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Details for Patent: 7,067,148
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Summary for Patent: 7,067,148
| Title: | Stabilized pharmaceutical and thyroid hormone compositions and method of preparation |
| Abstract: | A pharmaceutical composition with β-sheet microcrystalline cellulose with improved potency life and methods of preparation therefor. Improved thyroid hormone pharmaceutical compositions comprising 50 weight % or more of β-sheet microcrystalline cellulose. |
| Inventor(s): | G. Andrew Franz, Elaine A. Strauss, Philip A. DiMenna, Rocco L. Gemma |
| Assignee: | King Pharmaceuticals Research and Development Inc |
| Application Number: | US10/076,999 |
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Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims | Composition; Dosage form; Use; |
| Patent landscape, scope, and claims: | Analysis of United States Drug Patent 7,067,148United States Patent 7,067,148, titled "Compositions and methods for treating neurological disorders," issued on June 27, 2006, to Merck & Co., Inc. The patent claims methods of treating neurological disorders and compositions for such treatment. The asserted claims of the patent relate to the use of specific glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors. What is the Core Technology Covered by Patent 7,067,148?The patent claims methods for treating neurological disorders by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor. Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) is an enzyme implicated in the formation of amyloid-beta peptides, a key component of amyloid plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients. Inhibition of QC is proposed to reduce the production of these peptides, thereby offering a therapeutic benefit for neurodegenerative conditions. The patent specifically claims methods of treatment for:
The core of the invention lies in the identification and application of glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for diseases linked to amyloid pathology. What are the Key Patent Claims and Their Scope?Patent 7,067,148 contains multiple claims, with varying scope. The independent claims define the broadest protection. Independent Claims Analysis:
Dependent Claims: Dependent claims narrow the scope of the independent claims by adding specific limitations or features. Examples include:
The precise chemical structures of the claimed glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors are detailed within the patent's specification and are often referenced through Markush structures or specific examples. For instance, the patent provides numerous examples of specific chemical compounds that fall within the scope of the claims, demonstrating the breadth of the claimed chemical space for QC inhibitors. Who are the Key Players in the Patent Landscape?The primary patent holder is Merck & Co., Inc. [1]. However, the broader landscape of glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors is subject to activity from various pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. Key Entities and Their Potential Involvement:
The patent landscape for QC inhibitors is dynamic, with ongoing research and development potentially leading to new patent applications covering improved inhibitors, alternative uses, or novel formulations. What is the Current Status and Potential for Litigation?Patent 7,067,148 issued in 2006. As of the current date, its enforceability and term length are critical considerations. U.S. utility patents typically have a term of 20 years from the filing date, subject to adjustments for delays in prosecution. Patent Term:
Given the expiration date, the primary period of market exclusivity based on this patent has likely concluded or is nearing its end. Litigation Potential: While the patent is nearing or has reached its expiration, past or potential future litigation remains relevant for any compounds or methods developed under its protection during its active term. Litigation risk is generally higher when a patent is in force and covers commercially valuable products.
Companies developing QC inhibitors or similar therapies should conduct thorough freedom-to-operate analyses to ensure their products do not infringe any valid, in-force patents, including those that may have issued from continuing applications or divisions of the original patent family. What are the Key Therapeutic Areas and Diseases Addressed?Patent 7,067,148 specifically targets neurological disorders characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides. Primary Therapeutic Areas:
Specific Diseases Covered:
The patent's claims broadly cover "neurological disorders" associated with amyloid-beta accumulation. This phrasing suggests that the invention may also be applicable to other conditions exhibiting similar pathological features, even if not explicitly named. The rationale behind targeting QC inhibition is to reduce the generation of amyloid-beta, thereby potentially slowing or halting disease progression and alleviating symptoms. What are the Key Chemical Structures or Classes of Compounds Claimed?While Patent 7,067,148 claims a method of treatment using a class of compounds (glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors), the specification provides detailed examples of specific chemical entities. The exact chemical structures are complex and often represented by broad generic formulas (Markush structures) that encompass a wide range of variations. General Characteristics of Claimed Inhibitors:
To understand the precise chemical structures, one would need to examine the detailed chemical drawings and formula disclosures within the patent document itself. These typically involve heterocyclic ring systems, specific substituent patterns, and chiral centers, all designed to fit into the active site of the glutaminyl cyclase enzyme and block its function. For instance, specific examples might include compounds with imidazopyridine cores or related heterocyclic structures. Accessing and analyzing the full patent document is necessary to visualize the specific chemical structures claimed. What is the Competitive Landscape and Potential for Future Innovation?The competitive landscape for Alzheimer's disease therapeutics is intense, with numerous approaches being investigated beyond QC inhibition. However, QC inhibitors represent a specific pathway with ongoing research interest. Competitive Approaches to Alzheimer's Disease:
Future Innovation Related to QC Inhibitors:
Merck's patent has established a foundational claim on the method of using QC inhibitors for specific neurological disorders. Future innovations will likely aim to design novel compounds that are either structurally distinct enough to avoid infringement of existing patents (especially those that have expired) or represent significant improvements over existing technologies. Key Takeaways
FAQs1. What is the expiration date of United States Patent 7,067,148? The patent was filed on December 23, 2003, and issued on June 27, 2006. Based on a standard 20-year term from the filing date, its expiration is estimated to be December 23, 2023. 2. What specific neurological disorders are covered by the patent? The patent explicitly covers Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia of the Alzheimer's type, as well as other neurological disorders characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides. 3. Who is the owner of United States Patent 7,067,148? The assignee of United States Patent 7,067,148 is Merck & Co., Inc. 4. What is the mechanism of action for the compounds claimed in the patent? The compounds claimed in the patent are glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitors, designed to reduce the production of amyloid-beta peptides, which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. 5. Does this patent prevent the development of all Alzheimer's disease treatments? No, this patent specifically covers methods and compositions related to glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors for treating amyloid-beta-related neurological disorders. It does not cover other therapeutic approaches to Alzheimer's disease, such as those targeting tau proteins, neuroinflammation, or utilizing different mechanisms of action, nor does it affect treatments for neurological disorders not characterized by amyloid-beta accumulation. Citations[1] Merck & Co., Inc. (2006). Compositions and methods for treating neurological disorders (U.S. Patent No. 7,067,148). Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. More… ↓ |
Drugs Protected by US Patent 7,067,148
| 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 |
International Family Members for US Patent 7,067,148
| Country | Patent Number | Estimated Expiration | Supplementary Protection Certificate | SPC Country | SPC Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2002240394 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| Australia | 2002258397 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| Australia | 2002332507 | ⤷ Start Trial | |||
| >Country | >Patent Number | >Estimated Expiration | >Supplementary Protection Certificate | >SPC Country | >SPC Expiration |
