United States Patent 10,632,114: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 10,632,114, titled "Pyruvate Kinase Activators for Use in Therapy," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of various diseases related to pyruvate kinase deficiency. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Prior Art
The patent is part of a series of continuations, starting from U.S. Ser. No. 14/115,289, filed on February 11, 2014, and is associated with several other patents and applications in the same family[2][4].
Scope of the Patent
Overview
The patent describes methods and compounds for activating pyruvate kinase, an enzyme crucial for energy production in cells. Pyruvate kinase activators are designed to treat diseases such as hemolytic anemia, thalassemia, and hereditary spherocytosis, among others[4].
Therapeutic Applications
The scope of the patent includes the use of these activators in therapeutic procedures. The compounds are intended to enhance the activity of pyruvate kinase, thereby improving the metabolic function of red blood cells and other tissues affected by these diseases. The therapeutic effects are aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with these conditions[4].
Claims
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes a series of independent and dependent claims that define the scope of the invention. Independent claims outline the broad aspects of the invention, such as the composition of the pyruvate kinase activators and their use in therapy. Dependent claims provide more specific details, including the chemical structures of the compounds, their pharmacologically acceptable salts, and the methods of administration[4].
Key Claim Elements
- Compounds: The patent claims cover a wide range of chemical compounds that activate pyruvate kinase. These include specific alkyl, alkynyl, and bicyclic groups, as well as various substituted chemical groups[4].
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: Claims also include pharmaceutical compositions containing these activators, along with acceptable carriers and excipients[4].
- Therapeutic Methods: The patent claims methods for treating diseases using these pyruvate kinase activators, including dosing regimens and administration routes[4].
Patent Landscape
Family of Patents
The patent is part of a larger family of patents and applications that have evolved over several years. This family includes multiple continuations and divisional applications, each contributing to the broader scope of pyruvate kinase activators and their therapeutic uses[2][4].
International Patent Offices
The patent landscape extends beyond the United States, with corresponding applications and grants in other countries. This is facilitated by international patent cooperation agreements and databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Competitors and Related Patents
The field of pyruvate kinase activators is competitive, with other companies and researchers working on similar compounds and therapeutic methods. Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc., the assignee of this patent, is a key player in this field, but other entities may also hold related patents and applications[5].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
To conduct a thorough analysis of the patent landscape, tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS) are invaluable. These resources provide access to prior art, patent family information, and detailed bibliographic data[1].
International Databases
Databases like esp@cenet from the EPO, PATENTSCOPE from WIPO, and the Japan Patent Office's database offer comprehensive search capabilities for international patents. These tools help in identifying related patents and assessing the global patent landscape[1].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and applications, which can be used to analyze the scope and trends in patent claims. This dataset can help researchers and analysts understand the evolution of patent scope measurements and their economic implications[3].
Economic Impact
Patents like 10,632,114 have significant economic implications, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. They influence research and development investments, licensing agreements, and the overall market competition. The therapeutic impact of these patents can also lead to substantial economic benefits through improved healthcare outcomes and reduced healthcare costs[3].
Key Takeaways
- Therapeutic Focus: The patent focuses on the activation of pyruvate kinase for therapeutic purposes, targeting diseases such as hemolytic anemia and thalassemia.
- Broad Claims: The patent includes a range of claims covering specific compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods.
- International Scope: The patent is part of a global patent family with corresponding applications in various countries.
- Competitive Landscape: The field is competitive, with multiple players holding related patents and applications.
- Economic Impact: The patent has significant economic implications for the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare outcomes.
FAQs
What is the primary therapeutic application of the compounds described in US Patent 10,632,114?
The primary therapeutic application is the treatment of diseases related to pyruvate kinase deficiency, such as hemolytic anemia, thalassemia, and hereditary spherocytosis.
How does the patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
The patent is part of a family of patents and applications that have evolved over several years, with corresponding international applications and grants.
What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for pyruvate kinase activators?
Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, PEDS, and international databases like esp@cenet and PATENTSCOPE can be used.
Who is the assignee of US Patent 10,632,114?
The assignee is Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc.
What is the economic impact of patents like 10,632,114?
These patents influence research and development investments, licensing agreements, and market competition, leading to significant economic benefits through improved healthcare outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Justia Patents - US Patent Application for PYRUVATE KINASE ACTIVATORS FOR: https://patents.justia.com/patent/20240277701
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US10632114B2 - Pyruvate kinase activators for use in therapy: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10632114B2/en
- Unified Patents Portal - US-5843485-A: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-5843485-A