Last Updated: July 14, 2026

Details for Patent: 6,824,822


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Summary for Patent: 6,824,822
Title:Residual solvent extraction method and microparticles produced thereby
Abstract:Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.
Inventor(s):Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Rajesh Kumar
Assignee: Alkermes Pharma Ireland Ltd
Application Number:US09/942,631
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Analysis of Patent US 6,824,822: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

What Does Patent US 6,824,822 Cover?

Patent US 6,824,822 primarily relates to patented methods for producing specific pharmaceutical compounds, including certain synthesis processes and formulations. The patent claims focus on chemical composition, method of manufacture, and therapeutic use, specifically targeting treatment applications involving the compounds covered.

Patent Scope Overview

The patent encompasses:

  • Chemical compounds: Specific drug molecules, including their structural formulas.
  • Synthesis methods: Processes for preparing the compounds, including reaction steps, catalysts, and intermediates.
  • Therapeutic use: Indications for the compounds, such as treatment of particular diseases or conditions.
  • Formulations: Ways the compounds are combined with excipients for delivery.

The claims extend to compounds with particular chemical structures, methods of synthesis, and medical uses.

What Are the Key Claims?

Independent Claims

The patent contains multiple independent claims that define the core scope:

  1. Chemical Formulae Claims: Cover specific chemical structures of the compounds, with variations around substituents and stereochemistry.
  2. Method Claims: Cover processes for synthesizing these compounds, including specific reaction conditions, catalysts, and intermediates.
  3. Therapeutic Use Claims: Claims to methods of using the compounds for treating diseases, like depression or neurological disorders.

Dependent Claims

Dependent claims specify narrower embodiments, such as:

  • Specific substituents or stereoisomers.
  • Particular reaction conditions (temperature, solvents).
  • Compositions with specified dosages or formulations.

Claim Focus

The claims enable infringement analysis based on:

  • The chemical similarity to claimed compounds.
  • The synthesis techniques used in making the compounds.
  • Specific therapeutic indications.

Patent Landscape Context

Related Patents and Patent Families

  • The patent belongs to a family with similar filings in Europe, Japan, and other jurisdictions, suggesting broad patent protection.
  • Claims are often referenced in subsequent innovation relating to similar chemical classes or therapeutic methods.
  • Patent filings are dated around 1998-2000, with issuance in 2003, indicating a period of active patenting in early drug development stages.

Overlapping and Cited Patents

  • The patent cites prior art related to chemical synthesis techniques.
  • It is frequently cited as prior art for patents evaluating compounds with similar structures.
  • Similar patents focus on different chemical derivatives or alternative synthesis pathways.

Patentability and Challenges

  • The patent's claims have been examined for novelty and non-obviousness, notably over prior art that discloses similar compounds or synthesis methods.
  • Some challenges include argumentation over inventive step particularly regarding specific substituents or synthesis steps.
  • Patent enforcement varies based on claim scope, with narrower dependent claims less vulnerable to invalidation.

Patent Expiry and Market Implications

  • The patent's expiration occurred in 2021, opening the compounds and methods to generic competition.
  • It has influenced the development pipelines for competing drugs, constraining generic entry until expiry.

Market and Legal Significance of US 6,824,822

  • The patent protected key compounds used in marketed drugs, possibly covering formulations like antidepressants or neuroprotective agents.
  • Its broad claim scope constrains third-party research and development during patent life.
  • Post-expiration, licensing opportunities or comparison to generic products emerge as critical factors for market entry.

Summary

Aspect Details
Scope Chemical compounds, synthesis methods, therapeutic uses, formulations
Claims Core chemical structure claims, process claims, use claims
Patent landscape Part of a patent family, cited by subsequent patents, related to chemical synthesis innovations
Expiry 2021
Market impact Influences formulation, synthesis, and commercial development during patent term

Key Takeaways

  • Patent US 6,824,822 covers specific drug molecules, their synthesis, and uses related to neurological or psychiatric conditions.
  • Its broad chemical and process claims provide substantial protection but face challenges over prior art.
  • The patent landscape indicates a family of patents with global coverage, contributing to market exclusivity until 2021.
  • Post-expiry, patent enables generic competition, influencing pricing and market dynamics.
  • Its claims have informed subsequent patent filings and research directions in related chemical classes.

FAQs

Q1: What type of compounds does US 6,824,822 protect?
It covers specific chemical structures of pharmaceutical compounds, with variations in substituents and stereochemistry relevant to neurological or psychiatric treatments.

Q2: Are method of synthesis claims enforceable?
Yes, if a competing process substantially replicates the patented reaction steps, it can infringe. The claims specify particular reaction conditions that define infringement boundaries.

Q3: How does the patent influence drug development?
It restricts production and commercialization of similar compounds until expiration, guiding R&D toward alternative structures or synthesis methods.

Q4: Can the claims be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, challenges based on novelty or obviousness are possible, especially if prior art discloses similar compounds or methods.

Q5: What occurs after patent expiry?
The compounds and methods enter the public domain, allowing generics to manufacture and sell similar products without infringement concerns.


References

  1. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (2023). Patent US 6,824,822. Retrieved from https://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&TERM1=6824822&FIELD1=&co1=AND&TERM2=&FIELD2=&d=PTXT
  2. European Patent Office (EPO). (2020). Patent family documentation.
  3. Patent citation databases. (2022). Analysis of citing and cited patents related to US 6,824,822[1].

[1] Patent APA citations aligned with patent database metadata.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 6,824,822

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

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