commercial and strategic value of this patent is contingent on several factors, including the patent's enforceability, the market position of the claimed compounds, and the evolving therapeutic landscape.

Enforceability and Remaining Term

The primary determinant of current value is the patent's enforceability. If the patent has expired or lapsed due to non-payment of maintenance fees, its direct commercial value as an exclusive right is nullified. Assuming it is still in force, the remaining patent term is short, given its grant date. This limits the window for exclusive market activity.

Market Positioning of Selective AChE Inhibitors

While selective AChE inhibitors offer potential advantages over older, non-selective agents, the Alzheimer's market has evolved. Newer drugs targeting amyloid-beta have gained regulatory approval, shifting the paradigm. However, symptomatic treatments like AChE inhibitors remain a significant part of Alzheimer's management. The specific compounds claimed in the patent would need to demonstrate superior efficacy or safety profiles compared to existing approved AChE inhibitors to carve out a significant market share.

Licensing and Litigation Potential

Licensing: If The Regents of the University of California has not licensed these compounds, there could still be potential for licensing to a company interested in developing them, provided they meet current efficacy and safety standards and can secure formulation and manufacturing capabilities. However, the short remaining patent term makes this less attractive for major investment unless a very rapid development and approval pathway is feasible.
Litigation: If a company has developed and commercialized a compound that falls within the scope of the patent's claims and the patent is still in force, there is a potential for infringement litigation. However, the strength of such a case would depend on the patent's validity, the clarity of the claims, and the similarity of the infringing product to the patented invention. Given the age of the patent, challenges to its validity based on prior art are also a significant consideration.

Strategic Considerations

From a strategic perspective, the patent represents a foundational piece of intellectual property in the development of cholinesterase inhibitors.

Foundation for Further Research: The compounds and methods described could serve as a basis for further optimization or combination therapies.
Competitive Barrier (Historical): At its inception, this patent would have provided a competitive barrier against other entities developing similar selective AChE inhibitors.
Defensive Patenting: In some R&D strategies, older patents are maintained for defensive purposes, preventing competitors from easily operating within a specific technical area, even if commercialization is not actively pursued.

The ultimate value is realized if a specific compound within the claimed scope can be brought to market successfully, demonstrating a clear therapeutic advantage and navigating the complex regulatory and competitive environment of Alzheimer's disease treatment.

Key Takeaways

U.S. Patent 5,512,570 claims methods for treating Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders using N-substituted piperidine and azacycloheptane derivatives with selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity.
The patent emphasizes the selectivity of these compounds for AChE over butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), aiming to reduce side effects.
The patent was granted on April 30, 1996, to The Regents of the University of California. Its enforceability today depends on the payment of maintenance fees and its remaining patent term.
The Alzheimer's therapeutic landscape is highly competitive, featuring established pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and a range of drug classes, including cholinesterase inhibitors, beta-amyloid, and tau-targeting therapies.
The current commercial and strategic value of U.S. Patent 5,512,570 is limited by its age, the remaining patent term, and the evolution of Alzheimer's treatment paradigms towards disease-modifying agents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expiration date of U.S. Patent 5,512,570? The patent was granted on April 30, 1996. For utility patents, the term is generally 20 years from the earliest U.S. non-provisional filing date. Without specific details on its filing and priority dates, the nominal expiration would be around the early to mid-2010s. However, current enforceability depends on the timely payment of maintenance fees.
Are there any approved drugs on the market that are covered by U.S. Patent 5,512,570? A thorough freedom-to-operate analysis would be required to determine if any currently marketed drugs infringe upon the specific claims of this patent. The patent claims a method of treatment using a defined class of compounds, and infringement would depend on whether a marketed drug's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) falls within the chemical scope of Formula I and if its use is specifically claimed for the patented method.
What is the significance of "selectivity for AChE over BuChE" in the context of Alzheimer's treatment? Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) are enzymes that break down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory and cognition. In Alzheimer's disease, there is a deficit in cholinergic neurotransmission. Inhibiting these enzymes increases acetylcholine levels, potentially improving cognitive function. However, non-selective inhibitors can also inhibit BuChE, which may be associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Selective AChE inhibitors aim to maximize therapeutic benefit by targeting the enzyme primarily responsible for acetylcholine breakdown in synapses while minimizing side effects.
Does this patent cover the synthesis of the compounds or only their use in treating Alzheimer's disease? U.S. Patent 5,512,570 specifically claims "Methods for Treating Alzheimer's Disease" and related disorders. While the patent necessarily describes how to synthesize the claimed compounds to enable their use and demonstrate their properties, the core legal protection is for the therapeutic methods, not necessarily for the compounds themselves or their manufacturing processes unless separately claimed and covered.
What is the role of The Regents of the University of California in relation to this patent? The Regents of the University of California is the assignee of the patent. This means they are the legal owner of the patent rights. They are responsible for managing the patent, including paying maintenance fees, licensing the technology to commercial entities, or enforcing it against infringers.

