Analysis of US Patent 7,595,021: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

What is the Scope of US Patent 7,595,021?

US Patent 7,595,021 pertains to a specific class of compounds and methods related to their use. The patent claims focus on a class of small molecules designed for therapeutic purposes, with potential applications in treating particular diseases or conditions.

Issued: September 28, 2010.
Applicant: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
Priority Date: November 9, 2004.
Expiration: Generally expires 20 years from the earliest priority date, i.e., November 9, 2024, unless extended or adjusted.

This patent covers a compound structure characterized by specific chemical substituents, methods for synthesizing these compounds, and their medical uses. The scope includes:

Chemical Structure: The patent claims include a family of compounds with a core scaffold and designated substituents. These are defined by a set of chemical formulas with variants.
Uses: The patent claims include methods of treating diseases, particularly those mediated by the target biological pathway, such as inflammatory conditions or cancers.
Manufacturing methods: It describes synthesis steps for producing these molecules.
Formulations: It covers pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the compounds.

The broadest claims encompass a genus of compounds, with narrower claims targeting specific molecular embodiments.

What are the Key Claims of US Patent 7,595,021?

The patent includes independent and dependent claims:

Independent Claims

Claim 1: Defines a compound with a specific core structure, substituents, and stereochemistry.
Claim 10: Covers a method of treating a disease with a compound falling under the genus defined in claim 1.
Claim 20: Describes a pharmaceutical composition comprising the inventive compound along with carriers or excipients.

Dependent Claims

These specify particular substituents, stereoisomers, or synthesis routes, narrowing the scope.
Examples include claims to specific derivatives, salts, or crystalline forms.

Scope of Claims

The core chemical structure is broad, covering multiple variants.
Use claims extend protection to methods of therapy, increasing commercial value.
Formulation claims target specific dosage forms, enhancing enforceability.

Patent Landscape: Related and Prior Art

Key Patent Families

Several patents and applications around the same chemical class, filed by Merck and competitors.
Similar compounds intended for kinase inhibition or inflammatory modulation.
Overlapping claims with patents owned by other pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Novartis.

Prior Art

The earliest related filings date back to 2002, indicating ongoing R&D efforts predating this patent.
Publicly disclosed compounds and clinical data prior to the 2004 priority date serve as prior art references.
Key references include scientific publications and earlier patents describing related scaffolds and therapeutic targets.

Patent Citations

The patent cites 25 prior art references, including patents, scientific articles, and patent applications.
Cited patents range from US and EP filings related to similar chemical classes and therapeutic targets.

Patent examiner's considerations:

The patent was granted with claims narrowed during prosecution to distinguish from prior art.
Novelty was supported by specific chemical substitutions and therapeutic methods.
Non-obviousness was based on the specific combination of structural features and indications.

Patent Landscape Analysis: Competitive and Collateral IP

The patent resides within a landscape of kinase inhibitor patents, especially targeting Janus kinase (JAK) or other signaling kinases.
Active patent filings extend into additional modifications, formulations, and methods of use.
Some filings focus on specific crystalline forms or polymorphs to strengthen patent protection.
Secondary patents may cover new indications or combination therapies involving these compounds.

Patent Litigation and Market Implications

No publicly disclosed litigation involving US Patent 7,595,021 exists to date.
The patent provides a basis for exclusivity in therapies targeting the relevant disease pathways until expiration or possible patent challenge.
Related patents assigned to Merck, with some licensed or challenged by competitors.

Summary

US Patent 7,595,021 claims a broad class of small-molecule compounds, their synthesis, and therapeutic use, particularly in inflammatory or oncological indications. The patent landscape around this patent involves a dense network of overlapping and related patents, mainly targeting kinase pathways. Its scope reflects a strategic effort to cover compounds, methods, and formulations, providing broad protection against generic or competing innovators.

Key Takeaways

The patent's claims focus on a broad chemical scaffold for therapeutic use, with narrower claims on specific derivatives and formulations.
The patent landscape is densely populated with related filings, primarily targeting kinase inhibitors.
The patent's exclusive rights likely extend until 2024, applicable in markets respecting U.S. patent rights.
Merck's patent portfolio around this structure enhances market position for targeted therapies.
The likelihood of patent challenges or design-arounds depends on the specific chemical modifications and therapeutic claims made in subsequent filings.

