Scope and Claims of US Patent 6,362,161
United States Patent 6,362,161, granted to Eli Lilly and Company in March 2002, covers a class of chemical compounds designated as 5-HT1A receptor agonists. Its claims focus on pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, and the chemical structure of the compounds involved.
Main Claims
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Chemical Structure and Variations:
The patent claims a broad class of compounds characterized by a core structure with specific substitutions. The general formula includes a benzodiazepine or indole-based scaffold with variable substituents defined within specific ranges. These variations aim to cover all potential derivatives exhibiting 5-HT1A agonist activity.
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Pharmaceutical Composition:
The patent claims formulations comprising the claimed compounds, suitable carriers, and excipients, intended for clinical use.
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Method of Treatment:
The patent claims methods of using these compounds to treat disorders mediated by 5-HT1A receptors, including depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Administration and Dosage Regimen:
Claims extend to specific dosing methods, including single and multiple administrations, with dosage ranges specified broadly to encompass a wide therapeutic window.
Scope of Patent Coverage
The patent broadly covers chemical compounds with 5-HT1A agonist activity, emphasizing structural flexibility to encompass numerous derivatives. It also claims therapeutic methods and formulations, giving comprehensive protection over the chemical, therapeutic, and formulation aspects.
Limitations and Exclusions
Claims are limited to compounds and uses that exhibit the specified receptor binding affinity and activity, with experimental data provided to support these activities. However, the scope excludes compounds outside the defined structural formulae and activities below certain binding affinity thresholds.
Patent Landscape for 6,362,161
Competitive Patents in the Same Class
Within the same temporal and therapeutic field, several patents claim similar 5-HT1A targeting compounds:
| Patent Number |
Assignee |
Filing Date |
Key Claims |
| US 5,962,480 |
Wyeth (now Pfizer) |
May 1998 |
Benzodiazepine derivatives as 5-HT1A agonists |
| US 6,284,229 |
Schering Corporation |
June 1999 |
Specific indole derivatives with receptor activity |
| US 6,544,786 |
Eli Lilly and Co. (family) |
July 2001 |
Novel compounds with improved pharmacokinetics |
Role in the Patent Landscape
Patent 6,362,161 fits within a crowded patent landscape targeting 5-HT1A receptor agonists. It distinguishes itself through particular chemical scaffolds, such as indole derivatives, and claims methods of treatment. Its broad chemical scope overlaps with prior patents but claims specific structural variants and therapeutic uses.
Legal and Commercial Status
The patent remains in force until 2022, considering USPTO maintenance fee payments. Its broad claims may face challenges for patentability extensions or validity due to prior art, but its strategic position in claiming a wide chemical space sustains potential exclusivity.
Citations and Prior Art Context
Prior art includes chemical syntheses and receptor activity evaluations published prior to 2000, which show extensive exploration of benzodiazepine and indole scaffolds for CNS indications. The patent's novelty relies on specific substitution patterns and claimed therapeutic methods.
Key Takeaways
- US patent 6,362,161 claims a broad class of 5-HT1A receptor agonist compounds with therapeutic applications for neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Its scope extends over chemical structures, formulations, and treatment methods, creating significant coverage in the drug discovery landscape.
- The patent landscape contains numerous overlapping claims from competitors, notably Pfizer and Schering, targeting similar receptor agonists.
- The patent's validity may rely on distinctions from prior art, particularly regarding specific chemical substitutions and methods of use.
- It remains strategically important for companies developing serotonergic agents through at least 2022.
FAQs
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What is the primary therapeutic target in US patent 6,362,161?
The patent targets the 5-HT1A receptor, primarily for treating depression, anxiety, and related neuropsychiatric disorders.
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How broad are the chemical claims?
The claims cover a wide range of derivatives based on core structures such as benzodiazepine and indole scaffolds, with variable substituents designed to encompass multiple potential compounds.
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Are other patents closely related to this one?
Yes, patents from Pfizer, Schering, and Eli Lilly also claim 5-HT1A receptor agonist compounds, with overlapping chemical structures and therapeutic uses.
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What is the patent’s current legal status?
The patent is active until 2022, subject to maintenance fee payments. Composition and method claims provide broad protection.
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What challenges could threaten patent validity?
Prior art demonstrating similar compounds or receptor activities before the patent's priority date may challenge its novelty or inventive step.
Citations
[1] USPTO. US Patent 6,362,161.
[2] Patent landscape overview of serotonergic compounds.
[3] Prior art collections on 5-HT1A receptor agonists.
[4] Eli Lilly filings related to neurochemical agents.
[5] Competitor patents involving serotonergic therapeutics.
