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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
What Are the Scope and Claims of U.S. Patent 5,952,340?
U.S. Patent 5,952,340, granted on September 14, 1999, pertains to a pharmaceutical composition and method centered on a specific enzyme inhibition. It primarily covers a class of compounds and their use in treating certain medical conditions, notably inflammatory or autoimmune disorders.
Patent Scope
- Compound Class: The patent claims cover aryl-sulfonylamino-benzamide derivatives, characterized by specific substitutions on the benzamide backbone.
- Uses: The patent explicitly states the use of these compounds as inhibitors of specific enzymes, particularly phosphodiesterases, which are implicated in inflammatory responses.
- Methods: It describes methods of synthesizing these derivatives and their application in pharmaceutical formulations.
Key Claims
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Compound Claims:
- Claims cover specific chemical entities within the described class, with detailed substitution patterns—covering compounds with a general chemical formula provided in the specification.
- Examples include derivatives with particular R-group substitutions that influence potency and pharmacokinetics.
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Method of Use:
- Claims include administration of these compounds to treat inflammatory diseases in mammals, including humans.
- Dosing regimens and formulations such as tablets, capsules, or injections are outlined.
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Synthesis and Formulation:
- Claims detail processes for synthesizing the compounds, involving typical organic reactions such as sulfonylation and amide formation.
- Formulation claims encompass pharmaceutical compositions combining the active compound with carriers or excipients.
Limitations
- The claims are limited to the specific chemical structures, with detailed substitution patterns.
- They do not extend to broader classes of phosphodiesterase inhibitors outside the described derivatives.
- The patent explicitly excludes compounds with certain substitutions, narrowing the scope.
What Does the Patent Landscape Look Like for This Technology?
Major Patent Families and Related Patents
The patent family associated with 5,952,340 includes several foreign counterparts filed in major markets:
- European Patent EP 0929044 states similar claims covering the same derivatives.
- Japanese Patent JP 3719739 includes compounds and methods aligned with the US patent.
- Additional patents focus on specific substitutions, formulations, and therapeutic uses, forming a comprehensive patent estate for this compound class.
Overlap and Competitive Landscape
- Several patents by competitors cover chemically similar phosphodiesterase inhibitors, notably PDE4 inhibitors used in similar indications like COPD and psoriasis.
- Patent filings from companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Merck show extensive patenting around specific derivatives, substitutes, and formulations within the same chemical space.
- The landscape demonstrates active patenting, with some patents aimed at different therapeutic indications or formulations, creating a nuanced cross-licensing and freedom-to-operate environment.
Patent Expiration and Term Extensions
- The patent term extends to 2019 without any listed patent term adjustments or extensions.
- The expiration has led to potential generic entry pathways, increasing competition in the market for PDE inhibitors.
Legal Status and Litigation
- No major legal disputes or litigation cases are publicly associated with this patent, suggesting a relatively stable patent position or possible licensing arrangements.
Patent Filing and Grant Timeline
| Year |
Event |
| 1994 |
Filing date of provisional patent application |
| 1995 |
Filing of nonprovisional application (US 8,960,622) and international treatments |
| 1999 |
Grant of US Patent 5,952,340 |
| 2000s |
Subsequent filings in foreign jurisdictions |
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims protect a well-defined chemical class with specific therapeutic applications in inflammatory processes.
- The scope is restricted to molecules with certain substitutions, not covering all PDE4 inhibitors.
- The patent estate around this technology is extensive, encompassing derivatives, formulations, and methods of synthesis.
- Patent expiration around 2019 likely increased competitive pressure and open pathways for generic competitors.
- The innovation landscape involves multiple active patent filers who have built around these compounds to extend market exclusivity.
FAQs
1. Are there any active patents that block competitors from developing similar PDE4 inhibitors?
While patent 5,952,340 has expired, related patents on specific derivatives, formulations, or synthesis methods may still confer patent protection, depending on jurisdiction.
2. Does the patent cover only specific chemical substitutions, or is it broader?
It covers particular substitutions outlined in the claims; broader classes are excluded unless explicitly claimed in later patents.
3. What therapeutic areas are targeted by this patent?
Primarily inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as asthma, COPD, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
4. How does the patent landscape influence R&D strategies?
The presence of overlapping patents encourages innovation in derivative compounds or alternative mechanisms to avoid infringement.
5. Has the patent been involved in litigation?
No significant legal disputes are publicly documented associated with this patent.
References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. Patent 5,952,340.
- European Patent Office. EP 0929044.
- Japanese Patent Office. JP 3719739.
- Market and patent analysis reports from IP research firms.
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