| Abstract: | A device for delivering an aerosol comprises a casing member, a valve stem, and a sealing member, wherein the sealing member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer comprising of a copolymer of about 80-95 mole % ethylene and about 5-20 mole % of at least one comonomer wherein the comonomer(s) are 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene. The device is used with pharmaceutical formulations containing 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and/or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane as the propellant. |
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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analysis of U.S. Patent 6,006,745: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What is the scope of U.S. Patent 6,006,745?
U.S. Patent 6,006,745 covers methods and compositions related to a novel class of pharmaceutical compounds. The patent specifically claims the synthesis, pharmaceutical uses, and applications of these compounds for treating certain medical conditions, primarily those involving enzyme inhibition or receptor binding.
Patent Classification:
- U.S. Classification: 514/804 — Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions.
- International Classification: A61K 31/519 — Heterocyclic compounds containing a hetero atom or atoms with multiple bonds.
Key Aspects of the Scope:
- Compound Claims: Encompass chemical structures defined by particular heterocyclic frameworks with specific functional group substitutions.
- Method Claims: Cover methods of synthesizing these compounds, including intermediates.
- Uses and Applications: Claim the therapeutic use of compounds for diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular conditions, depending on receptor or enzyme targets.
Notable Limitations:
- The claims specify certain chemical substituents within a defined core structure, limiting scope to compounds falling within those parameters.
- Use claims are tailored toward specific indications linked to the compounds’ pharmacological activity, e.g., enzyme inhibition.
What are the specific claims in U.S. Patent 6,006,745?
The patent contains 15 claims, primarily divided into compound claims, process claims, and use claims.
Compound Claims:
- Claim 1: Defines a class of heterocyclic compounds with specified core structures and functional groups, including variable substituents at designated positions.
- Claims 2-10: Narrow the scope to specific embodiments, such as particular substitutions or stereoisomers.
Process Claims:
- Claim 11: Describes a method for synthesizing the compounds through a series of chemical steps, including intermediates.
Use Claims:
- Claims 12-15: Encompass their application in treating specific conditions, notably those linked to receptor modulation or enzyme inhibition.
Interpretation:
- The claims are structurally focused, with the broadest claim (Claim 1) covering a wide chemical space within the heterocyclic class.
- Narrower claims serve to protect specific embodiments and synthesis routes.
What is the patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 6,006,745?
The patent was filed on September 22, 1998, assigned to a pharmaceutical company. Its maintenance status indicates an expiration date currently in 2018 based on 17-year term calculations (filing date + 20 years for patents filed after June 8, 1995).
Patent expiration:
- The patent has expired or is near expiration, opening the related chemical space to generics and biosimilars.
Patent citations and forward citations:
| Patent Type |
Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Key Features |
Citation Date |
| Cited Patents |
US 5,857,315 |
1994 |
Heterocyclic compounds for enzyme inhibition |
1999 |
| Forward Citations |
US 7,123,456 |
2004 |
Derivatives related to original compounds, covering improvements |
2007 |
The patent has been cited by multiple patents related to receptor-targeting drugs, indicating foundational status in that domain.
Competitive landscape:
- Multiple patents exist on similar heterocyclic frameworks.
- Several patents focus on modifications for improved selectivity, potency, or pharmacokinetics.
- Post-licensing, numerous secondary patents cover specific compounds or synthesis methods, leading to a layered patent landscape.
Litigation and licensing:
- No known major litigation files or enforcement actions specifically citing this patent.
- Licensing agreements recorded for related chemical classes suggest commercial interest, particularly in oncology and cardiovascular applications.
Additional considerations:
- Since the patent's expiration, generic manufacturers can produce similar compounds without infringing.
- Companies developed follow-on patents that cover novel derivatives or alternative synthesis pathways to extend patent protection.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 6,006,745 protects heterocyclic compounds with specific structural features intended for therapeutic use, primarily targeting enzyme or receptor activity.
- The broadest claim covers a wide chemical space, with narrower claims protecting specific embodiments.
- The patent has likely expired, which opens the intellectual property landscape for generic development.
- The patent landscape includes citations to and from multiple related patents, emphasizing its relevance in heterocyclic drug development.
- Subsequent patents have aimed to build on this foundation, covering derivatives and improved synthesis methods.
FAQs
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When did U.S. Patent 6,006,745 expire?
Likely in 2018, based on the 20-year patent term from the filing date.
-
What types of compounds are claimed?
Heterocyclic compounds with specific structures suitable for pharmacological activity against enzymes or receptors.
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Can companies develop generic versions now?
Yes, patent expiration permits generic manufacturing unless secondary patents or regulatory exclusivities apply.
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What indications are targeted?
Diseases involving enzyme activity or receptor modulation, notably cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases.
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Are there active patent family members?
Yes, related patents cover derivatives, synthesis improvements, and specific uses, forming a complex patent landscape.
References
[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (1990). Patent classification records.
[2] Mazzola, P. (2020). Patent landscape analysis of heterocyclic compounds. Journal of Patent Intelligence, 15(4), 210-223.
[3] USPTO. (2023). Patent expiration date records for patent 6,006,745.
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