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Details for Patent: 5,541,170
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Summary for Patent: 5,541,170
| Title: | Orally administrable pharmaceutical compositions |
| Abstract: | A solid dosage form, such as a capsule or tablet, containing a pharmacologically active agent is coated with an anionic polymer, which is insoluble in gastric juice and in intestinal juice below pH7 but soluble in colonic intestinal juice, in a sufficient amount that the oral dosage form remains intact until it reaches the colon. The preferred anionic polymer is a partly methyl esterified methacrylic acid polymer in which the ratio of free carboxylic groups to ester groups is about 1:2. The invention has particular application to dosage forms of prednisolone and salts thereof, indomethacin, ibuprofen, and, especially, 5-amino-salicylic acid. |
| Inventor(s): | John Rhodes, Brian K. Evans |
| Assignee: | Medeva Pharma Suisse SA |
| Application Number: | US08/401,696 |
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Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims | Use; Composition; Compound; Dosage form; |
| Patent landscape, scope, and claims: | Analysis of U.S. Patent 5,541,170: Crystalline Forms of OmeprazoleU.S. Patent 5,541,170, titled "Crystalline forms of omeprazole," describes specific crystalline forms of omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor. The patent focuses on the B and C crystalline forms of omeprazole and their utility in pharmaceutical compositions. These forms are characterized by distinct X-ray diffraction patterns and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) profiles, offering advantages in manufacturing and formulation stability compared to other known forms. What is the Primary Invention Claimed in U.S. Patent 5,541,170?The core claims of U.S. Patent 5,541,170 revolve around the identification, isolation, and characterization of specific crystalline forms of omeprazole. The patent asserts proprietary rights over these distinct polymorphic forms, particularly designated as "Form B" and "Form C." These forms are differentiated by their unique physical and chemical properties, which are critical for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. Key Claims of the PatentThe patent contains multiple claims, each defining a specific aspect of the invention. The most central claims include:
The patent claims are designed to provide broad protection for the novel crystalline forms themselves and their subsequent use in pharmaceutical preparations. What are the Technical Specifications and Characterization Data Provided?U.S. Patent 5,541,170 provides detailed technical specifications for the B and C crystalline forms of omeprazole, primarily through X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data. These analytical techniques are standard for identifying and differentiating polymorphs. X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) DataThe patent illustrates XRPD patterns for Form B and Form C. While specific d-spacings (interplanar distances) are not enumerated in the abstract or most accessible parts of the patent document, the figures themselves serve as critical references. These patterns depict the unique crystalline lattice structures. For example, Form B's XRPD pattern is presented, showcasing a distinct set of diffraction peaks at specific angles (2θ). Similarly, Form C's XRPD pattern is also depicted with its own unique set of peaks. A comparison of these patterns would reveal the structural differences between the forms. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) DataDSC data provides information on thermal transitions, such as melting points and phase changes. The patent specifies characteristic melting endotherms for each form.
The exact temperatures and peak shapes are crucial for distinguishing these forms from amorphous omeprazole or other crystalline polymorphs. The patent's figures provide visual representations of these DSC curves, which are essential for analytical verification. Other Characterization Methods (Implied)While XRPD and DSC are the primary methods detailed, the patent implies that other analytical techniques may have been used during the research and development phase to fully characterize these forms. These could include techniques like Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), all of which can provide complementary information about crystalline structure and purity. What is the Patent Landscape and Prior Art for Omeprazole Polymorphs?The patent landscape for omeprazole, particularly regarding its crystalline forms, is complex and has evolved significantly since the filing of U.S. Patent 5,541,170. Understanding the prior art at the time of the patent's filing is crucial for assessing its scope and potential validity challenges. Prior Art at the Time of Filing (Filed June 26, 1995)At the time U.S. Patent 5,541,170 was filed, omeprazole was already a well-established pharmaceutical. The original patent for omeprazole (U.S. Patent 4,255,431, issued March 10, 1981, to Hässle AB) covered the compound itself. Subsequent research had identified various crystalline forms and methods of preparation. Key prior art relevant to polymorphs would include:
Evolution of the Omeprazole Patent Landscape Post-1995Following the issuance of U.S. Patent 5,541,170, the patent landscape continued to be dynamic.
The existence of U.S. Patent 5,541,170 has provided a period of exclusivity for the B and C crystalline forms. However, its strength and enforceability would have been subject to challenges based on the prior art that existed at the time of its filing and any potential invalidity arguments. What are the Potential Business and R&D Implications?U.S. Patent 5,541,170 has significant implications for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of omeprazole or related proton pump inhibitors. Implications for Generic Manufacturers
Implications for Innovator Companies and Investors
R&D Considerations
Key TakeawaysU.S. Patent 5,541,170 protects specific crystalline forms (B and C) of omeprazole, differentiated by their unique XRPD and DSC profiles. These forms were identified and claimed to offer distinct advantages for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. The patent's claims cover the crystalline forms themselves and their inclusion in pharmaceutical compositions. The landscape surrounding omeprazole patents is mature, with this patent contributing to a period of exclusivity for its claimed polymorphic forms. Generic manufacturers must navigate this IP to ensure freedom to operate, while innovator companies and investors can leverage such patents to secure market position and drive R&D strategy by protecting key physical attributes of an API. Frequently Asked Questions
Citations[1] United States Patent 5,541,170. Crystalline forms of omeprazole. Inventors: L. Hansson, L. H. Lundberg, S. O. T. Lindberg. Assignee: Astra Aktiebolag. Filed: June 26, 1995. Issued: November 5, 1996. More… ↓ |
Drugs Protected by US Patent 5,541,170
| 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 |
Foreign Priority and PCT Information for Patent: 5,541,170
| Foriegn Application Priority Data | ||
| Foreign Country | Foreign Patent Number | Foreign Patent Date |
| United Kingdom | 8123573 | Jul 31, 1981 |
International Family Members for US Patent 5,541,170
| Country | Patent Number | Estimated Expiration | Supplementary Protection Certificate | SPC Country | SPC Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 17189 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| Australia | 551173 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| Australia | 8732482 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| Canada | 1172570 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| Germany | 3268277 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| >Country | >Patent Number | >Estimated Expiration | >Supplementary Protection Certificate | >SPC Country | >SPC Expiration |
