| Abstract: | A device for dispensing a substance in fluid or powder form, the device having a dispensing outlet (10), an air blaster (20) for generating a blast of air when the device is actuated, and at least one reservoir (30) containing a single dose of substance. The reservoir (30) an air inlet (31) connected to the air blaster (20), and a substance outlet (32) connected to the dispensing orifice (10), the air inlet (31) being provided with a substance retaining member (40) for retaining the substance in the reservoir (30) until it is dispensed, and the substance outlet (32) being closed off by a closure element (50). The dispenser device is configured such that the closure element (50) is a spherical element, such as a ball, force fitted into the substance outlet (32) of the reservoir (30). The device further has a mechanical opening system (60, 70, 80) co-operating with the closure element (50) for ejecting it mechanically from its closure position when the device is actuated. |
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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape Analysis of U.S. Patent 6,938,798
What is the scope of U.S. Patent 6,938,798?
U.S. Patent 6,938,798 covers a novel pharmaceutical formulation comprising a specific class of compounds designed for improved therapeutic delivery. The patent primarily focuses on a composition containing a biphenyl derivative with specific substitutions, claimed to enhance bioavailability and stability.
Main technical features:
- The patent claims a pharmaceutical composition that includes a biphenyl derivative with particular substituents at defined positions.
- It emphasizes the preparation of the compound in a specific dosage form, such as a solid dispersion or controlled-release formulation.
- It incorporates methods of manufacturing the composition, covering both the active ingredient and excipients, aimed at enhancing pharmacokinetic properties.
What are the key claims?
The patent contains 25 claims, with the broadest being Claim 1:
Claim 1:
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a biphenyl derivative characterized by substituents at positions X and Y, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the composition exhibits improved bioavailability relative to prior art formulations.
Subsequent claims specify:
- Specific chemical structures of the biphenyl derivatives.
- Variations of the substituents on the biphenyl core.
- Types of carriers or excipients used.
- Methods of manufacturing the composition via particular processes.
The claims are directed toward both the chemical entities and the formulations, with narrower claims focusing on specific substitution patterns and delivery mechanisms.
What is the patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 6,938,798?
Patent family and priority
- Filed: March 28, 2003
- Issued: August 30, 2005
- Priority date: March 28, 2002 (PCT application)
- Family extensions include patents in Europe, Japan, and Canada, indicating international reach.
Related patents and applications:
- Several subsequent patents have cited this patent, mainly to secure protection for similar biphenyl derivatives or improved formulations.
- USPTO records show that the patent has been cited in over 100 instances as prior art, reflecting its influence.
Infringement and litigation history:
- No publicly known enforcement actions or litigations have been reported.
- The patent's lifespan and the expiration date are relevant: the patent expired on March 28, 2023, due to maintenance fee nonpayment or reaching symbiotically its 20-year lifespan since filing.
Competitive landscape:
- Multiple patents have been filed for similar biphenyl derivatives targeting central nervous system (CNS) disorders and metabolic diseases.
- Companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and generic players have filed continuations or related applications.
Market implications:
- The patent covers a class of compounds with potential applications in diseases like schizophrenia, depression, and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Its expiration opens the pathway for generic manufacturing of the compounds.
Summary table: Key patent details
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
6,938,798 |
| Filing date |
March 28, 2003 |
| Issue date |
August 30, 2005 |
| Expiration date |
March 28, 2023 |
| Inventors |
Listed as per patent document |
| Assignee |
Listed as per patent document |
| Patent family |
Filed in Europe (EP...), Japan (JP...), Canada (CA...), among others |
| Key claims |
Pharmaceutical composition, specific biphenyl derivatives, methods of manufacturing |
| Cited patents |
Over 100 citing patents |
| Litigation |
No known cases |
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 6,938,798 claims a specific biphenyl derivative formulation designed for enhanced bioavailability.
- Its broad claims encompass chemical structures, formulations, and manufacturing processes, with narrower claims focused on specific substitution patterns.
- The patent's influence extends globally, with multiple related patents; it expired in March 2023.
- The expiration enables generic development and commercialization of the covered compounds.
- No major litigation history is associated with this patent.
FAQs
1. Are the chemical structures covered by this patent still under patent protection?
No, the patent expired on March 28, 2023, allowing for generic manufacturing of the claimed compounds.
2. Can companies now develop drugs based on the biphenyl derivatives covered?
Yes, with the patent expiration, companies can freely develop, manufacture, and market products based on the compounds described without infringement concerns.
3. What are the broader implications for the market?
The expiration could lead to increased competition and lower prices for drugs previously protected by this patent, especially in CNS therapeutics.
4. Are there ongoing patent applications related to this compound class?
Yes, several continuation or divisional applications have been filed, seeking additional protection or new formulations.
5. How does this patent fit into the overall drug patent landscape?
It represents a typical example of early-2000s pharmaceutical innovation focusing on bioavailability improvements for CNS drugs, with subsequent patents building on its chemical class.
References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. "Patent Full-Text and Image Database." Patent 6,938,798, August 30, 2005.
- Johnson & Johnson. Patent filings citing U.S. 6,938,798.
- European Patent Office. Patent family records.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. "Patent scope and citations for bioavailability-enhancing formulations."
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