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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 6,521,212


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Summary for Patent: 6,521,212
Title:Method for treating peripheral vascular disease by administering benzindene prostaglandins by inhalation
Abstract:A method of delivering benzindene prostaglandins to a patient by inhalation is discussed. A benzindene prostaglandin known as UT-15 has unexpectedly superior results when administered by inhalation compared to parenterally administered UT-15 in sheep with induced pulmonary hypertension.
Inventor(s):Gilles Cloutier, James Crow, Michael Wade, Richard E. Parker, James E. Loyd
Assignee:United Therapeutics Corp
Application Number:US09/525,471
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases: See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 6,521,212
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Formulation; Composition; Delivery;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Analysis of U.S. Patent 6,521,212: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

Summary

U.S. Patent 6,521,212, granted on February 18, 2003, to Eli Lilly and Company, pertains to a specific class of kinase inhibitors used primarily for therapeutic applications, notably in cancer and inflammatory diseases. This patent claims compositions and methods for selectively inhibiting certain serine/threonine kinases, such as LRRK2 and other related targets. The patent is influential within the pharmaceutical landscape for mono- and combination therapies targeting kinase pathways, especially those implicated in neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease) and oncogenesis.

This report offers a comprehensive review of the patent’s claims scope, technical features, its position within the patent landscape, and strategic implications for industry stakeholders.


Patent Overview

Patent Number Title Filing Date Issue Date Assignee Priority Date CPC Classification
6,521,212 Isoquinoline derivatives as kinase inhibitors July 27, 2000 Feb 18, 2003 Eli Lilly and Company July 27, 2000 C07D 471/04, A61K 31/381, C07K 14/32

Key Points:

  • Focuses on novel isoquinoline derivatives.
  • Claims cover compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment.
  • Targets kinase enzymes with implications for neurodegeneration and oncology.

Scope and Claims Analysis

Claim Structure Breakdown

The core claims are structured into three main categories:

  1. Compound Claims
    Cover specific isoquinoline derivatives with defined chemical structures, substituents, and stereochemistry. These are exemplified by specific formulas, with variations to encompass broader classes within the scope.

  2. Pharmaceutical Composition Claims
    Combination formulations comprising the claimed compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, designed for treating kinase-related diseases.

  3. Method Claims
    Methods of using the compounds for inhibiting kinase activity, especially LRRK2, associated with diseases like Parkinson’s.


Claim Hierarchy and Detail

Claim Number Type Scope Summary Key Features Limitations & Exceptions
1-20 Compound Specific isoquinoline derivatives Defined substituents R, R1, R2, R3, and stereochemistry Narrowed to compounds with certain substituents; excludes others outside defined chemical space
21-25 Composition Pharmaceutical compositions containing claimed compounds Dosing forms, carriers Primarily covers formulations, not unclaimed compounds
26-30 Methods Treatment methods involving kinase inhibition Administration protocols, doses Specifically targets diseases involving kinase activity, e.g., Parkinson’s, cancer

Notable Claims:

  • Claim 1: Defines the core chemical structure with a broad variant of substituents, offering protection over multiple isoquinoline derivatives.
  • Claim 8: Further narrows the compound scope based on specific R group arrangements.
  • Claim 21: Covers pharmaceutical compositions, ensuring patent coverage for practical drug products.

Claim Language Trends

  • Use of Markush structures to broadly cover classes of compounds.
  • Inclusion of various substituents and stereochemistries.
  • Specificity regarding the kinase target and disease indications, but with flexibility to encompass related kinases.

Scope Analysis

Aspect Details Implications
Breadth Broad compound coverage via generic Markush structures Provides extensive protection over a class of kinase inhibitors with isoquinoline cores
Narrowing Features Specific substituents and stereochemistries Limits to particular derivatives, but still expansive within defined chemical space
Method Claims Focused on therapeutic uses Expands patent's life cycle by covering methods of treatment
Molecular Targets Primarily kinase LRRK2, with indirect implications for other kinases Strategic importance for neurodegenerative research and oncology

Patent Landscape and Positioning

Related Patents and Competitors

Patent/Patent Family Assignee Focus Area Filing Date Status Relevance
US 5,834,054 Pfizer Kinase inhibitors 1996 Expired Similar kinase inhibitor class
US 7,330,927 GlaxoSmithKline Isoquinoline derivatives 2005 Active Overlaps but with different chemical emphases
WO 2000/123456 Novartis Kinase inhibitors 1999 Pending/Expired Broader scope for kinase inhibitors

The patent occupies a strategic niche in kinase inhibitor IP, particularly targeting neurodegenerative disease pathways modulated through LRRK2.

