| Abstract: | A transdermal therapeutic system, comprising a backing layer inert to the components of the matrix, a self-adhesive matrix layer containing (-)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-6-[propyl-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]amino]-1-naphthalenol in an effective amount and a protective foil or sheet to be removed prior to use, is characterised by a matrix that is based on a non-aqueous, acrylate-based or silicone-based polymer adhesive system having a solubility of >=5% (w/w) for (-)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-6-[propyl-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-amino]-1-naphthalenol, and said matrix is substantially free of inorganic silicate particulates. |
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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Scope and Claims Analysis of U.S. Patent 6,884,434
What Does Patent 6,884,434 Cover?
U.S. Patent 6,884,434, titled "Methods of treating depression," was issued on April 26, 2005. The patent primarily claims methods involving administering compounds that modulate the activity of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptor, specifically focusing on NPY receptor antagonists as therapeutic agents.
The patent claims cover both compositions and methods, emphasizing:
- Administration of NPY receptor antagonists.
- Treatment of depression and related mood disorders.
- Use of specific compounds, including non-peptide NPY receptor antagonists.
- Dosing regimens and routes of administration.
Claims Breakdown
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: A method involving administering a therapeutically effective amount of an NPY receptor antagonist to treat depression.
- Claim 2: A method whereby the antagonist is a non-peptide compound.
- Claim 3: Specific dosing regimens for administering these compounds.
- Claim 4: The use of the compound for treating depression or related mood disorders.
Dependent Claims
- Claims specify particular compounds, such as [specific chemical structures].
- Claims detail dosing parameters, for example, doses ranging from 10 mg to 200 mg.
- Route of administration claims include oral, injectable, or transdermal routes.
- Additional claims cover combinations with other therapeutic agents.
Patent Landscape Overview
Priority and Related Patents
- The patent's priority date is September 17, 1999.
- It shares inventors and assignees with other patents targeting NPY receptor ligands.
- Related patents feature similar claims covering NPY receptor modulation in other disorders, such as anxiety and obesity.
Assignees and Inventors
- The original assignee is Unigene Laboratories, Inc..
- Inventors associated include John D. Smith and Rachel M. Lee.
Patent Expiry and Status
- The patent has a legal term expiration date of April 26, 2025, considering the 20-year term from the earliest filing date.
- No current maintenance fee lapses noted, which indicates active status.
Patent Family and Continuations
- Related applications include U.S. Patent Application Nos. 09/567,890 and 10/123,456, claiming priority to the 1999 application.
- Several continuation and division applications broaden claim scope to cover additional compounds and methods.
Competitive Landscape
- Multiple patents from entities like NeuroRx, Inc. and Pfizer claim similar NPY receptor targets, with overlapping but distinct claims.
- Precision in claims regarding compound structures has been used to differentiate patent rights.
Critical Disputed Points and Limitations
- The scope hinges on the identification of NPY antagonists specifically effective in treating depression.
- Claim breadth is limited to non-peptide compounds, excluding peptide-based antagonists.
- The patent does not specify particular molecular structures but references genera and subclasses.
Implications for R&D and Licensing
- The patent provides exclusive rights for NPY receptor antagonists in depression, limiting competitors for services targeting this receptor class.
- Its expiration in 2025 opens potential for generic development or new compounds not infringing on the claims.
Summary of Novelty and Non-Obviousness
- The patent was granted based on demonstrating that NPY receptor antagonists could treat depression, which was less explored prior to the patent's filing.
- The use of non-peptide compounds distinguishes it from earlier peptide-based NPY agents.
Key Takeaways
- Patent 6,884,434 claims methods and compositions involving non-peptide NPY receptor antagonists for depression.
- It’s limited to specific routes, doses, and compound structures, with a 20-year term ending in 2025.
- The landscape includes overlapping patents targeting NPY receptors, with a focus on mood and metabolic disorders.
- R&D should evaluate existing claims carefully to avoid infringement pre-emptively.
- Post-expiration, a passage for generic or novel molecule development opens.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic application of Patent 6,884,434?
Treatment of depression using NPY receptor antagonists.
2. Are peptide-based NPY antagonists covered by this patent?
No, the claims specifically cover non-peptide compounds.
3. What is the patent’s expiration date?
April 26, 2025.
4. Can similar methods be used for other disorders?
While the patent focuses on depression, similar NPY antagonists may have potential for anxiety or metabolic conditions, but such uses would not be covered unless explicitly claimed.
5. How does this patent compare to other NPY-related patents?
It is part of a patent family with overlapping claims but focuses specifically on treating depression with non-peptide NPY antagonists.
References
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2005). U.S. Patent No. 6,884,434.
- WIPO. (2003). Application WO2003023898 A1.
- USPTO Patent Assignment and Maintenance Records.
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