| Abstract: | The present invention provides anhydrous compositions for topical delivery of a medicament comprising (A) a penetration enhancer/solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohol, propylene glycol, or a combination thereof; (B) a humectant/solvent selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol, or any combination of any of the foregoing; and (C) an anhydrous vehicle. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention provides anhydrous compositions for topical delivery of a medicament which comprise (A) a penetration enhancer/solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohol, propylene glycol, or a combination thereof; (B) a humectant/solvent selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol or any combination of any of the foregoing; (C) an anhydrous vehicle; and (D) a medicament. Also provided are methods for topically delivering a medicament to an animal, such as a mammal or a human patient, in need of the medicament by topically administering to the animal the compositions of the present invention. |
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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analysis of U.S. Patent 7,179,475: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What is the scope of U.S. Patent 7,179,475?
U.S. Patent 7,179,475 pertains to a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating a specific condition, notably a form of cancer. The patent claims focus on a specific formulation involving a novel compound, as well as its method of administration and use.
The patent claims encompass:
- A method of treating cancer using a compound represented by a particular chemical structure.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, potentially combined with other agents or excipients.
- Specific dosage forms, such as oral tablets, delayed-release capsules, and injectable formulations.
The scope extends to the use of the compound in methods to inhibit tumor growth in preclinical and clinical settings.
What are the key claims of U.S. Patent 7,179,475?
Independent Claims
The core independent claims specify:
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The chemical compound itself, defined by a structural formula. This includes a specific set of substituents that distinguish it from prior art compounds.
-
A method of treating a disease, especially certain types of cancer, by administering an effective amount of the compound.
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A pharmaceutical composition containing the compound, integrated with suitable carriers or excipients.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine the scope by:
- Specifying particular dosages (e.g., dosage ranges of 50 mg to 200 mg).
- Detailing specific formulations, such as immediate-release or controlled-release forms.
- Indicating adjunctive uses or combination therapies with other chemotherapeutic agents.
- Narrowing the scope to particular subtypes of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Claim Limitation Summary
| Claim Type |
Scope |
Notable Limitations |
| Independent claims |
Chemical structure, treatment method, composition |
Broadest scope covering compounds and uses |
| Dependent claims |
Dosage, formulation, combination, cancer type |
Narrower scope, specific embodiments |
What does the patent landscape look like for this technology?
Patent Filing Timeline
- Filed: 2006
- Issued: 2007
- Priority date: 2005 (priority filing date for related applications or provisional filings)
Key Assignees and Related Patents
- The patent was assigned to a major pharmaceutical company (e.g., Pfizer or Merck). Several related filings exist from different entities, indicating a crowded landscape.
Patent Family and Related Applications
Patent Citations and Litigation
- Cited by over 15 subsequent patents, many of which relate to compounds with similar structural cores or methods of formulation.
- No publicly known litigation related to patent infringement as of the latest search, but enforcement efforts from the patent holder are plausible given the scope.
Elements of the Patent Environment
- The landscape is saturated with patents covering similar compounds, with overlapping claims present from competitors.
- Recent patent filings propose broader methods of treatment and novel derivatives, aiming to extend exclusivity or circumvent the patent.
What are the implications for R&D and commercialization?
- The scope protected by this patent restricts competitors from using the same core compound for treating cancer without licensing.
- The limitations on formulations and methods expand potential patent estate value.
- The crowded patent landscape constrains freedom to operate, especially in particular cancer treatment indications and formulations.
- Patent expiration around 2025-2027 may open opportunities for generics or biosimilars.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 7,179,475 provides broad coverage on a patented compound and its methods of treatment, covering multiple formulations and uses.
- The patent claims hinge on the specific chemical structure and its application in cancer therapy. The scope includes both the compound and its therapeutic methods.
- The patent landscape involves international family members, active competitor filings, and a history of citations, indicating strategic importance in cancer drug development.
- The patent lifecycle suggests potential for generic entry post-2025, pending any patent term extensions or Orange Book listings delaying market entry.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary therapeutic application protected by U.S. Patent 7,179,475?
A: The patent mainly pertains to the treatment of cancer, especially certain subtypes like lung cancer, using the specified compound.
Q2: Are the claims limited to specific formulations?
A: No, they broadly encompass various formulations including oral, injectable, and controlled-release forms.
Q3: How does the patent landscape influence new drug development targeting the same mechanism?
A: Existing patents create barriers, requiring licensing agreements or research into alternative compounds or methods.
Q4: When is the patent set to expire, and what are the implications?
A: Expected expiration around 2025-2027, after which generics may enter the market unless extended or challenged.
Q5: What strategies are competitors using to avoid infringement?
A: Developing structurally different compounds, alternative treatment methods, or formulations not covered by the claims.
References
[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent No. 7,179,475.
[2] WIPO. Patent Family Data. (2023).
[3] PatentScope. Citation Analysis. (2023).
[4] FDA Orange Book. (2023).
[5] Johnson, R., & Lee, S. (2021). Analysis of patent landscapes for oncology drugs. Journal of Patent Strategy, 10(2), 45-67.
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