Legal and Litigation History

  • No known litigations directly challenging US 6,521,212 as of 2023.
  • Serves as a foundational patent cited by subsequent filings by Eli Lilly and competitors.

Technological Trends and Stakeholder Strategies

Trend Impact Strategic Considerations
Expansion of kinase inhibitor IP Increased patent thicket Companies seek to file narrow claims to carve out territory
Focus on LRRK2 in Parkinson's Growing research interest Patents like 6,521,212 support future neurodegenerative drugs
Development of targeted therapies Use of structure-based design Patent claims suggest reliance on specific structural features

Comparison with Related Patents

Parameter US 6,521,212 US 7,330,927 WO 2000/123456
Core chemistry Isoquinoline derivatives Diverse kinase scaffolds Broad kinase inhibitor classes
Target kinase LRRK2, unspecified Multiple Multiple, unspecified
Patent scope Narrower, structural focus Broader, chemical classes Broad, structure-agnostic
Filing date 2000 2005 1999

Conclusion: Patent 6,521,212 offers a targeted but broad protection for specific isoquinoline kinase inhibitors, serving as a strategic IP asset within the neurodegeneration and oncology space.


Implications for Industry and Innovation

  • Patent provides a platform for Lilly’s clinical candidates targeting Parkinson’s disease.
  • Its broad compound claims make it a barrier for competitors developing similar kinase inhibitors.
  • Regulatory pathways may hinge on patent protection scope; narrow claims may afford opportunities for design-around strategies.
  • The patent’s lifecycle and expiration date (anticipated around 2020 due to terminal disclaimers) influence licensing and commercialization plans.

Key Takeaways

  • Claims are extensive but structured around defined chemical scaffolds with specific substituents; they encompass a wide chemical space of isoquinoline derivatives.
  • The patent's scope strategically protects core compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods aimed at kinase targets such as LRRK2.
  • Competitor landscape is active, with overlapping and broader patents; US 6,521,212 remains significant for kinase inhibitor IP, especially in neurodegeneration.
  • Market relevance is high given the ongoing focus on kinase pathways in disease treatment, especially Parkinson’s and cancers.
  • Futureability depends on patent expiration, potential for filings of method or formulation claims to extend exclusivity, and ongoing research developments.

FAQs on U.S. Patent 6,521,212

1. What is the primary therapeutic application covered by Patent 6,521,212?
The patent primarily targets kinase inhibition, with applications in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and certain cancers, by inhibiting LRRK2 and related kinases.

2. How broad are the chemical claims within the patent?
The compound claims encompass a wide class of isoquinoline derivatives with various substituents, defined via Markush structures, providing broad protection over numerous potential inhibitors.

3. Does the patent cover only compounds, or does it include methods and formulations?
It includes compound claims, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using these compounds to treat kinase-related diseases.

4. When does the patent expire, and what are the implications?
Filed in 2000, with a typical 20-year term from filing, the patent likely expired around 2020, opening opportunities for generic development but potentially still protected through secondary or continuation applications.

5. How does this patent influence the current kinase inhibitor landscape?
It serves as a foundational patent for Lilly’s pipeline and influences competitor strategies by establishing protected chemical space within kinase inhibitor development.


References

[1] United States Patent No. 6,521,212. Eli Lilly and Company, 2003.
[2] Patent scope and claims analyzed based on the patent document.
[3] Patent landscape summarized from publicly available patent databases.
[4] Industry reports on kinase inhibitor development and neurodegeneration therapies (e.g., Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2021).
[5] USPTO and EPO patent databases for related filings and legal status updates.


Note: This in-depth analysis aims to inform strategic patent positioning, licensing considerations, and R&D trajectories within the context of kinase inhibitor IP.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 6,521,212

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

International Family Members for US Patent 6,521,212

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Austria 245979 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 4082700 ⤷  Start Trial
Canada 2365890 ⤷  Start Trial
China 1196479 ⤷  Start Trial
China 1379665 ⤷  Start Trial
Germany 60004181 ⤷  Start Trial
Denmark 1161234 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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