Details for Patent: 4,221,778

Summary for Patent: 4,221,778

Title:	Prolonged release pharmaceutical preparations
Abstract:	Prolonged release pharmaceutical preparations containing ion exchange resin drug complexes at least a substantial portion of which have been treated with a solvating agent and provided with a diffusion barrier coating.
Inventor(s):	Raghunathan; Yegnaswami (Fairport, NY)
Assignee:	Pennwalt Corporation (Philadelphia, PA)
Application Number:	06/001,644
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Composition; Compound;

United States Patent 4,221,778: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape

Introduction

United States Patent 4,221,778, titled "Prolonged Release Pharmaceutical Preparations," was granted on September 9, 1980, to the inventor Raghunathan. This patent is significant in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of prolonged release drug delivery systems. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.

Background and Invention Overview

The patent describes a method for preparing pharmaceutical preparations that utilize ion exchange resins to achieve prolonged drug release. The invention involves adsorbing pharmacologically active drugs onto ion exchange resins, which are then coated to control the release of the drug over an extended period[4].

Scope of the Patent

The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected. Here are the key elements:

Claims

• The patent includes claims related to the composition of the pharmaceutical preparations, including the use of ion exchange resins and the coating process.
• It specifies the types of drugs that can be used, such as those adsorbed onto the resin particles.
• The claims also cover the methods of preparing these prolonged release formulations, including the coating techniques and materials used[4].

Key Components

• Ion Exchange Resins: The patent emphasizes the use of ion exchange resins, particularly sulfonic acid cationic exchange resin particles, as the core component for drug adsorption[4][5].
• Coating Process: The coating method is crucial for controlling the drug release rate. The patent describes various coating materials and techniques to achieve the desired release profile[4].

Patent Claims Analysis

The claims in the patent can be categorized into several types:

Composition Claims

These claims define the composition of the pharmaceutical preparations, including the ion exchange resins and the drugs adsorbed onto them.

Method Claims

These claims cover the methods of preparing the prolonged release formulations, including the steps involved in coating the resin particles.

Use Claims

These claims specify the intended use of the pharmaceutical preparations, which is to provide a prolonged release of the drug.

Example Claims

• Claim 1: "A pharmaceutical preparation comprising ion exchange resin particles having a pharmacologically active drug adsorbed thereon, said particles being coated with a barrier coating to control the release of the drug."
• Claim 2: "The preparation of claim 1 wherein the ion exchange resin is a sulfonic acid cationic exchange resin."
• Claim 3: "The preparation of claim 1 wherein the coating is a polyethylene glycol coating."

These claims collectively define the protected scope of the invention[4].

Patent Landscape

To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to look at related patents and international filings.

Related Patents

• Other patents in the same field often involve similar technologies, such as coated ion exchange resins for drug delivery. For example, European Patent EP0254811A2 also deals with coated ion exchange resin particles, highlighting the ongoing innovation in this area[5].

International Filings

• The invention may have been filed in other countries as part of an international patent strategy. Resources like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PATENTSCOPE® Search Service and national patent offices' databases can be used to identify these filings[1].

Prior Art and Citations

• The patent cites prior art related to drug delivery systems and ion exchange resins. Understanding these citations can provide insights into the evolution of the technology and potential limitations or improvements over prior art[4].

Economic and Market Impact

The economic impact of this patent can be significant, given the importance of prolonged release pharmaceutical preparations in the healthcare industry.

Market Demand

• Prolonged release formulations are in high demand due to their convenience and therapeutic benefits. This demand drives innovation and investment in research and development.

Competitive Landscape

• The patent landscape in this field is competitive, with multiple players developing similar technologies. Companies must navigate this landscape carefully to avoid infringement and to identify opportunities for collaboration or licensing.

Legal Status and Expiration

The legal status of the patent is crucial for understanding its current applicability.

• Expiration: The patent has expired, as it was granted in 1980 and the typical patent term is 20 years from the filing date. This means that the technology described is now in the public domain and can be freely used by others[4].

Conclusion

United States Patent 4,221,778 represents a significant innovation in the field of prolonged release pharmaceutical preparations. The scope of the patent, defined by its claims, protects the specific methods and compositions related to ion exchange resins and coating processes. Understanding the broader patent landscape, including related patents and international filings, is essential for navigating this complex field.

Key Takeaways

• The patent describes a method for preparing prolonged release pharmaceutical preparations using ion exchange resins.
• The claims cover the composition, method of preparation, and use of these preparations.
• The patent has expired, making the technology publicly available.
• The broader patent landscape includes related patents and international filings that highlight ongoing innovation in drug delivery systems.

FAQs

Q: What is the main invention described in United States Patent 4,221,778?

A: The main invention is a method for preparing prolonged release pharmaceutical preparations using ion exchange resins.

Q: What are the key components of the patented invention?

A: The key components include ion exchange resins, particularly sulfonic acid cationic exchange resin particles, and a coating process to control drug release.

Q: What is the current legal status of the patent?

A: The patent has expired, as it was granted in 1980 and the typical patent term is 20 years from the filing date.

Q: How does this patent impact the pharmaceutical industry?

A: The patent has contributed to the development of prolonged release drug delivery systems, which are highly valued for their convenience and therapeutic benefits.

Q: Can other companies use the technology described in this patent?

A: Yes, since the patent has expired, the technology is now in the public domain and can be freely used by others.

Sources

1. USPTO - Search for patents: "How to Conduct a Preliminary U.S. Patent Search: A Step by Step Strategy."
2. Google Patents - EP0139881A1: "Liquid prolonged release..."
3. USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: "Patent Claims Research Dataset."
4. Google Patents - US4221778A: "Prolonged release pharmaceutical preparations."
5. European Patent - EP0254811A2: "Coated ion exchange resins."

Drugs Protected by US Patent 4,221,778

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate