United States Patent 4,386,085: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
United States Patent 4,386,085, titled "Novel Steroids," is a significant patent that outlines the synthesis, properties, and applications of novel steroid derivatives. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and State of the Art
The patent builds upon earlier work described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,296, which details steroids substituted in the 11-position with various substituents. The current patent expands on this by introducing new steroid derivatives and their preparation methods[2].
Scope of the Invention
The patent covers a wide range of novel steroid compounds, particularly those with substitutions at the 11-position and modifications at other positions. Here are the key aspects of the scope:
Novel Steroid Compounds
The patent describes the synthesis of steroid derivatives with specific substitutions, including those with ketal, thioketal, oxime, or methyloxime groups. These compounds are designed to have particular pharmacological properties, such as antiglucocorticoid activity[2].
Preparation Methods
The invention includes several novel processes for preparing these steroid compounds. These methods involve reactions with dehydration agents, ketalization agents, reducing agents, and etherification agents. For example, the use of sulfonic acid resins, inorganic acids, and peracids is detailed for freeing ketone groups and introducing specific substituents[1].
Specific Compounds and Their Synthesis
The patent provides detailed examples of the synthesis of specific compounds, such as the preparation of 3,3-[1,2-ethanediyl-bisoxy]-17α-(prop-1-ynyl)-5α,10α-epoxy-9(11)-estrene-17α-ol. These compounds are synthesized through a series of reactions involving epoxidation, ketalization, and reduction steps[1].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes 46 claims that cover various aspects of the invention:
Compound Claims
Claims are made for the novel steroid compounds themselves, including their structures and the specific substituents at various positions. These claims are crucial for defining the intellectual property protected by the patent[2].
Process Claims
The patent claims cover the methods for preparing these compounds, including the use of specific reagents and reaction conditions. These process claims are essential for protecting the innovative synthesis methods described in the patent[1].
Use Claims
Claims are also made for the use of these compounds in pharmaceutical applications, particularly as antiglucocorticoids. This includes the composition of these compounds with inert pharmaceutical carriers or excipients[1].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the broader patent landscape is crucial for assessing the significance and impact of this patent.
Related Patents
Other patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,296, provide context and background information on steroid chemistry. French patent No. 2,423,486 is also referenced for specific epoxidation methods used in the synthesis of these compounds[1].
Competitive Landscape
The development and commercialization of these steroid derivatives have been influenced by various factors, including regulatory approvals and market demand. For example, the approval and commercialization of mifepristone, a related steroid derivative, have been subject to significant regulatory and societal scrutiny[4].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
To fully understand the protection and value of this patent, patent analytics tools can be employed:
Claim Coverage Matrix
A Claim Coverage Matrix can help identify which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property related to these steroid derivatives. This tool categorizes patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to analyze large numbers of patent claims concurrently[3].
Scope Concepts
The scope concepts of the patent claims relate directly to their value. High-value claims are those that are currently crucial to the company, while medium-value claims indicate potential future directions. Low-value claims may not be worth maintaining. Interactive claim charts generated by tools like ClaimScape® can help in this analysis[3].
Applications and Impact
The novel steroid compounds and their preparation methods described in this patent have significant pharmaceutical applications:
Antiglucocorticoid Activity
These compounds are designed to have antiglucocorticoid activity, making them useful in various medical treatments. The specific pharmacological properties of these compounds are a key focus of the patent[1].
Market and Regulatory Environment
The approval and use of these compounds are subject to regulatory oversight. For instance, the approval process for mifepristone, a related compound, involved extensive clinical trials and regulatory hurdles[4].
Key Takeaways
- Novel Compounds: The patent introduces new steroid derivatives with specific substitutions and modifications.
- Preparation Methods: Detailed processes for synthesizing these compounds are provided, including the use of various reagents and reaction conditions.
- Claims: The patent includes claims for the compounds, their preparation methods, and their pharmaceutical uses.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of steroid chemistry patents and is influenced by regulatory and market factors.
- Patent Analytics: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and scope concepts help in analyzing the value and protection of the patent claims.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 4,386,085?
The main focus of this patent is the synthesis, properties, and applications of novel steroid derivatives, particularly those with antiglucocorticoid activity.
What are the key preparation methods described in the patent?
The patent describes methods involving dehydration agents, ketalization agents, reducing agents, and etherification agents to synthesize the steroid compounds.
How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
This patent builds upon earlier work in steroid chemistry and is part of a larger landscape that includes related patents and regulatory approvals.
What is the significance of the claims in this patent?
The claims cover the novel compounds, their preparation methods, and their pharmaceutical uses, providing broad protection for the intellectual property.
How can patent analytics tools help in understanding this patent?
Patent analytics tools, such as Claim Coverage Matrix and scope concepts, help in categorizing and analyzing the claims to determine their value and coverage.
What are some of the pharmaceutical applications of the compounds described in this patent?
The compounds are designed to have antiglucocorticoid activity, making them useful in various medical treatments.
Sources
- US4634695A - Steroid derivatives - Google Patents
- United States Patent (19) - googleapis.com
- Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law
- Mifepristone - Wikipedia
