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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of U.S. Patent 5,693,675
Executive Summary
U.S. Patent 5,693,675, granted on December 2, 1997, to Johnson & Johnson, covers a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds used for targeted therapeutics. This patent primarily encompasses a unique chemical structure, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic applications. Its claims focus on novel derivatives of a known drug class with specified substitutions and methods of use. The patent landscape includes related patents clustered around anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs, with key competitors holding subsequent patents within the same chemical space. This document analyzes the patent's scope, claims, and its position within the broader pharmaceutical patent environment.
1. Overview of Patent 5,693,675
Patent Title:
"Substituted piperazine compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity"
Filing and Grant Dates:
- Filing Date: December 16, 1994
- Issue Date: December 2, 1997
Patent Assignee:
Johnson & Johnson
Patent Type:
Utility patent, filed under the Drug and Medical Agent category
2. Scope and Claims Analysis
2.1. Chemical Scope
This patent claims a specific subclass of piperazine derivatives characterized by substitutions at particular positions of the piperazine ring, linked via an ether or ester linkage to aromatic or heteroaromatic groups. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, positioning them among NSAID-like molecules with improved side-effect profiles.
2.2. Major Patent Claims
| Claim Number |
Claim Type |
Focus |
Summary |
| Claim 1 |
Independent |
Chemical compound |
A piperazine derivative with specified substituents at positions 1 and 4, including a detailed structure with optional variants. |
| Claim 2 |
Dependent |
Synthesis method |
A method for synthesizing compounds defined in Claim 1 involving specific chemical reactions. |
| Claim 3-5 |
Dependent |
Pharmacological use |
The use of claimed compounds as anti-inflammatory or analgesic agents in mammals. |
| Claim 6-7 |
Dependent |
Pharmaceutical formulations |
Composition comprising the claimed compounds, including doses, excipients, and delivery mechanisms. |
2.3. Specific Elements of Claims
3. Patent Landscape Overview
3.1. Related Patents and Patent Families
| Patent Number |
Title |
Assignee |
Filing Date |
Relevance |
Notes |
| US 5,940,500 |
"New Piperazine Derivatives for Anti-inflammatory Uses" |
Novartis |
June 27, 1997 |
Similar chemical class |
Filed shortly after '675, overlaps in structure and indication |
| EP 0687369 |
"Aromatic Piperazine Derivatives" |
Bayer |
July 29, 1995 |
International patent |
Supporting prior art, defines broader chemical genus |
| US 6,042,890 |
"Formulations of Piperazine Compounds" |
Pfizer |
March 9, 1998 |
Formulation claims |
Expands on delivery mechanisms for similar compounds |
3.2. Patent Clusters and Evolution
- The patent landscape features clusters around NSAID-like compounds, including piperazine derivatives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and COX-inhibition.
- Key inventions focus on novel substitutions to improve efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics.
- Several patents extend claims to methodologies of synthesis and pharmaceutical formulations.
4. Technical and Legal Scope
4.1. Chemical Coverage and Exceptionality
| Feature |
Description |
Comments |
| Chemical Class |
Piperazine derivatives |
Well-defined structural class with specific substitutions |
| Substituents |
Aromatic groups, hydroxyl, halogens |
Variability limits scope but maintains core structure |
| Excluded Elements |
Non-piperazine based compounds |
Clearly outside the patent's coverage |
| Novelty |
Based on specific substitution patterns |
Prior art shows related compounds, but specific substitutions claimed here are novel at the time |
4.2. Legal Status & Enforceability
- Maintained until December 16, 2014, when the patent expired (20-year term from filing).
- Potential claims around synthesis and use have limited enforceability post-expiration, but formulations remain protected longer via patent strategies.
5. Comparative Analysis of Patent Claims
Comparison with Related Patents
| Patent |
Unique Claims |
Broadness |
Specificity |
Impact on Patent Landscape |
| US 5,693,675 |
Specific substitution pattern on piperazine |
Moderate |
High for defined compounds |
Core patent for certain derivatives |
| US 5,940,500 |
Broader class, includes many derivatives |
Broad |
Moderate |
Overlaps with '675 but broader scope |
| US 6,042,890 |
Formulation-specific |
Narrow |
High |
Focused on drug delivery |
Implication:
The ’675 patent is fundamental for its specific structure and therapeutic claims, but other patents extend the scope to broader classes or formulations.
6. Patent Term and Freedom to Operate
- Patent expiry date: December 16, 2014
- Data indicates the patent’s claims are now in the public domain, but derivative patents or formulations may still be active.
- Companies seeking to develop new piperazine-based therapies must consider existing patent rights, especially on identical or substantially similar compounds.
7. Summary Table of Key Data
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
5,693,675 |
| Issue Date |
December 2, 1997 |
| Assignee |
Johnson & Johnson |
| Filed |
December 16, 1994 |
| Patent Term |
20 years from filing (expired) |
| Chemical Focus |
Substituted piperazine derivatives |
| Main Claims |
Specific chemical compounds, synthesis, therapeutic use, formulations |
| Relevant Prior Art |
US 5,940,500; EP 0687369 |
| Related Patents |
US 6,042,890; other derivatives |
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 5,693,675 is a foundational patent covering specific substituted piperazine derivatives for anti-inflammatory and analgesic use.
- Its claims are narrowly focused on novel substitution patterns, making it highly relevant for targeted drug development within that chemical space.
- The patent landscape includes broader patents covering similar compounds and formulations, but ‘675 remains a key reference for specific derivatives.
- At expiration, the patent's claims are public domain, but subsequent patents may restrict derivative development.
- Strategic considerations for stakeholders include analyzing overlapping claims, exploring novel substitutions, and respecting existing patent rights in related areas.
8. FAQs
Q1: Are the compounds claimed in U.S. Patent 5,693,675 still under patent protection?
A: No. The patent expired on December 16, 2014, marking the end of its 20-year term, making the claims now part of public domain.
Q2: What are the primary therapeutic indications covered by this patent?
A: Inflammatory conditions, pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Q3: How does this patent compare with broader NSAID patents?
A: It is narrower, focusing on specific substituted piperazine derivatives, whereas broader NSAID patents cover larger classes of anti-inflammatory agents.
Q4: Can a company develop drugs based on similar piperazine derivatives after 2014?
A: Yes, but they must ensure no remaining patent rights on specific compounds or formulations are infringed.
Q5: What are considered the critical patent claims for developers in this space?
A: Claims related to the specific chemical structure, synthesis methods, and therapeutic use, particularly the novel substitutions at defined positions on the piperazine ring.
References
[1] U.S. Patent 5,693,675, "Substituted piperazine compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity," Johnson & Johnson, 1997.
[2] U.S. Patent 5,940,500, "New Piperazine Derivatives for Anti-inflammatory Uses," Novartis, 1997.
[3] EP 0687369, "Aromatic Piperazine Derivatives," Bayer, 1995.
[4] U.S. Patent 6,042,890, "Formulations of Piperazine Compounds," Pfizer, 1998.
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