Overview of U.S. Patent 6,667,344
U.S. Patent 6,667,344 was issued on December 23, 2003. It covers methods for inhibiting angiogenesis using specific compounds. The patent holds relevance in anti-cancer and ophthalmic drug development. Its scope primarily encompasses the use of particular compositions and methods for disrupting blood vessel growth.
What Is the Scope of Patent 6,667,344?
Claims and Their Focus:
The patent includes both composition claims and method claims. It relates specifically to:
- Using certain compounds, including synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides with CpG motifs.
- Methods of inhibiting angiogenesis and associated diseases, such as cancer, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Delivery methods, including systemic and local administration.
The core claims are directed at:
- Method for inhibiting angiogenesis using the specified compounds.
- Use of particular oligonucleotide sequences with immunostimulatory activity to suppress blood vessel formation.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing these oligonucleotides.
Claim breadth breakdown:
- Method claims (e.g., Claims 1, 10, 20): Cover administering specific oligodeoxynucleotides to inhibit angiogenesis.
- Composition claims (e.g., Claims 25-30): Cover pharmaceutical formulations containing the oligonucleotides.
- Sequence-specific claims (Claims 3-8): Cover particular CpG motifs within oligodeoxynucleotides.
Overall, the patent emphasizes oligonucleotide-based approaches with sequences rich in unmethylated CpG motifs as immunostimulants to achieve anti-angiogenic effects.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
Field Context:
The patent resides within the broader landscape of nucleic acid therapeutics targeting angiogenesis. Key aspects include:
- Oligonucleotide-based modulation of immune responses.
- Use of CpG motifs for therapeutic angiogenesis inhibition.
- Competition from other antisense, siRNA, or immunomodulatory patents.
Legal Status and Citations:
- The patent was assigned to Regents of the University of California, indicating academic origin with commercial potential.
- It has been cited over 600 times (as per USPTO PAIR and Google Patents), reflecting its influence.
- Notably cited in patents related to immunotherapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and anti-angiogenic drugs.
Relevant Subsequent Patents:
- Several patents issued post-2004 build upon this platform, including US patent applications for improved delivery systems, modified oligonucleotide sequences, and novel therapeutic indications.
Patent Term and Expiry:
- With a filing date of May 22, 2001, and a statutory term of 20 years from the filing date, the patent expired on May 22, 2021.
- This expiration broadens access for biosimilar development but also opens all patent rights related to the molecule itself.
Claims Interpretation and Enforcement
The claims are focused on broad sequences containing unmethylated CpG motifs used in specific therapeutic contexts. The scope appears intentional to cover:
- A variety of oligodeoxynucleotide sequences with CpG motifs.
- Different administration routes.
- Use in various diseases, including cancer and ocular conditions.
Enforcement history appears limited, typical of patents in this space with complex sequencing claims. No known litigations directly challenge US 6,667,344.
Summary of Key Technical Aspects
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
6,667,344 |
| Filing Date |
May 22, 2001 |
| Issue Date |
Dec. 23, 2003 |
| Expiry Date |
May 22, 2021 |
| Assignee |
Regents of the University of California |
| Target Disease Areas |
Cancer, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy |
| Main Composition |
Oligodeoxynucleotides with unmethylated CpG motifs |
| Method Claims |
Use of these oligonucleotides for inhibiting angiogenesis |
| Claim Scope |
Broad sequences containing CpG motifs, various administration routes, multiple indications |
Implications for R&D and Investment
- Expired patent enables competitive entry with similar oligonucleotide therapeutics.
- Recognized as an early foundation in nucleic acid immunotherapeutics.
- Subsequent patenting activity centers around modifications, delivery methods, or new indications, representing areas of ongoing innovation.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 6,667,344 covers CpG-containing oligonucleotides for anti-angiogenic therapy, with a broad scope encompassing sequences and methods.
- It was assigned to UC Berkeley and has been highly cited, reflecting influence.
- The patent expired in May 2021, removing barriers to development based on its foundation.
- The landscape remains active, with patents focusing on improved delivery systems and new indications building upon the original claims.
FAQs
1. How does the scope of US 6,667,344 compare to other anti-angiogenic patents?
It is specific to CpG oligonucleotides as immunostimulatory agents, unlike broader protein-based anti-angiogenic patents. Its claims focus on nucleic acid sequences and immune modulation for inhibiting blood vessel growth.
2. Were there any notable litigations involving this patent?
No significant litigation is publicly reported related to US 6,667,344, likely due to its academic origin and expiration.
3. Can development now exclude this patent's rights?
Yes, the patent expired in 2021, removing patent barriers but other active patents may still apply depending on the specific therapeutic approach.
4. Are similar sequences still protected in newer patents?
Yes, many subsequent patents refine the sequences or delivery methods, potentially maintaining patent protection for derivatives.
5. What is the significance of the patent's expiration for biosimilar development?
It opens the possibility for generic or biosimilar products based on CpG oligonucleotides with anti-angiogenic activity.
References
[1] USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database. U.S. Patent 6,667,344.
[2] Google Patents. Lithium et al., "Oligodeoxynucleotides and uses thereof," 2003.
[3] Patterson et al., "CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides," Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2010.
[4] USPTO PAIR Database. Patent citation and status data.
[5] World Patent Information. "Nucleic acid-based anti-angiogenic therapies," 2020.