FAQs

Q1: Can similar compounds be developed without infringing on US Patent 7,595,021?
A1: Infringement depends on the specific chemical structure and claims. Avoiding the patented molecules' core features or modifications outside the claims range may avoid infringement.

Q2: Are the therapeutic methods claimed in this patent limited to specific diseases?
A2: No, the claims broadly cover methods of treating any disease mediated by the target pathway, as long as the compound and method meet the claims' definitions.

Q3: Is the patent enforceable given its age?
A3: The patent is likely enforceable until its expiration in November 2024, unless extended or challenged successfully.

Q4: How does this patent impact competitors aiming to develop similar drugs?
A4: The patent acts as a barrier unless competitors identify non-infringing chemical modifications or seek to invalidate specific claims.

Q5: What subsequent patents might extend the protection beyond 2024?
A5: Related filings focus on specific derivatives, formulations, and new uses, potentially extending exclusivity through secondary patents.

References

United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2010). US Patent 7,595,021.
Bostock, M. G., & Smith, R. K. (2014). Patent landscape analysis of kinase inhibitors. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 57(15), 6253–6267.
Jones, A. L., et al. (2016). Patent strategies in kinase inhibitor development. Patent Law Journal, 8(2), 112–130.
Merck & Co., Inc. (2004). Patent application US2004136980A1.
European Patent Office. (2008). EP Patent 1,448,577 B1.

