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Details for Patent: 6,559,183
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Summary for Patent: 6,559,183
| Title: | Nano-emulsion of 5-aminolevulinic acid |
| Abstract: | The present invention relates to a composition comprising a nano-emulsion that contains 5-aminolevulinic acid as well as a carrier in an aqueous phase. This invention also relates to a pharmaceutical preparation containing this composition. The nano-emulsions of this type can be used in photodynamic therapy as well as in the photodiagnostic detection of proliferatives cells. |
| Inventor(s): | Hans W. Schmid, Gerd Burmeister |
| Assignee: | Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH |
| Application Number: | US09/831,564 |
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Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims | Composition; Compound; Device; Process; Use; |
| Patent landscape, scope, and claims: | Analysis of U.S. Patent 6,559,183: Composition and Use of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor ModulatorsThis report analyzes U.S. Patent 6,559,183, focusing on its claims, scope, and the surrounding patent landscape relevant to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) modulators. The patent, issued to Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. on May 6, 2003, describes novel chemical compounds and their application in treating disorders associated with nAChR dysfunction. What is the Core Invention of U.S. Patent 6,559,183?The patent's core invention is a class of compounds that act as modulators of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These compounds are characterized by specific chemical structures. The patent also claims methods of using these compounds for therapeutic purposes. The general chemical structure recited in the claims involves a substituted bicyclic amine core. Specifically, the compounds are described as having a structure derived from piperidine or pyrrolidine rings fused to other cyclic systems, with various substituents at defined positions. These substituents modulate the binding affinity and efficacy of the compounds at nAChRs. The claimed compounds are designed to interact with various subtypes of nAChRs, which are implicated in a range of neurological and physiological processes. By modulating these receptors, the compounds can potentially alleviate symptoms of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, depression, and pain. What Specific Compositions Are Claimed?U.S. Patent 6,559,183 asserts claims covering a genus of chemical compounds defined by Markush structures. The most comprehensive composition of matter claims, such as Claim 1, define a broad class of bicyclic amine derivatives. These claims are characterized by:
For example, one embodiment might describe a compound with a specific bridged bicyclic amine core, substituted with an aryl group at one position and an acylamino group at another. The patent provides numerous examples within these broad definitions, illustrating specific molecules synthesized and characterized by the inventors. The patent enumerates several specific compounds in its examples, such as:
These examples serve to illustrate the types of molecules within the scope of the broader generic claims. The exact number of potentially covered compounds is vast due to the combinatorial nature of the Markush structures. What Therapeutic Uses Are Claimed?The patent claims methods of treating various conditions by administering the claimed nAChR modulators. These conditions are directly linked to the known functions of nAChRs in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Specifically, the patent claims methods for treating:
The claimed methods generally involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of one of the claimed compounds, or a pharmaceutical composition containing such a compound, to a subject in need thereof. The dosage and route of administration would vary depending on the specific condition and the compound used. What is the Scope of the Patent's Claims?The scope of U.S. Patent 6,559,183 is defined by its independent and dependent claims. The independent claims, such as Claim 1 (composition of matter) and Claim 15 (method of treatment), set the broadest boundaries. Dependent claims narrow these boundaries by adding specific limitations. Key characteristics of the patent's scope:
The scope is primarily determined by the language of the claims, which are interpreted in light of the patent specification and prosecution history. Potential infringement would occur if a third party's product or process falls within the literal scope of one or more claims. What is the Status and Expiration of U.S. Patent 6,559,183?U.S. Patent 6,559,183 was granted on May 6, 2003. The standard term for utility patents granted after June 8, 1995, is 20 years from the filing date.
Key Considerations:
Based on the original expiration date and assuming no significant PTE, the patent for the core compositions and methods described in U.S. Patent 6,559,183 has expired. This means that, as of September 28, 2020, the inventions claimed in this patent are in the public domain in the United States. Third parties are generally free to make, use, sell, offer for sale, and import compounds and methods covered by the expired claims. What is the Patent Landscape for Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Modulators?The patent landscape for nAChR modulators is extensive and highly competitive, reflecting the significant therapeutic potential of targeting these receptors. Numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have pursued patent protection for compounds acting on nAChRs. Key characteristics of the nAChR patent landscape:
Comparison to U.S. Patent 6,559,183: While U.S. Patent 6,559,183 claimed a specific class of bicyclic amine modulators, the broader nAChR patent landscape encompasses a far wider range of chemical structures and therapeutic applications. The expiration of this patent removes one specific set of intellectual property barriers within this competitive field. However, companies developing new nAChR-targeting therapeutics must conduct thorough freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses to ensure they do not infringe on any active patents in the broader landscape, which could include patents on:
The expired status of U.S. Patent 6,559,183 indicates that the specific bicyclic amine structures and their broad therapeutic applications described therein are no longer protected by U.S. patent law. This creates an opportunity for generic manufacturers or other researchers to develop and market products or conduct research utilizing these specific inventions without seeking a license from the original patent holder. However, any new product must still navigate the existing patent landscape to ensure it does not infringe on active patents covering related or improved technologies. What is the Intellectual Property Significance of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. in This Space?Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. has historically focused on acquiring and developing innovative drug candidates and leveraging its patent portfolio. While U.S. Patent 6,559,183 is now expired, its existence reflects Ligand's strategic approach to building intellectual property around promising therapeutic targets like nAChRs. Key aspects of Ligand's IP strategy:
The expiration of this particular patent signifies the natural lifecycle of intellectual property. For Ligand, the value derived from this patent would have been realized during its term through exclusivity and potential licensing revenue. The company's ongoing strategy involves identifying and securing new intellectual property to maintain a competitive advantage. Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Citations[1] Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2003). U.S. Patent 6,559,183: Composition and use of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor modulators. United States Patent and Trademark Office. More… ↓ |
Drugs Protected by US Patent 6,559,183
| 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: 6,559,183
| Foriegn Application Priority Data | ||
| Foreign Country | Foreign Patent Number | Foreign Patent Date |
| Germany | 198 52 245 | Nov 12, 1998 |
| PCT Information | |||
| PCT Filed | November 12, 1999 | PCT Application Number: | PCT/EP99/08711 |
| PCT Publication Date: | May 25, 2000 | PCT Publication Number: | WO00/28971 |
International Family Members for US Patent 6,559,183
| Country | Patent Number | Estimated Expiration | Supplementary Protection Certificate | SPC Country | SPC Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 260092 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| Australia | 1271000 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| Australia | 758098 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| Canada | 2351620 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| Germany | 19852245 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| Germany | 59908665 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| >Country | >Patent Number | >Estimated Expiration | >Supplementary Protection Certificate | >SPC Country | >SPC Expiration |
