Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 3,553,212
Introduction
United States Patent 3,553,212, patented on January 5, 1971, pertains to novel 2,16-diamino-androstane compounds, which are highly active neuromuscular blocking agents. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Scope of the Invention
The patent describes a class of compounds known as 2,16-diamino-androstanes, specifically those oxygenated in the 3- and 17-positions. These compounds are prepared by reacting a 16α,17α-oxido- or a 16-keto-steroid with an amine at elevated temperature and pressure, followed by reduction to the corresponding 17β-hydroxy derivative[2].
Key Features
- The compounds include amino groups that may be dialkylamino or heterocyclic amino groups.
- They can form acid-addition salts and quaternary ammonium salts.
- The quaternary ammonium salts derived from these compounds are biologically active, particularly as neuromuscular blocking agents and influencers of the autonomic nervous system[2].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes six claims that outline the specific compounds and their preparation methods:
Claim 1
- Describes the 2,16-diamino-androstane compounds oxygenated in the 3- and 17-positions, with amino groups that can be dialkylamino or heterocyclic amino groups[2].
Claim 2
- Specifies the acid-addition salts and quaternary ammonium salts of these compounds[2].
Claim 3
- Details the preparation method involving the reaction of a 16α,17α-oxido- or a 16-keto-steroid with an amine[2].
Claim 4
- Describes the reduction step to obtain the 17β-hydroxy derivative[2].
Claim 5
- Outlines the specific quaternary ammonium salts derived from alkyl or substituted alkyl halides, particularly those with biological activity[2].
Claim 6
- Covers the use of these compounds as neuromuscular blocking agents and their influence on the autonomic nervous system[2].
Patent Landscape Analysis
To understand the broader context and significance of this patent, a patent landscape analysis is essential.
Relevant Technologies and Industries
- The patent falls within the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, specifically in the area of neuromuscular blocking agents.
- It is part of a larger landscape of steroid-based compounds used in medical treatments[3].
Key Players
- The patent was granted to the inventors who developed these novel compounds, but it is also part of a broader ecosystem involving pharmaceutical companies and research institutions working on similar technologies.
- Companies like Organon International, which was involved in the development of related compounds, are key players in this landscape[2].
Geographic Filing Strategies
- The patent was filed in the United States, but similar patents and applications may have been filed in other countries, particularly in Europe and Japan, given the global nature of pharmaceutical research.
- International Intellectual Property Offices such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) would have relevant databases and filings[1].
Innovation Activity
- The patent indicates significant innovation in the field of neuromuscular blocking agents, which was a critical area of research in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- The development of these compounds reflects the ongoing efforts to improve anesthesia and surgical practices during that period[3].
Time to Market
- The patent was filed in 1968 and granted in 1971, indicating a relatively quick transition from research to patent approval.
- This suggests that the technology was considered important and was fast-tracked for approval, reflecting the urgency in medical research and development[2].
Categories and Populating the Landscape
To create a comprehensive patent landscape, the following categories would be relevant:
Technical Categories
- Neuromuscular blocking agents
- Steroid-based compounds
- Anesthesia-related technologies
Legal Categories
- Patent filings and grants in the pharmaceutical sector
- Litigation and defensive strategies related to these patents
Business Categories
- Market trends in pharmaceuticals
- Competitive analysis of companies involved in similar research
By categorizing the patents and related documents into these areas, a clearer picture of the innovation landscape, legal implications, and business strategies can be obtained[3].
Key Takeaways
- Innovation Focus: The patent highlights significant innovation in neuromuscular blocking agents, a critical area in medical research.
- Technical Scope: The compounds described are highly specific and have clear biological activities.
- Legal and Business Implications: The patent is part of a broader landscape that involves multiple stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.
- Geographic and Temporal Context: The patent was filed and granted during a period of rapid advancement in medical technologies and reflects global filing strategies.
FAQs
Q1: What are the primary compounds described in United States Patent 3,553,212?
- The primary compounds are 2,16-diamino-androstanes oxygenated in the 3- and 17-positions.
Q2: What is the significance of these compounds?
- These compounds are highly active neuromuscular blocking agents and influence the autonomic nervous system.
Q3: How are these compounds prepared?
- They are prepared by reacting a 16α,17α-oxido- or a 16-keto-steroid with an amine at elevated temperature and pressure, followed by reduction.
Q4: What are the key claims of the patent?
- The claims include the specific compounds, their preparation methods, and the formation of acid-addition and quaternary ammonium salts.
Q5: How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
- It is part of a larger landscape of pharmaceutical and biomedical research, particularly in the area of neuromuscular blocking agents and steroid-based compounds.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents[1]
- Google Patents - US3553212A[2]
- IP Checkups - How to perform a patent landscape analysis in 5 key steps[3]
