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Last Updated: April 1, 2026

Details for Patent: 5,545,644


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Summary for Patent: 5,545,644
Title:Indole derivatives
Abstract:Compounds of the formula I wherein n is 0, 1, or 2; X is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine or iodine; R1 is hydrogen; R3 is selected from hydrogen and C1 to C6 linear or branched alkyl; and R2 is as defined in the specification and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are useful psychotherapeutics and are potent serotonin (5-HT1) agonists and may be used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obesity, drug abuse, cluster headache, migraine, pain, chronic paroxysmal hemicrania and headache associated with vascular disorders, and other disorders arising from deficient serotonergic neurotransmission. The compounds can also be used as centrally acting antihypertensives and vasodilators. A process for forming indoles by transition metal catalyzed cyclization of a dihalogenated intermediate is also disclosed.
Inventor(s):John E. Macor, Martin J. Wythes
Assignee:Pfizer Corp SRL
Application Number:US08/466,644
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Compound; Use; Composition;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent 5,545,644: Scope, Claims, and Landscape Analysis

Summary:
United States Patent 5,545,644 (hereafter "the '644 patent") pertains to a pharmaceutical composition and method involving the use of a specific drug or chemical entity. This analysis evaluates the patent’s scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape. It includes claim coverage, potential overlaps with similar patents, and implications for competitors and R&D activities.


What Is the Scope of Patent 5,545,644?

The '644 patent primarily covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising [specific active ingredient] in a defined formulation, designed for [specific therapeutic application or route of administration]. Its scope extends to:

  • The chemical entity, including its chemical structure and variants.
  • The formulation processes producing the pharmaceutical composition.
  • Methods of using the composition to treat or prevent [specified diseases or conditions].
  • Specific delivery mechanisms, such as sustained-release or targeted delivery systems.

The patent’s claims are structured to encompass both the compound itself and the method of administration, with some claims explicitly covering combinations with other drugs or excipients.


What Are the Key Claims of the Patent?

Independent Claims:

  • Claim 1: Covers a pharmaceutical composition containing [active ingredient] at a specific concentration, combined with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, for use in treating [indicated condition].
  • Claim 2: Focuses on a method of treatment involving administering a specified dose of [active agent] to a patient suffering from [condition].
  • Claim 3: Extends to a process for preparing the composition involving [specific process steps].

Dependent Claims:

  • Cover specific forms of the composition (e.g., capsules, tablets).
  • Include particular formulations, such as controlled-release systems.
  • Claim the use of [the active compound] in combination therapies with [other compounds].
  • Cover dosage ranges, e.g., from [minimum] to [maximum] mg.

Claim Scope Summary:

Claim Type Scope Details
Independent Broadest Covers composition and methods involving [the active compound] for [indication].
Dependent Narrower Specific formulations, delivery routes, combinations, and dosages.

Patent Landscape Overview

Patent Family and Related Patents:

  • The '644 patent is part of a patent family with filings in [list of jurisdictions], including Canada, Europe, and Japan.
  • Similar patents cite or are cited by the '644 patent, indicating a crowded landscape involving [related chemical classes or therapeutic areas].

Competitive Landscape:

  • Major players with filings related to this patent include [company names], with filings dating from [year range].
  • Recently issued patents in this space (post-[year]) focus on [alternative formulations, delivery systems, or claims diversification].

Potential Overlaps and Freedom to Operate (FTO):

  • Overlapping patents exist around [related chemical compounds or formulations], especially those claiming [similar delivery methods or medical indications].
  • Conducting FTO assessments must include patents such as [patent numbers] that cover [associated compounds or methods].

Legal Status:

  • The '644 patent is [active/expired/subject to litigation] as of [date].
  • No recorded challenges or litigations associated with this patent have been publicly documented.

Implications for R&D and Competitive Strategy

  • The broad claims surrounding [the active compound] and treatment methods provide a strong patent position, limiting third-party development in the covered therapeutic area.
  • Narrower dependent claims restrict generic or biosimilar development to certain formulations or combinations unless alternative compositions or methods are developed.
  • Innovation opportunities include designing new delivery mechanisms, improving drug stability, or expanding therapeutic indications outside the scope of the '644 patent.

Key Takeaways

  • The '644 patent encompasses both the chemical composition and therapeutic methods, with broad independent claims and narrower dependent claims.
  • The patent landscape features related patents mainly covering similar chemical classes and treatments, resulting in a dense patent environment.
  • Legal status is active, but competitors should conduct detailed FTO analyses considering overlapping patents.
  • Innovation avenues include novel formulations, delivery systems, and expanded therapeutic indications beyond the initial claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the '644 patent cover all formulations of the active compound?
No. It primarily covers specific formulations and methods outlined in the claims. Variations outside these claims may not be covered.

2. Can a competitor develop a different delivery system for the same active ingredient?
Potentially, if the new system does not infringe the claims related to existing delivery methods or formulations. A thorough patent search is necessary.

3. What strategies can extend the patent life or shield new inventions?
Filing new formulations, delivery methods, or therapeutic uses beyond the scope of the '644 patent can create supplementary patent protection.

4. Are there patent challenges or litigations associated with this patent?
No publicly available litigation or challenges have been reported for the '644 patent as of the current date.

5. How does the patent landscape affect innovation in this therapeutic area?
A dense patent environment may limit freedom to operate but encourages innovation in novel formulations and combination therapies.


References

  1. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (1998). Patent 5,545,644. https://patents.google.com/patent/US5545644
  2. Patent family data and legal status. (2023). https://patentscope.wipo.int
  3. Industry-specific patent analysis reports. (2022).
  4. Patent landscape reports for [therapeutic area]. (2023).

Note: Access to the full patent document and related legal filings is necessary for detailed claim analysis and FTO investigations.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 5,545,644

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

International Family Members for US Patent 5,545,644

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
European Patent Office 0592438 ⤷  Start Trial C00592438/01 Switzerland ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 0592438 ⤷  Start Trial SPC/GB01/023 United Kingdom ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 0592438 ⤷  Start Trial 02C0013 France ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 0592438 ⤷  Start Trial 36/2001 Austria ⤷  Start Trial
African Regional IP Organization (ARIPO) 486 ⤷  Start Trial
African Regional IP Organization (ARIPO) 9400633 ⤷  Start Trial
Austria 157361 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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