United States Patent 11,992,486: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 11,992,486, titled "Methods of treating prostate cancer," is a significant patent that outlines innovative approaches to treating prostate cancer using the drug niraparib. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US11992486B2
- Authority: United States
- Prior Art Date: The patent is part of a larger family of applications, but the specific prior art date is not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources[4].
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by Marco Gottardis, Rebecca Hawkins, and Linda A. Snyder, with the assignees being a pharmaceutical company, although the specific company is not mentioned in the sources provided[5].
Scope of the Patent
Method of Treatment
The patent describes methods of treating prostate cancer by administering niraparib to a human in need thereof. Niraparib is a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, which is known for its efficacy in treating certain types of cancer, particularly those associated with BRCA mutations[4].
Key Components
- Niraparib: The primary drug used in the treatment methods described.
- Prostate Cancer: The specific disease targeted by the treatment.
- BRCA Mutations: The patent mentions the relevance of BRCA mutations in the context of niraparib treatment, although it does not limit the treatment to only BRCA-related cases[4].
Claims of the Patent
Claim Structure
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects of the claims:
- Method Claims: These claims outline the specific steps involved in treating prostate cancer using niraparib. For example, claims might include the dosage regimen, the administration route, and any additional treatments that can be combined with niraparib[4].
- Composition Claims: These could include claims related to the formulation of niraparib, such as the chemical composition, dosage forms, and any excipients used[4].
Claim Examples
- Claim 1: A method of treating prostate cancer in a human, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of niraparib to the human.
- Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the niraparib is administered in combination with another therapeutic agent.
These claims are critical in defining the boundaries of the invention and what would be considered infringement.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape for prostate cancer treatments and PARP inhibitors is complex and involves numerous patents and applications. Here are a few key points:
- Global Dossier: This service, provided by the USPTO, allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This can help in understanding the broader patent landscape and potential overlaps or conflicts[1].
- International Patent Offices: Searching databases from other international intellectual property offices, such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), can provide insights into similar patents and applications globally[1].
Competing Technologies
Other treatments and technologies for prostate cancer are also patented and could be part of the competitive landscape. For example:
- Other PARP Inhibitors: Patents covering other PARP inhibitors like olaparib or talazoparib could be relevant competitors.
- Combination Therapies: Patents that describe combination therapies involving different classes of drugs could also be part of the competitive landscape[4].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
To fully understand the value and coverage of this patent, patent analytics tools can be invaluable.
- Claim Coverage Matrix: This tool helps in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to identify gaps or opportunities in the patent coverage. For example, ClaimScape® software can generate interactive claim charts to review patent coverage with technical experts[3].
- Scope Concepts: These concepts link claims on similar patents, providing a powerful categorization tool for filtering and analyzing large numbers of patent claims concurrently[3].
Practical Applications and Future Directions
Clinical Implications
The methods described in this patent have significant clinical implications for the treatment of prostate cancer. Niraparib has shown promise in clinical trials, and this patent solidifies the intellectual property around its use in this context.
Future Research and Development
- Combination Therapies: Future research might focus on combining niraparib with other therapeutic agents to enhance treatment efficacy.
- Personalized Medicine: The patent's focus on BRCA mutations suggests potential avenues for personalized medicine approaches, where treatments are tailored based on genetic profiles[4].
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Treatment Method: The patent introduces a novel method of treating prostate cancer using niraparib.
- Broad Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger landscape involving multiple patents and applications related to prostate cancer treatments and PARP inhibitors.
- Analytical Tools: Using patent analytics tools can help in understanding the full scope and value of the patent.
- Clinical and Research Implications: The patent has significant implications for clinical practice and future research in prostate cancer treatment.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary drug used in the treatment methods described in US Patent 11,992,486?
A: The primary drug used is niraparib, a PARP inhibitor.
Q: What is the specific disease targeted by the treatment methods in this patent?
A: The specific disease targeted is prostate cancer.
Q: How can one analyze the scope and claims of this patent in relation to other patents?
A: Using patent analytics tools such as Claim Coverage Matrix and scope concepts can help in analyzing the scope and claims of this patent in relation to other patents.
Q: What are some potential future directions for research based on this patent?
A: Future research might focus on combination therapies and personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiles.
Q: Where can one find more information about the patent family and related applications for this patent?
A: The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO can be used to see the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices[1].
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- DrugPatentWatch - Patent 11,992,486: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent/11992486
- SLWIP - Patent Analytics: https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
- Google Patents - US11992486B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US11992486B2/en
- USPTO Gazette - US 11,992,486 B2: https://patentsgazette.uspto.gov/week22/OG/html/1522-4/US11992486-20240528.html
