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Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Details for Patent: 7,399,787


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Summary for Patent: 7,399,787
Title:Methods of treating cancer with HDAC inhibitors
Abstract:The present invention provides methods of treating cancers, chemoprevention, selectively inducing terminal differentiation, cell growth arrest and/or apoptosis of neoplastic cells, and/or inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC) by administration of pharmaceutical compositions comprising potent HDAC inhibitors. The oral bioavailability of the active compounds in the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention is surprisingly high. Moreover, the pharmaceutical compositions unexpectedly give rise to high, therapeutically effective blood levels of the active compounds over an extended period of time. The present invention further provides a safe, daily dosing regimen of these pharmaceutical compositions, which is easy to follow, and which results in a therapeutically effective amount of the HDAC inhibitors in vivo.
Inventor(s):Judy H. Chiao, Nicholas G. Bacopoulos, Thomas A. Miller, Carolyn M. Paradise, Victoria M. Richon
Assignee:Merck HDAC Research LLC
Application Number:US10/616,649
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use; Composition; Dosage form;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Patent 7,399,787 Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape Analysis

What is the scope of patent 7,399,787?

United States Patent 7,399,787 covers a specific pharmaceutical composition centered on [active ingredient or compound details, e.g., a novel antiviral agent, anti-inflammatory molecule, or a specific biologic formulation]. The patent claims a combination of chemical entities or a formulation that enhances [specific therapeutic effect, stability, or delivery method].

The patent emphasizes [key features such as stability, bioavailability, targeted delivery, or new chemical modifications]. It claims a method of manufacturing, a specific dosage form, and the use primarily of [indication or disease target, e.g., hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer].

The closest prior art includes [notable patents or publications, e.g., U.S. Patents 6,xxx,xxx or literature on similar compounds], but this patent distinguishes itself by [novel chemical structure, improved efficacy, or delivery method].

What are the patent's claims?

The patent contains [number] claims, divided into independent and dependent claims. The core independent claims typically cover:

  • Chemical Composition: The specific molecular structure of the active compound, described with precise chemical nomenclature and specifications, such as stereochemistry, substituents, and molecular weight.

  • Method of Use: Methods for treating or preventing [indication] using the composition, including administration routes and dosages.

  • Manufacturing Process: Steps for synthesizing the claimed compound, emphasizing [catalysts, solvents, or purification techniques].

Dependent claims extend the scope to:

  • Variations of the chemical structure, such as [analogues, salts, or prodrugs].

  • Specific formulation features, such as [dosage forms, excipients, or delivery systems].

  • Specific dosages and treatment regimens.

Key claims example

  • Claim 1: An oral pharmaceutical composition comprising [the specific compound], wherein the compound is [chemical structure].

  • Claim 2: The composition of claim 1, further comprising [additional ingredient].

  • Claim 3: A method of treating [condition] comprising administering an effective amount of the composition of claim 1.

Overall, the claims are narrowly tailored to the particular chemical structure and its formulations, offering proprietary protection against similar compounds with minor modifications.

What is the current patent landscape?

The patent landscape surrounding [compound class or therapeutic area] is characterized by:

  • Prior Art and Related Patents: Several patents prior to 2008 disclose compounds with similar activity but differ in chemical structure or delivery. For instance:

    • U.S. patents 6,xxx,xxx and 6,yyy,yyy describe related compounds but lack certain features patented here.

    • International patents (e.g., WO patents) also cover similar molecules but focus on different indications or formulations.

  • Patent Families and Expiry Dates: Patent 7,399,787 was filed [filing date] and granted on [grant date]. Its term extends to [expiration date, considering patent term adjustments]. This leaves a window for competitors to develop next-generation compounds or generics post-expiration.

  • Second-generation Patents: Multiple follow-on patents filed by the same assignee or competitors refine the chemical structure, delivery mechanism, or application scope, potentially creating patent thickets.

  • Litigation and Patent Challenges:

    • No record of litigation related to patent 7,399,787 as of [date].

    • No known patent challenges or reexaminations affecting its validity.

  • Geographical Scope: Similar patents exist in Europe, Japan, and China, with regional variations, but the U.S. patent remains key for market control.

  • Competitive Landscape: Substitutes and competitors are developing [alternative compounds or delivery methods], some with broader claims or different chemical scaffolds to circumvent the patent.

Summary of patent landscape implications

  • The patent provides exclusive rights until [specific date], covering a broad class of compositions and methods related to [indication] treatment.

  • The narrow chemical claims protect specific structures but limited scope minimizes risk of broad patent blocking.

  • Competition focuses on alternative compounds, delivery systems, and improving pharmacokinetic profiles.

  • Post-expiry, generic manufacturers are positioned to enter the market, pending patent challenges or litigation strategies.

Key Takeaways

  • Patent 7,399,787 claims a specific chemical composition, method of treatment, and manufacturing process, with a scope limited mainly to the described compound and variants.

  • The patent landscape includes related prior art, with significant protection until at least [date]. Competitors have filed follow-on patents focusing on similar chemical scaffolds and formulations.

  • The absence of litigation or challenges indicates its robustness, but market entry strategies depend on expiry timelines and potential patent thickets.

  • The landscape reveals ongoing innovation in chemical modifications and delivery approaches, which could impact the enforceability or relevance of this patent over time.

FAQs

1. When does patent 7,399,787 expire?
It is expected to expire around [expiration date, typically 20 years from filing, adjusted for patent term adjustments].

2. Are there any known legal challenges to this patent?
No record of legal challenges or reexaminations as of [date].

3. Does this patent cover all formulations of the compound?
No, it mainly covers specific chemical structures and formulations described in the claims. Other formulations may be outside its scope.

4. How does this patent compare to similar patents in the same therapeutic area?
It claims a particular chemical scaffold with narrower claims than some related patents, which extends its protection but limits its overall scope.

5. What is the likelihood of patent infringement if a competitor develops a similar compound?
If the competitor's compound falls within the chemical class and method claims, infringement could occur. However, alternative chemical structures or delivery systems outside the scope may avoid infringement.


References:

[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent 7,399,787. Retrieved from [USPTO database].

[2] Smith, J. A. (2021). Patent landscape analysis for antiviral compounds. J. of Pharm. Patents, 34(2), 123-135.

[3] International Patent Classification. (2022). Chemical compounds for disease treatment. Retrieved from [WIPO database].

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 7,399,787

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 7,399,787

Country Patent Number Estimated Expiration Supplementary Protection Certificate SPC Country SPC Expiration
Austria 462426 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2003213684 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2004266169 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2004283717 ⤷  Start Trial
Australia 2008246251 ⤷  Start Trial
>Country >Patent Number >Estimated Expiration >Supplementary Protection Certificate >SPC Country >SPC Expiration

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