United States Patent 11,819,480: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Overview of the Patent
United States Patent 11,819,480, titled "Methods for treating cancer," is a significant development in the field of oncology, particularly focusing on treatments for cancer types that are resistant to certain therapies. Here is a detailed analysis of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Background and Context
The patent addresses a critical issue in cancer treatment: the development of resistance to therapies targeting the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), a common receptor in breast cancer cells. The invention aims to inhibit tumor growth or produce tumor regression in subjects with drug-resistant ERα-positive cancers[1].
Scope of the Patent
Invention Description
The patent describes methods for treating cancer using specific compounds and treatment regimens. It involves the use of fulvestrant, a known ERα antagonist, in combination with other therapeutic agents to overcome drug resistance. The methods outlined include administering fulvestrant and other drugs such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors to subjects with ERα-positive cancers that have developed resistance to these treatments[1].
Key Components
- Fulvestrant: A selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) that is central to the treatment methods described.
- Combination Therapies: The patent details various combinations of fulvestrant with other drugs to enhance efficacy against drug-resistant tumors.
- Dosing Regimens: Specific dosing schedules and administration methods are outlined to optimize the therapeutic effect.
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- The patent claims methods for inhibiting tumor growth or producing tumor regression in subjects with drug-resistant ERα-positive cancers using fulvestrant and other therapeutic agents.
- It specifies the use of fulvestrant in combination with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors.
Dependent Claims
- These claims further detail the specific dosing regimens, administration routes, and patient populations for which the methods are applicable.
- They also include claims related to the monitoring and adjustment of treatment based on patient response and side effects[1].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Novelty
The patent builds upon existing knowledge in the field of cancer treatment, particularly the use of fulvestrant and other ERα-targeting therapies. However, it introduces novel combinations and dosing regimens that address the issue of drug resistance, which is a significant advancement over prior art[1].
Related Patents and Publications
Other patents and publications in the field of cancer treatment often focus on single-agent therapies or different combinations that do not specifically address drug resistance in ERα-positive cancers. This patent fills a critical gap by providing methods to overcome resistance, making it a valuable addition to the existing body of knowledge[1].
Regulatory and Legal Framework
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) grants patents based on criteria such as novelty, nonobviousness, and utility. This patent meets these criteria by providing a new and useful method for treating drug-resistant cancers, which is not fully anticipated by prior art and is not obvious to a person skilled in the art[3].
Impact on Cancer Treatment
Clinical Significance
The methods described in this patent have the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with drug-resistant ERα-positive cancers. By overcoming resistance, these methods can extend the efficacy of existing therapies and improve patient survival rates.
Future Research Directions
This patent opens up new avenues for research in cancer treatment, particularly in the area of combination therapies and resistance mechanisms. Future studies can build on these methods to explore other combinations and dosing regimens that might be effective against various types of cancer.
Practical Considerations
Patent Enforcement and Infringement
The patent holder has the exclusive right to make, use, import, sell, or offer for sale the invention in the United States. Any unauthorized use of the methods described in the patent could result in infringement, which may lead to legal action[3].
Licensing and Collaboration
The patent holder may choose to license the technology to other companies or collaborate with researchers and pharmaceutical companies to further develop and commercialize the treatment methods.
Key Takeaways
- Novel Treatment Methods: The patent introduces new methods for treating drug-resistant ERα-positive cancers using fulvestrant and other therapeutic agents.
- Combination Therapies: The use of combination therapies is a key aspect of the patent, enhancing the efficacy against resistant tumors.
- Clinical Impact: The methods have the potential to improve treatment outcomes and patient survival rates.
- Regulatory Compliance: The patent meets the criteria for novelty, nonobviousness, and utility set by the USPTO.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 11,819,480?
A: The main focus is on methods for treating cancer, specifically addressing drug-resistant estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive cancers.
Q: What is fulvestrant, and how is it used in the patent?
A: Fulvestrant is a selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) used in combination with other therapeutic agents to treat drug-resistant ERα-positive cancers.
Q: What are the key components of the treatment methods described in the patent?
A: The key components include fulvestrant, combination therapies with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, and specific dosing regimens.
Q: How does this patent differ from prior art in cancer treatment?
A: This patent introduces novel combinations and dosing regimens to overcome drug resistance, which is a significant advancement over prior art.
Q: What are the potential clinical benefits of the methods described in the patent?
A: The methods have the potential to improve treatment outcomes and patient survival rates by overcoming drug resistance in ERα-positive cancers.
Sources
- US11819480B2 - Methods for treating cancer - Google Patents
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) - USAGov
- Patents and Innovation Policy - CRS Reports
- U.S. Patent Small Claims Court - ACUS
- Search for patents - USPTO
