United States Patent 10,183,931: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 10,183,931, titled "Rho kinase inhibitors," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of diseases and disorders related to Rho kinase inhibition. This patent, assigned to Kadmon Corporation, LLC, was issued on January 22, 2019. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by Masha Poyurovsky, Ji-In Kim, Kevin Liu, and Alexandra Zanin-Zhorov, and is assigned to Kadmon Corporation, LLC. This assignment indicates that Kadmon Corporation holds the exclusive rights to the inventions described in the patent[2][4].
Scope of the Patent
The patent 10,183,931 pertains to inhibitors of Rho kinase 1 (ROCK1) and Rho kinase 2 (ROCK2). Rho kinases are enzymes that play crucial roles in various cellular functions, including cell proliferation, migration, and contraction. The inhibitors described in this patent are designed to treat diseases and disorders associated with the activity of these enzymes.
Diseases and Disorders
The patent covers methods of treating a wide range of diseases and disorders, including but not limited to:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Neurological disorders
- Inflammatory diseases
- Cancer
- Fibrotic diseases
These inhibitors are chemically defined and include specific compounds that have been synthesized and tested for their efficacy in inhibiting ROCK1 and ROCK2[4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key types of claims:
Composition of Matter Claims
These claims define the chemical structure of the Rho kinase inhibitors. For example, the patent describes compounds with specific molecular structures that are effective in inhibiting ROCK1 and ROCK2[4].
Method of Treatment Claims
These claims outline the methods of using the inhibitors to treat various diseases and disorders. This includes dosing regimens, administration routes, and the specific conditions for which the inhibitors are effective[4].
Use Claims
These claims specify the therapeutic uses of the inhibitors. For instance, the patent claims the use of these inhibitors in treating conditions such as hypertension, stroke, and cancer[4].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding United States Patent 10,183,931 is complex and involves several related patents and applications.
Related Patents
Kadmon Corporation, LLC, holds several related patents that also pertain to Rho kinase inhibitors. For example:
- Patent 10,696,660, issued on June 30, 2020, also relates to inhibitors of ROCK1 and ROCK2 and shares similar inventors and assignees[2].
- Patent 11,311,541 and Patent 12,097,202 are additional patents that extend the scope of Rho kinase inhibition and treatment methods[2].
Expiration Dates
The patent 10,183,931 is set to expire on October 7, 2033. This expiration date is crucial for understanding the timeline during which Kadmon Corporation, LLC, holds exclusive rights to the invention[2].
Global Patent Family
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This service can help in understanding the global patent landscape for Rho kinase inhibitors[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
For conducting a thorough analysis of this patent and its landscape, several tools are available:
Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool is a powerful resource for searching prior art and understanding the patent landscape. It provides enhanced access to prior art and modern interfaces for searching patents[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The CCD application consolidates citation data from participating IP Offices, allowing users to visualize search results for the same invention produced by several offices on a single page[1].
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)
Local PTRCs offer training in patent search techniques and maintain local search resources, which can be invaluable for detailed analysis[1].
Economic and Strategic Implications
Understanding the scope and claims of this patent is crucial for both legal and strategic purposes.
Market Exclusivity
The patent grants Kadmon Corporation, LLC, exclusive rights to the invention until its expiration in 2033. This exclusivity period is critical for the company's market strategy and revenue generation[2].
Competitive Landscape
Analyzing the patent landscape helps competitors understand the boundaries of innovation and potential areas for new research and development. It also highlights the competitive advantage held by Kadmon Corporation, LLC, in the field of Rho kinase inhibitors[2].
Conclusion
United States Patent 10,183,931 is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the area of Rho kinase inhibition. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is essential for both legal compliance and strategic business decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Inventors and Assignees: Masha Poyurovsky, Ji-In Kim, Kevin Liu, and Alexandra Zanin-Zhorov; assigned to Kadmon Corporation, LLC.
- Scope: Inhibitors of ROCK1 and ROCK2 for treating various diseases and disorders.
- Claims: Composition of matter, method of treatment, and use claims.
- Patent Landscape: Related patents and global patent family.
- Expiration Date: October 7, 2033.
- Tools for Analysis: Patent Public Search, Common Citation Document (CCD), and PTRCs.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of United States Patent 10,183,931?
A: The primary focus is on inhibitors of Rho kinase 1 (ROCK1) and Rho kinase 2 (ROCK2) for treating various diseases and disorders.
Q: Who are the inventors of this patent?
A: The inventors are Masha Poyurovsky, Ji-In Kim, Kevin Liu, and Alexandra Zanin-Zhorov.
Q: What is the expiration date of this patent?
A: The patent is set to expire on October 7, 2033.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for this invention?
A: Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Common Citation Document (CCD), and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) can be used.
Q: What are some of the diseases and disorders treated by the inhibitors described in this patent?
A: The inhibitors are used to treat cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, inflammatory diseases, cancer, and fibrotic diseases.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Drugs.com - Generic Rezurock Availability: https://www.drugs.com/availability/generic-rezurock.html
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - Rho kinase inhibitors: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10183931B2/en
- Unified Patents - Rho Kinase Inhibitors: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/EP-2903618-A2