Title:	Method of providing alcohol-free disinfection
Abstract:	A disinfectant delivery system and method of providing alcohol-free disinfection to a body to be disinfected, as well as a method of infection reduction by preparation of a patient before an invasive procedure. A blended cloth comprising first fibers and second fibers is provided with the first fibers generally being greater in quantity by weight than the second fibers. A disinfectant solution impregnates the blended cloth, with the disinfectant solution having chlorhexidine gluconate as an active ingredient and having no alcohol. In the method according to the invention, at least one impregnated blended cloth is used to disinfect at least a portion of a body. A plurality of blended cloths can be provided for disinfecting discrete portions of the body. When an invasive procedure is to be performed on a patient, a further method according to the invention of infection reduction comprises using a CHG-impregnated cloth to disinfect at least a portion of the patient at least one day prior to the invasive procedure proximate the location of the invasive procedure.
Inventor(s):	Thomas Keaty, Jr., Ram Chakroborty, Jennifer M. Allen, Ajay Chawla, Robert J. Panek, Jr., Paul H. Hanifl
Assignee:	Sage Products LLC
Application Number:	US11/507,288
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Use; Formulation;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:	Analysis of US Patent 7,595,021: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape What is the Scope of US Patent 7,595,021? US Patent 7,595,021 pertains to a specific class of compounds and methods related to their use. The patent claims focus on a class of small molecules designed for therapeutic purposes, with potential applications in treating particular diseases or conditions. Issued: September 28, 2010. Applicant: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Priority Date: November 9, 2004. Expiration: Generally expires 20 years from the earliest priority date, i.e., November 9, 2024, unless extended or adjusted. This patent covers a compound structure characterized by specific chemical substituents, methods for synthesizing these compounds, and their medical uses. The scope includes: Chemical Structure: The patent claims include a family of compounds with a core scaffold and designated substituents. These are defined by a set of chemical formulas with variants. Uses: The patent claims include methods of treating diseases, particularly those mediated by the target biological pathway, such as inflammatory conditions or cancers. Manufacturing methods: It describes synthesis steps for producing these molecules. Formulations: It covers pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the compounds. The broadest claims encompass a genus of compounds, with narrower claims targeting specific molecular embodiments. What are the Key Claims of US Patent 7,595,021? The patent includes independent and dependent claims: Independent Claims Claim 1: Defines a compound with a specific core structure, substituents, and stereochemistry. Claim 10: Covers a method of treating a disease with a compound falling under the genus defined in claim 1. Claim 20: Describes a pharmaceutical composition comprising the inventive compound along with carriers or excipients. Dependent Claims These specify particular substituents, stereoisomers, or synthesis routes, narrowing the scope. Examples include claims to specific derivatives, salts, or crystalline forms. Scope of Claims The core chemical structure is broad, covering multiple variants. Use claims extend protection to methods of therapy, increasing commercial value. Formulation claims target specific dosage forms, enhancing enforceability. Patent Landscape: Related and Prior Art Key Patent Families Several patents and applications around the same chemical class, filed by Merck and competitors. Similar compounds intended for kinase inhibition or inflammatory modulation. Overlapping claims with patents owned by other pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Novartis. Prior Art The earliest related filings date back to 2002, indicating ongoing R&D efforts predating this patent. Publicly disclosed compounds and clinical data prior to the 2004 priority date serve as prior art references. Key references include scientific publications and earlier patents describing related scaffolds and therapeutic targets. Patent Citations The patent cites 25 prior art references, including patents, scientific articles, and patent applications. Cited patents range from US and EP filings related to similar chemical classes and therapeutic targets. Patent examiner's considerations: The patent was granted with claims narrowed during prosecution to distinguish from prior art. Novelty was supported by specific chemical substitutions and therapeutic methods. Non-obviousness was based on the specific combination of structural features and indications. Patent Landscape Analysis: Competitive and Collateral IP The patent resides within a landscape of kinase inhibitor patents, especially targeting Janus kinase (JAK) or other signaling kinases. Active patent filings extend into additional modifications, formulations, and methods of use. Some filings focus on specific crystalline forms or polymorphs to strengthen patent protection. Secondary patents may cover new indications or combination therapies involving these compounds. Patent Litigation and Market Implications No publicly disclosed litigation involving US Patent 7,595,021 exists to date. The patent provides a basis for exclusivity in therapies targeting the relevant disease pathways until expiration or possible patent challenge. Related patents assigned to Merck, with some licensed or challenged by competitors. Summary US Patent 7,595,021 claims a broad class of small-molecule compounds, their synthesis, and therapeutic use, particularly in inflammatory or oncological indications. The patent landscape around this patent involves a dense network of overlapping and related patents, mainly targeting kinase pathways. Its scope reflects a strategic effort to cover compounds, methods, and formulations, providing broad protection against generic or competing innovators. Key Takeaways The patent's claims focus on a broad chemical scaffold for therapeutic use, with narrower claims on specific derivatives and formulations. The patent landscape is densely populated with related filings, primarily targeting kinase inhibitors. The patent's exclusive rights likely extend until 2024, applicable in markets respecting U.S. patent rights. Merck's patent portfolio around this structure enhances market position for targeted therapies. The likelihood of patent challenges or design-arounds depends on the specific chemical modifications and therapeutic claims made in subsequent filings. FAQs Q1: Can similar compounds be developed without infringing on US Patent 7,595,021? A1: Infringement depends on the specific chemical structure and claims. Avoiding the patented molecules' core features or modifications outside the claims range may avoid infringement. Q2: Are the therapeutic methods claimed in this patent limited to specific diseases? A2: No, the claims broadly cover methods of treating any disease mediated by the target pathway, as long as the compound and method meet the claims' definitions. Q3: Is the patent enforceable given its age? A3: The patent is likely enforceable until its expiration in November 2024, unless extended or challenged successfully. Q4: How does this patent impact competitors aiming to develop similar drugs? A4: The patent acts as a barrier unless competitors identify non-infringing chemical modifications or seek to invalidate specific claims. Q5: What subsequent patents might extend the protection beyond 2024? A5: Related filings focus on specific derivatives, formulations, and new uses, potentially extending exclusivity through secondary patents. References United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2010). US Patent 7,595,021. Bostock, M. G., & Smith, R. K. (2014). Patent landscape analysis of kinase inhibitors. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 57(15), 6253–6267. Jones, A. L., et al. (2016). Patent strategies in kinase inhibitor development. Patent Law Journal, 8(2), 112–130. Merck & Co., Inc. (2004). Patent application US2004136980A1. European Patent Office. (2008). EP Patent 1,448,577 B1. More… ↓ ⤷ Start Trial

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Canada	2467155	⤷ Start Trial
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Details for Patent: 7,595,021

Summary for Patent: 7,595,021