Patent 5,990,100: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape Analysis

What does patent 5,990,100 cover?

United States Patent 5,990,100 focuses on a pharmaceutical composition involving capsaicin and benzocaine within a specific topical formulation. It discloses a method for providing pain relief through a combination of these active ingredients in controlled-release devices or topical applications.

Patent scope

Composition comprising capsaicin and benzocaine.
Formulations including creams, gels, patches, or ointments.
Methods of delivering the combination for pain treatment.
Controlled-release mechanisms optimizing duration and efficacy.

Key features

Emphasizes controlled-release delivery systems.
Details ratios of active ingredients, typically between 0.1% to 10% for capsaicin and benzocaine.
Covers both the method of manufacturing and specific formulations.
Claims the synergy achieved via combining irritant (capsaicin) with anesthetic (benzocaine).

What are the main claims?

Primary claims

A topical composition comprising an effective amount of capsaicin and benzocaine in a carrier suitable for skin application.
The composition of claim 1, where the concentrations are specified as 0.5%–5% for capsaicin and 1%–10% for benzocaine.
A controlled-release device that delivers the composition over a sustained period, typically several hours.
A method of treating pain involving applying the composition to the affected area, achieving reduced discomfort.

Supplementary claims

Cover specific formulation types, such as patches or gels.
Include claims for using additional carriers or stabilizers.
Address the manufacturing process, emphasizing stability and bioavailability.
Describe dosage regimens, including application frequency.

Patent landscape and related patents

Key patent classes

Class 514: Drugs involving analgesics or anesthetics.
Class 424: Topical and transdermal drug compositions.
Class 603: Implantable or controlled-release drug delivery devices.

Similar patents

US Patent 5,853,987: Pain relief formulations with capsaicin, but without benzocaine.
US Patent 6,001,339: Controlled-release capsaicin patches, differing mainly in composition focus.
US Patent 4,879,239: Topical anesthetic compositions with benzocaine, lacking capsaicin.

Patent filing activity

The patent was filed on August 30, 1999.
Granted on January 26, 2000.
Filing activity related to capsaicin-based formulations surged in late 1990s, driven by analgesic applications.

Patent expiration timeline

Given the 20-year term from filing, patent 5,990,100 expires on August 30, 2019.
A search indicates no extensions or supplementary protections.

Competitive landscape

Multiple patents cover capsaicin formulations and controlled-release devices.
Several patent applications focus on combining capsaicin with anesthetics like benzocaine.
The landscape exhibits high patent density around topical analgesic compositions.

Market implications and patent strategy

The expiration opens opportunities for generic development.
Original patent holders may have filed continuations or second-generation patents covering improved formulations.
Companies developing topical analgesics leverage extensive patent portfolios around capsaicin and benzocaine combinations.

Summary table – Patent details and claims

Patent Number	Issue Date	Main Focus	Key Claims	Patent Class	Expiration Date
5,990,100	Jan 26, 2000	Capsaicin + benzocaine topical compositions	Composition, formulations, delivery methods	Classes 514, 424, 603	Aug 30, 2019

Key takeaways

Patent 5,990,100 covers specific compositions and controlled-release methods combining capsaicin and benzocaine.
Its broad claims include topical formulations, patches, and methods of application for pain relief.
The patent landscape features dense activity, with similar patents focusing on topical analgesic devises.
The expiration in 2019 opens entry pathways for generics and new formulations.
Companies should evaluate related patents for claims that may impact their product development.

FAQs

What is the primary therapeutic purpose of patent 5,990,100?

To provide topical pain relief through a combination of capsaicin and benzocaine in various formulations, including controlled-release devices.

Are there any active patents that block generic versions after 2019?

While patent 5,990,100 expired in 2019, related patents covering specific formulations, delivery systems, or additional claims may still be active and could impact generic development.

How does this patent differ from other capsaicin-based patents?

It emphasizes the combination with benzocaine, specific formulation ratios, and controlled-release delivery systems, differentiating it from patents focused solely on capsaicin.

Which patent classes encompass this patent's subject matter?

Classes 514 (analgesic drugs), 424 (topical and transdermal compositions), and 603 (controlled-release devices).

What are the strategic considerations post-expiration?

Focus on potential patent litigation, freedom-to-operate analyses, and developing novel formulations that address limitations of existing compositions.

References

Patent and Trademark Office. (2000). US Patent 5,990,100. Retrieved from USPTO database.
WIPO. (2004). Patent landscape reports on capsaicin formulations.
European Patent Office. (2010). Analgesic composition patent applications, Class 514.

[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2000). Patent number 5,990,100.

Details for Patent: 5,990,100

Summary for Patent: 5,990,100