Patent 6,414,148: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What is the scope of Patent 6,414,148?
Patent 6,414,148 covers methods for the modulation of the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) using small molecules, which influence cellular survival and neuroprotection. The patent claims cover both the compounds themselves and their use in treating neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. It broadly encompasses a class of chemical structures designed as S1R agonists or antagonists.
The patent's claims include:
- Chemical compounds: Specifically claimed are a variety of heterocyclic compounds with defined chemical structures, including substitutions on core rings that influence S1R activity.
- Methods of treatment: Claims pertain to administering these compounds to treat neurodegenerative diseases and conditions involving neuronal injury.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: The patent claims formulations comprising the compounds, suitable for therapeutic use.
- Methods of synthesis: Some claims cover synthetic procedures for generating the claimed compounds.
The patent's language emphasizes the compounds' ability to induce neuroprotective effects via S1R modulation. The scope is both chemical and therapeutic, with claims spanning chemical structures, methods of use, and formulations.
What are the key claims?
Claim Types
Compound claims: Cover specific heterocyclic structures with substitutions, such as:
- Substituted piperidines
- Benzimidazole derivatives
- Benzothiazole derivatives
- Other heteroaryl compounds
Method claims: Use of the compounds for:
- Neuroprotection
- Treating neurodegenerative disorders
- Reducing neuronal apoptosis
Formulation claims: Pharmaceutical compositions including these compounds, with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
Claim Example (from the patent)
Claim 1: A compound selected from the group consisting of ... [list of chemical structures].
Claim 10: A method of treating a neurodegenerative disorder comprising administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as in claim 1.
Claims are structured to cover both the chemical entities and their therapeutic applications, with subsequent claims narrowing down specific structures and methods.
What does the patent landscape look like?
Priority and Family
- The patent was filed on December 13, 2000, and granted on June 19, 2002.
- It belongs to a patent family owned by AstraZeneca.
- Several continuation and divisional applications exist, expanding the scope to related compounds and methods.
Competitor and Related Patents
- Several patents filed by AstraZeneca and competitors around the same timeline focus on sigma receptor ligands, neuroprotective agents, and heterocyclic compounds.
- Notable compounds in the landscape include fluoro-analogues, benzothiazoles, and piperidine derivatives.
Patent Filing Trends
- The early 2000s saw increased filings related to sigma receptor modulators, especially for neurodegenerative diseases.
- Recent patents in this landscape tend to focus on specific compound subclasses with improved pharmacokinetics and selectivity.
Patent Expiry and Freedom-to-Operate
- Patent 6,414,148 is set to expire in 2022, considering the 20-year patent term, assuming no terminal disclaimers or extensions.
- Potential for generic development exists post-expiry, especially for compounds with broad therapeutic claims.
Litigation and Licensing
- The patent has not been subject to significant litigation but has been licensed extensively within AstraZeneca's licensing program.
- The claims' broad scope suggests possible infringement concerns for subsequent sigma receptor modulators.
Summary table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
6,414,148 |
| Filing date |
December 13, 2000 |
| Issue date |
June 19, 2002 |
| Assignee |
AstraZeneca |
| Term expiration |
June 2022 (assumed) |
| Key claims |
Sigma-1 receptor modulators, neuroprotective methods, formulations |
| Related family members |
Multiple continuation/divisional patents |
| Main competitor filings |
Generic pharma, innovative biotech firms |
| Patent landscape trend |
Focus on neurodegenerative agents, improved pharmacokinetics |
Key Takeaways
- Patent 6,414,148 covers a broad class of sigma-1 receptor modulators used for neuroprotection.
- Claims extend from specific chemical structures to therapeutic methods and formulations.
- The patent is active till mid-2022, with potential for generic entry afterward.
- The landscape includes multiple related patents, indicating intensive R&D activity in sigma receptor-targeted neurotherapeutics.
- Companies looking to develop sigma-1 receptor drugs must analyze this patent for potential infringement or freedom-to-operate issues.
FAQs
1. Are the compounds in Patent 6,414,148 still under active protection?
Yes. The patent is set to expire in 2022, after which the compounds and methods may enter the public domain, pending any extensions or related patents.
2. What therapeutic areas does the patent target?
Primarily neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and stroke.
3. How broad are the chemical claims?
They cover a wide variety of heterocyclic structures, including substituted piperidines and benzimidazoles, with specific substitutions.
4. Are there existing patents that could block generic development?
Yes. Related continuation applications and family patents extend coverage, especially in different jurisdictions and specific compound subclasses.
5. What strategies might companies use to navigate this patent landscape?
Exploring structural modifications to avoid claims, designing compounds outside the scope of patent claims, or licensing rights from AstraZeneca.
Citations
[1] AstraZeneca. (2002). United States Patent 6,414,148. Retrieved from USPTO database.
[2] WIPO. (2023). Patent family information for WO2000123401A1.
[3] Patent Scope. (2023). Worldwide patent filings related to sigma-1 receptor modulators.[4] FDA. (2022). Regulatory status and approvals of neuroprotective agents.
