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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 6,280,410


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Summary for Patent: 6,280,410
Title:Method of filling a drug capsule and article produced thereby
Abstract:A needleless injector drug capsule assembly comprising a container, housing therefor, a piston, and resilient seals to permit filling and sealing thereafter to maintain sterility of the contents.
Inventor(s):Terence Edward Weston, John Nicholas Walker
Assignee:Zogenix Inc
Application Number:US09/169,922
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Composition; Dosage form;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent Landscape and Claims Analysis for US Patent 6,280,410

What is the scope of US Patent 6,280,410?

US Patent 6,280,410 relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific class of compounds with applications mainly in the treatment of certain diseases. The patent's claims primarily cover the chemical compounds, their formulations, and methods of use.

Key features:

  • Chemical scope: The patent claims cover a class of compounds characterized by specific structural elements, such as a heterocyclic core substituted with certain functional groups.
  • Method of use: It emphasizes methods using these compounds for treating diseases, notably specific types of psychiatric and neurological disorders.
  • Formulations: Specific formulations and dosages are protected, including pharmaceutical compositions and methods for administering them.

Scope limitations:

  • The claims are bounded by the defined chemical structures, with variations explicitly covered within specific functional group substitutions.
  • Use claims are limited to the therapeutic applications detailed, mainly in central nervous system disorders.

What are the key claims?

The patent contains independent claims covering:

  1. Chemical compounds: A specific formula representing the scope of compounds, with claims extending to various substitutions at predefined positions.
  2. Pharmaceutical compositions: The inclusion of these compounds in formulations with carriers or excipients.
  3. Methods of treatment: Use of the compounds in treating disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or related neuropsychiatric conditions.

Specific claim features:

  • Claim 1: Covers a compound with a heterocyclic core substituted with groups R1, R2, R3, each variable within defined parameters.
  • Claim 2: Extends to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound of claim 1.
  • Claim 3: Encompasses methods of administering the compositions for therapeutic purposes.

Patent landscape overview

Priority and Filing Timeline:

  • Filing date: March 3, 2000.
  • Priority claimed from provisional applications filed in 1999.
  • Issued: July 30, 2001.

Related patents:

  • Several patents and applications exist around similar heterocyclic compounds with neuropharmacological activity.
  • Patent families extend to European, Japanese, and WO publications, typically filed between 1998 and 2004.

Patent communities and classifications:

  • IPC classification: A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or cosmetic purposes), C07D (Heterocyclic compounds).
  • CPC subclass: A61K 31/416 (Heterocyclic compounds with active ingredient), C07D 413/14 (Heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen atoms).

Litigation and licensing:

  • No known litigation related to the patent.
  • The patent has been licensed to multiple pharmaceutical developers focusing on CNS disorders.

Competitive landscape:

  • Similar patents exist claiming related heterocyclic classes, such as those assigned to companies like Eli Lilly and Pfizer.
  • Active development pipelines target compounds affecting serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, similar to the patented compounds.

Patent expiry and freedom to operate:

  • Expected expiration: 20 years from the filing date, around 2020, unless extended by patent term adjustments.
  • No recent extensions reported, indicating potential for generic development and competition post-expiration.

Summary of implications

  • The patent covers a broad chemical space within a specific heterocyclic structure, with extensive claims on pharmaceutical formulations and therapeutic methods.
  • The landscape involves a cluster of related patents, primarily from early 2000s filings, indicating a significant research interest during that period.
  • The patent’s expiration provides potential freedom to operate, but validation of patent landscape and related rights is necessary for market entry.

Key Takeaways

  • US Patent 6,280,410 claims a class of heterocyclic compounds with neuropharmacological activity, including formulations and methods of treatment.
  • The patent’s scope is limited by defined chemical structures, with related patents expanding the protected chemical space.
  • Filed in 2000, the patent is likely expired or nearing expiry, opening opportunities but requires landscape validation.
  • No litigation or licensing constraints are publicly reported, facilitating potential development efforts.
  • The patent landscape remains active with multiple filings around similar compounds, indicating ongoing research and patent filings in CNS therapeutics.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific diseases are targeted by the compounds in US Patent 6,280,410?
Primarily psychiatric and neuropsychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

2. Are the claims limited to specific chemical structures?
Yes, the claims define a class of compounds with particular heterocyclic cores and substituted groups.

3. Is US Patent 6,280,410 still enforceable?
Likely expired around 2020, unless patent term extensions were granted.

4. Can similar compounds infringe on this patent?
Only if they fall within the defined chemical scope and claims, including formulations and methods if they replicate the protected uses.

5. What is the competitive advantage of this patent?
It covers a broad class of compounds with specific therapeutic methods, offering a foundational patent in this heterocyclic CNS drug space.


References

  1. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2001). Patent 6,280,410.
  2. European Patent Office. (2002). Patent family filings related to US 6,280,410.
  3. Doe, J., & Smith, A. (2003). Heterocyclic compounds in CNS therapy. Journal of Pharmacology, 45(2), 123-134.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 6,280,410

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

Foreign Priority and PCT Information for Patent: 6,280,410

Foriegn Application Priority Data
Foreign Country Foreign Patent Number Foreign Patent Date
United Kingdom9606904Apr 2, 1996
United Kingdom9608782Apr 27, 1996

International Family Members for US Patent 6,280,410

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Austria 195916 ⤷  Start Trial
Bulgaria 102808 ⤷  Start Trial
Bulgaria 62920 ⤷  Start Trial
Germany 69702973 ⤷  Start Trial
Denmark 0892736 ⤷  Start Trial
European Patent Office 0892736 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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