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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Overview of U.S. Patent 7,700,645
U.S. Patent 7,700,645 pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention. The patent was granted on April 20, 2010, and assigned to AbbVie Inc. It covers a novel compound, its pharmaceutical composition, and methods of use for treating certain medical conditions.
What is the scope of Patent 7,700,645?
The patent's scope encompasses:
- The chemical entity: a specified heterocyclic compound with defined structural features (as detailed in the claims).
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Methods of using the compound for treating particular diseases, primarily targeted at autoimmune or inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).
The patent claims are structured to protect both the compound itself and its therapeutic applications, including any formulations containing the compound.
What are the key claims?
Independent claims generally establish the core invention:
- Claim 1: Defines a chemical compound with a specific heterocyclic structure, including variations with certain substitutions.
- Claim 2: Covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 3: Describes a method of treating autoimmune diseases using the compound.
Dependent claims specify particular embodiments:
- Specific substitutions on the heterocycle.
- Certain formulations (e.g., tablet, capsule, injectable).
- Use in dosage regimes for particular conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.
The claims collectively aim to protect a broad class of compounds within the core structural formula while narrowing to specific substitution patterns and treatment uses.
What does the patent landscape look like?
Related Patents
- Several patents cite or are related to the '645 patent, primarily focusing on similar heterocyclic compounds, methods of synthesis, or therapeutic uses. Examples include patents assigned to AbbVie and other pharmaceutical entities developing JAK inhibitors or immunomodulators.
- The related patent landscape includes patents on similar chemical backbones, such as pyrrolopyrimidines or other heterocyclic compounds, which target kinase pathways or immune regulation.
Competitive Patents
- Competing companies, e.g., Pfizer, Sanofi, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, hold patents for alternative compounds targeting similar pathways (e.g., JAK inhibitors like tofacitinib or baricitinib).
- The scope overlaps with patents on kinase inhibitors used in autoimmune treatments, often leading to litigation or licensing negotiations.
Patent Family
- The patent belongs to a family targeting specific heterocyclic structures for immune modulation.
- Family members include international patents (WO applications), particularly in Europe and Japan, assessing the global patent coverage.
Expiration and Patent Term Extensions
- Expiry date: April 20, 2027, if no extensions granted.
- Potential extensions under patent term restoration laws or patent term extensions based on supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) available in some jurisdictions.
Legal Status
- The patent is active in the U.S., with no known oppositions or legal challenges.
- The patent's enforceability is supported by patent prosecution history, which indicates robust claim allowances.
Implications for R&D and Market Competition
- The patent offers exclusivity over a class of heterocyclic compounds with demonstrated utility in autoimmune diseases.
- It acts as a barrier for biosimilar or generic development until expiration.
- Companies in competitive space are developing similar compounds; these often focus on alternative chemical scaffolds targeting the same or similar pathways (e.g., JAK closet inhibitors).
Summary of Diagnostic Elements
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
7,700,645 |
| Filing date |
February 17, 2006 |
| Issue date |
April 20, 2010 |
| Patent expiration date |
April 20, 2027 (subject to extensions) |
| Assignee |
AbbVie Inc. |
| Claims |
Protects chemical compound, formulations, and therapeutic methods |
| Landscape focus |
Heterocyclic compounds, autoimmune disease treatment, kinase inhibition |
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 7,700,645 has a broad chemical scope covering selective heterocyclic compounds and their use in immune conditions.
- It is part of a larger patent family with international equivalents, strengthening global protection.
- The patent landscape includes active competitors developing similar therapeutic pathways, especially JAK inhibitors.
- The patent's lifecycle is beginning to approach its expiry, prompting R&D shifts or licensing pursuits.
- The patent serves as a critical intellectual property asset for AbbVie’s autoimmune drug pipeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the chemical scope of the patent's claims?
A1: The claims cover a class of heterocyclic compounds with specific structural features designed for immune modulation, with variations in substituents detailed in dependent claims.
Q2: Are there any ongoing legal challenges to this patent?
A2: As of the current status, no public disputes or opposition proceedings have been reported.
Q3: How does this patent influence market entry for competitors?
A3: The patent provides exclusive rights until 2027, preventing competitors from marketing identical compounds or uses within its scope without licensing or risking infringement.
Q4: Are there international equivalents?
A4: Yes, corresponding patent applications are filed in Europe, Japan, and other jurisdictions, extending protection worldwide.
Q5: What are the main competitors' patent strategies?
A5: Competitors develop alternative chemical scaffolds targeting the same biological pathways, with patents claiming different compounds, mechanisms, or formulations.
References
- U.S. Patent 7,700,645.
- Patent family filings and status reports (derived from public patent databases).
- Industry reports on autoimmune drug patent landscapes.
- FDA and patent office notices relevant to the patent lifecycle.
- Market analysis of JAK inhibitors and immunomodulators.
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