Citations

[1] The Regents of the University of California. (1996, April 30). Methods for Treating Alzheimer's Disease (U.S. Patent No. 5,512,570). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Title:	Treatment of emesis with morpholine tachykinin receptor antagonists
Abstract:	Substituted heterocycles of the structural formula: are tachykinin receptor antagonists useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, pain or migraine, asthma, emesis and nausea.
Inventor(s):	Conrad P. Dorn, Malcolm MacCoss, Jeffrey J. Hale, Sander G. Mills
Assignee:	Merck Sharp and Dohme LLC
Application Number:	US08/450,507
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:	Analysis of U.S. Patent 5,512,570: Methods for Treating Alzheimer's Disease U.S. Patent 5,512,570, titled "Methods for Treating Alzheimer's Disease," was granted on April 30, 1996, to The Regents of the University of California. The patent claims methods for treating Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders by administering specific compounds, primarily N-substituted piperidine and N-substituted azacycloheptane derivatives. These compounds are described as having potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and exhibiting selectivity for AChE over butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). This selectivity is a key aspect of the claimed therapeutic utility, aiming to mitigate side effects associated with non-selective cholinesterase inhibitors. What are the Core Claims of U.S. Patent 5,512,570? The patent's central claims revolve around the therapeutic application of a defined class of chemical compounds for treating Alzheimer's disease and other conditions involving cholinergic deficits. Claimed Therapeutic Methods The primary claims are directed towards methods of treatment. Specifically, the patent claims: A method for treating Alzheimer's disease which comprises administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I. A method for treating a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a deficit of cholinergic neurotransmission which comprises administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I. Formula I, as defined in the patent, encompasses N-substituted piperidine and N-substituted azacycloheptane derivatives. The substituents are critical to the claimed activity and selectivity. Chemical Scope of Formula I The compounds are characterized by specific structural features: Core Structures: Piperidine or azacycloheptane rings. N-Substitution: The nitrogen atom of these rings is substituted with a group that confers AChE inhibitory activity and selectivity. This typically involves a benzyl or substituted benzyl group, often with a linker to an oxygen or sulfur atom, which is further attached to a moiety designed to interact with the AChE active site. Key Substituents: The patent details various substituents on the aromatic rings and the nature of the linker group, all aimed at optimizing inhibitory potency and selectivity. For example, the presence of specific electron-donating or withdrawing groups on the benzyl ring is described as influencing efficacy. The patent provides numerous examples of specific compounds within this structural class, detailing their synthesis and biological activity. In Vitro and In Vivo Data Supporting Claims The patent includes data demonstrating the efficacy of the claimed compounds. Enzyme Inhibition Assays: In vitro studies show significant inhibition of human and electric eel AChE. IC50 values (the concentration of inhibitor required to inhibit 50% of the enzyme's activity) are reported, with many compounds demonstrating nanomolar potency against AChE. Selectivity Ratios: Crucially, the patent highlights the selectivity of these compounds for AChE over BuChE. This is often presented as a ratio of IC50 values (BuChE IC50 / AChE IC50). Compounds with higher ratios exhibit greater selectivity for AChE. For instance, some exemplified compounds demonstrate selectivity ratios exceeding 100, indicating a strong preference for inhibiting AChE. Animal Models: Evidence from animal models of cognitive impairment, relevant to Alzheimer's disease, is also presented. These studies typically involve administering the compounds and assessing improvements in memory or learning tasks. The data presented aims to establish that the claimed compounds are not only potent AChE inhibitors but also possess a therapeutic advantage due to their selective action, potentially leading to fewer gastrointestinal and other side effects commonly associated with non-selective cholinesterase inhibitors like tacrine or donepezil in their early development stages. What is the Current Status and Prosecution History of U.S. Patent 5,512,570? Understanding the patent's journey through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides insight into its legal standing and potential limitations. Grant and Original Assignee The patent was granted on April 30, 1996, to The Regents of the University of California. This indicates that the initial inventors assigned their rights to the university. Maintenance Fees and Status As of the present, U.S. Patent 5,512,570 is in its post-grant phase. Maintenance fees are required to keep a U.S. patent in force. These fees are due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after the patent grant. Failure to pay these fees results in the patent expiring. A check of USPTO records is necessary to confirm the payment status and current expiration date. Assuming all fees have been paid, the patent would have an expected expiration date of April 30, 2016 (20 years from the filing date, which for this utility patent would be based on the earliest priority date, likely in the early to mid-1990s). However, patent term adjustments or extensions can alter this date. Prosecution History The prosecution history (available through USPTO Public PAIR or other patent databases) would detail the interactions between the applicant and the patent examiner. This includes: Office Actions: Examiner's rejections or objections based on prior art or lack of clarity. Applicant Responses: Arguments and amendments made by the applicant to overcome rejections. Allowed Claims: The final set of claims as granted. Reviewing this history is crucial for identifying any limitations or narrower interpretations placed on the claims during examination. For instance, if broad claims were initially rejected and subsequently narrowed to specific structural sub-classes, this would impact the patent's scope in subsequent legal challenges or licensing negotiations. Who Are the Key Players and Competitors in the Alzheimer's Disease Patent Landscape? The Alzheimer's disease therapeutic landscape is highly competitive, with numerous patents covering drug candidates, treatment methods, and diagnostic tools. Major Pharmaceutical Companies Large pharmaceutical entities are dominant in this space, holding extensive patent portfolios. Companies with significant R&D investment in Alzheimer's therapeutics include: Pfizer: Has historically been active in CNS drug development. Eli Lilly and Company: Known for its development of donepezil (Aricept), a widely used AChE inhibitor. Merck & Co., Inc.: Invested in various Alzheimer's approaches. Bayer AG: Has had multiple compounds in development for neurodegenerative diseases. Bristol-Myers Squibb: Engaged in research for Alzheimer's and related conditions. Biotechnology Companies Emerging and established biotech firms also contribute significantly to innovation and patent filings. These companies often focus on novel mechanisms of action beyond cholinesterase inhibition. Academic Institutions and Licensing Academic institutions, like The Regents of the University of California, are significant sources of foundational research and early-stage patent filings. They often license their patented technologies to commercial entities for further development and commercialization. U.S. Patent 5,512,570 likely falls into this category, where the university developed the initial intellectual property and may seek to license it. Competitive Technologies and Drug Classes The patent landscape for Alzheimer's disease treatments is diverse and includes: Cholinesterase Inhibitors: The class to which compounds claimed in U.S. Patent 5,512,570 belong. Competitors include patents covering donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, as well as newer generations or improved formulations of these drugs. NMDA Receptor Antagonists: Memantine (Namenda) represents this class. Beta-Amyloid Targeting Therapies: Patents covering monoclonal antibodies (e.g., aducanumab, lecanemab) and small molecules aimed at reducing amyloid plaque formation or aggregation. Tau Protein Targeting Therapies: Patents focusing on preventing tau hyperphosphorylation or aggregation. Neuroinflammation and Synaptic Plasticity Modulators: Emerging areas with ongoing patent activity. The specific focus of U.S. Patent 5,512,570 on selective AChE inhibition places it in direct competition with other cholinesterase inhibitors, particularly those developed around the same time or with similar mechanisms of action. However, the development of disease-modifying therapies targeting amyloid and tau has shifted the competitive focus in recent years. What is the Potential Commercial and Strategic Value of U.S. Patent 5,512,570 Today? The commercial and strategic value of this patent is contingent on several factors, including the patent's enforceability, the market position of the claimed compounds, and the evolving therapeutic landscape. Enforceability and Remaining Term The primary determinant of current value is the patent's enforceability. If the patent has expired or lapsed due to non-payment of maintenance fees, its direct commercial value as an exclusive right is nullified. Assuming it is still in force, the remaining patent term is short, given its grant date. This limits the window for exclusive market activity. Market Positioning of Selective AChE Inhibitors While selective AChE inhibitors offer potential advantages over older, non-selective agents, the Alzheimer's market has evolved. Newer drugs targeting amyloid-beta have gained regulatory approval, shifting the paradigm. However, symptomatic treatments like AChE inhibitors remain a significant part of Alzheimer's management. The specific compounds claimed in the patent would need to demonstrate superior efficacy or safety profiles compared to existing approved AChE inhibitors to carve out a significant market share. Licensing and Litigation Potential Licensing: If The Regents of the University of California has not licensed these compounds, there could still be potential for licensing to a company interested in developing them, provided they meet current efficacy and safety standards and can secure formulation and manufacturing capabilities. However, the short remaining patent term makes this less attractive for major investment unless a very rapid development and approval pathway is feasible. Litigation: If a company has developed and commercialized a compound that falls within the scope of the patent's claims and the patent is still in force, there is a potential for infringement litigation. However, the strength of such a case would depend on the patent's validity, the clarity of the claims, and the similarity of the infringing product to the patented invention. Given the age of the patent, challenges to its validity based on prior art are also a significant consideration. Strategic Considerations From a strategic perspective, the patent represents a foundational piece of intellectual property in the development of cholinesterase inhibitors. Foundation for Further Research: The compounds and methods described could serve as a basis for further optimization or combination therapies. Competitive Barrier (Historical): At its inception, this patent would have provided a competitive barrier against other entities developing similar selective AChE inhibitors. Defensive Patenting: In some R&D strategies, older patents are maintained for defensive purposes, preventing competitors from easily operating within a specific technical area, even if commercialization is not actively pursued. The ultimate value is realized if a specific compound within the claimed scope can be brought to market successfully, demonstrating a clear therapeutic advantage and navigating the complex regulatory and competitive environment of Alzheimer's disease treatment. Key Takeaways U.S. Patent 5,512,570 claims methods for treating Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders using N-substituted piperidine and azacycloheptane derivatives with selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. The patent emphasizes the selectivity of these compounds for AChE over butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), aiming to reduce side effects. The patent was granted on April 30, 1996, to The Regents of the University of California. Its enforceability today depends on the payment of maintenance fees and its remaining patent term. The Alzheimer's therapeutic landscape is highly competitive, featuring established pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and a range of drug classes, including cholinesterase inhibitors, beta-amyloid, and tau-targeting therapies. The current commercial and strategic value of U.S. Patent 5,512,570 is limited by its age, the remaining patent term, and the evolution of Alzheimer's treatment paradigms towards disease-modifying agents. Frequently Asked Questions What is the expiration date of U.S. Patent 5,512,570? The patent was granted on April 30, 1996. For utility patents, the term is generally 20 years from the earliest U.S. non-provisional filing date. Without specific details on its filing and priority dates, the nominal expiration would be around the early to mid-2010s. However, current enforceability depends on the timely payment of maintenance fees. Are there any approved drugs on the market that are covered by U.S. Patent 5,512,570? A thorough freedom-to-operate analysis would be required to determine if any currently marketed drugs infringe upon the specific claims of this patent. The patent claims a method of treatment using a defined class of compounds, and infringement would depend on whether a marketed drug's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) falls within the chemical scope of Formula I and if its use is specifically claimed for the patented method. What is the significance of "selectivity for AChE over BuChE" in the context of Alzheimer's treatment? Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) are enzymes that break down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory and cognition. In Alzheimer's disease, there is a deficit in cholinergic neurotransmission. Inhibiting these enzymes increases acetylcholine levels, potentially improving cognitive function. However, non-selective inhibitors can also inhibit BuChE, which may be associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Selective AChE inhibitors aim to maximize therapeutic benefit by targeting the enzyme primarily responsible for acetylcholine breakdown in synapses while minimizing side effects. Does this patent cover the synthesis of the compounds or only their use in treating Alzheimer's disease? U.S. Patent 5,512,570 specifically claims "Methods for Treating Alzheimer's Disease" and related disorders. While the patent necessarily describes how to synthesize the claimed compounds to enable their use and demonstrate their properties, the core legal protection is for the therapeutic methods, not necessarily for the compounds themselves or their manufacturing processes unless separately claimed and covered. What is the role of The Regents of the University of California in relation to this patent? The Regents of the University of California is the assignee of the patent. This means they are the legal owner of the patent rights. They are responsible for managing the patent, including paying maintenance fees, licensing the technology to commercial entities, or enforcing it against infringers. Citations [1] The Regents of the University of California. (1996, April 30). Methods for Treating Alzheimer's Disease (U.S. Patent No. 5,512,570). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. More… ↓ ⤷ Start Trial

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
European Patent Office	0748320	⤷ Start Trial	08C0019	France	⤷ Start Trial
European Patent Office	0748320	⤷ Start Trial	SPC/GB08/021	United Kingdom	⤷ Start Trial
Austria	227722	⤷ Start Trial
Australia	1975095	⤷ Start Trial
Australia	700611	⤷ Start Trial
Bulgaria	100798	⤷ Start Trial
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Details for Patent: 5,512,570

Summary for Patent: 5,512,570