Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 11,292,815
Introduction
United States Patent 11,292,815, titled "Cell-reactive, long-acting, or targeted compstatin analogs and related compositions and methods," is a significant patent in the field of biomedical research, particularly in the area of complement system regulation. Here, we will delve into the details of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape it inhabits.
Background on Compstatin
Compstatin is a peptide known for its potent inhibitory activity against the complement system, a part of the immune system that helps clear pathogens from the body. However, uncontrolled activation of the complement system can lead to tissue damage and various diseases. Compstatin analogs are designed to improve upon the natural peptide's properties, such as stability, efficacy, and specificity.
Patent Overview
The patent US 11,292,815 describes compositions and methods involving compstatin analogs that are cell-reactive, long-acting, or targeted. Here are the key aspects:
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims can be broadly categorized into several types:
- Composition Claims: These claims cover the compstatin analogs themselves, including their chemical structures and modifications that enhance their properties. For example, the patent describes analogs with specific amino acid substitutions or additions that improve stability and activity[1].
- Method Claims: These claims pertain to the methods of making, using, and administering these compstatin analogs. This includes methods for treating or preventing diseases associated with complement system dysregulation[1].
- Targeted Claims: These claims focus on targeted delivery systems for the compstatin analogs, ensuring they reach specific cells or tissues where they are most needed[1].
Cell-Reactive Compstatin Analogs
These analogs are designed to interact specifically with cells, enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. The patent details how these analogs can be engineered to bind to particular cell surface receptors or molecules, thereby targeting the complement system's activity at the cellular level[1].
Long-Acting Compstatin Analogs
To overcome the limitations of natural compstatin's short half-life, the patent describes long-acting analogs. These are modified to increase their stability and duration of action, allowing for less frequent administration and improved therapeutic outcomes[1].
Targeted Delivery Systems
The patent also covers targeted delivery systems for these analogs, which are crucial for maximizing therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects. This includes conjugation with targeting moieties that direct the analogs to specific tissues or cells[1].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is essential for navigating the intellectual property rights associated with compstatin analogs.
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent US 11,292,815 builds upon existing knowledge in the field of complement system regulation. Prior art includes other patents and research related to compstatin and its analogs. The patent's claims are carefully crafted to distinguish the invention from prior art, ensuring novelty and non-obviousness[1].
Competing Patents and Technologies
The patent landscape in this area is dynamic, with multiple players developing similar technologies. Companies and research institutions are continually filing new patents related to complement system inhibitors, making it essential to monitor and analyze the patent landscape regularly[3].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
To fully understand the protection and gaps in intellectual property, patent analytics tools can be used. These tools help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, identifying areas of high, medium, or low value to the company, and highlighting future design opportunities[3].
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Patents must comply with legal and regulatory standards to ensure their validity and enforceability.
Patent Eligibility
The patent must pass the test of patent eligibility, particularly the "Alice" test, which determines whether the claims are directed to abstract ideas or natural phenomena. In this case, the specific technological improvements and the detailed descriptions of the compstatin analogs and their methods of use ensure that the patent claims are patent-eligible[2].
International Patent System
The global patent system, facilitated by services like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document, helps in harmonizing patent searches and examinations across different jurisdictions. This is crucial for protecting intellectual property on a global scale[4].
Practical Applications and Future Directions
The compstatin analogs described in this patent have significant potential for treating various diseases associated with complement system dysregulation.
Therapeutic Applications
These analogs can be used in treating conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and other inflammatory diseases. The targeted and long-acting nature of these analogs makes them promising therapeutic agents[1].
Research and Development
Continued research and development are necessary to fully exploit the potential of these compstatin analogs. This includes further optimization of their structures, exploration of new delivery systems, and clinical trials to establish their safety and efficacy in humans.
Key Takeaways
- Compstatin Analogs: The patent covers cell-reactive, long-acting, and targeted compstatin analogs with improved stability and efficacy.
- Claims: The patent includes composition, method, and targeted delivery claims that define the scope of the invention.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a dynamic landscape with ongoing research and development in complement system regulation.
- Legal Considerations: The patent complies with patent eligibility standards and is part of the global patent system.
- Practical Applications: The compstatin analogs have significant therapeutic potential for treating various diseases.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of United States Patent 11,292,815?
A: The primary focus is on cell-reactive, long-acting, or targeted compstatin analogs and related compositions and methods.
Q: How do the compstatin analogs described in the patent improve upon natural compstatin?
A: They are modified to enhance stability, specificity, and duration of action, and can be targeted to specific cells or tissues.
Q: What are the potential therapeutic applications of these compstatin analogs?
A: They can be used to treat diseases associated with complement system dysregulation, such as age-related macular degeneration and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
Q: How does the patent ensure its claims are patent-eligible?
A: The claims are specific and technological, ensuring they pass the "Alice" test by not being directed to abstract ideas.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for compstatin analogs?
A: Patent analytics tools, such as Claim Coverage Matrix and ClaimScape software, can help in categorizing and analyzing patent claims and scope concepts.
Sources
- US11292815B2 - Cell-reactive, long-acting, or targeted compstatin analogs and related compositions and methods.
- CONTOUR IP HOLDING LLC v. GOPRO, INC..
- Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law.
- Search for patents - USPTO.
