United States Patent 4,387,103: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 4,387,103, titled "Method for Treatment or Prophylaxis of Cardiac Disorders," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly concerning the treatment of cardiac conditions. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Invention
The patent, granted on August 9, 1983, to the inventors of the pharmaceutical company Ohmeda, introduces a method for treating or preventing cardiac disorders using a specific class of compounds. The background section of the patent highlights the need for effective treatments for cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias and hypertension, and how the invention addresses these needs[5].
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the invention revolves around the use of esmolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent, for the treatment or prophylaxis of cardiac disorders. Esmolol is characterized by its rapid onset and short duration of action, making it particularly useful in acute settings such as during surgery or in emergency situations.
Key Components
- Esmolol: The primary compound of interest, known for its selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor blocking activity.
- Method of Administration: The patent describes various methods of administering esmolol, including intravenous infusion.
- Therapeutic Uses: The invention is aimed at treating conditions such as supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension[5].
Claims
The patent includes 21 claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: A method for treating cardiac disorders by administering a therapeutically effective amount of esmolol.
- Claim 10: A pharmaceutical composition comprising esmolol and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Dependent Claims
- Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the esmolol is administered intravenously.
- Claim 11: The pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, wherein the esmolol is in a concentration suitable for intravenous administration[5].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 4,387,103 includes several related patents and applications that build upon or are related to the use of esmolol.
- U.S. Patent 4,593,119: This patent also relates to esmolol and its use in pharmaceutical compositions. It is often cited in conjunction with U.S. Patent 4,387,103[4].
- International Patents: Patents such as WO2008147715A2 and CA 02686548 discuss multi-dose concentrate esmolol formulations, indicating ongoing innovation in the field[2][4].
Global Dossier and International Patent Offices
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This service is useful for understanding the global patent landscape for esmolol-related inventions[1].
Citation Data
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application. This tool helps in visualizing the citation data for patents related to esmolol, providing a comprehensive view of the prior art[1].
Economic and Research Implications
The Patent Claims Research Dataset by the USPTO provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, including those related to pharmaceuticals. This dataset can be used to analyze trends and scope measurements of patents like U.S. Patent 4,387,103, offering insights into the economic and research implications of such inventions[3].
Public Search and Access
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool and other resources like the Public Search Facility and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) provide public access to patent information. These resources are crucial for conducting thorough searches and understanding the patent landscape surrounding esmolol and related compounds[1].
Conclusion
United States Patent 4,387,103 is a pivotal patent in the field of cardiac disorder treatments, introducing the use of esmolol as a rapid and effective therapeutic agent. The scope of the invention, defined by its claims, highlights the method of administration and therapeutic uses of esmolol. The broader patent landscape, including related patents and international filings, demonstrates ongoing innovation and the global significance of this invention.
Key Takeaways
- Esmolol's Therapeutic Use: The patent introduces esmolol as a treatment for cardiac disorders.
- Method of Administration: Intravenous administration is a key method described.
- Related Patents: Other patents like U.S. Patent 4,593,119 and international filings build upon this invention.
- Global Patent Landscape: Tools like Global Dossier and CCD provide comprehensive views of the patent family and prior art.
- Economic and Research Implications: The Patent Claims Research Dataset offers insights into the economic and research trends related to such patents.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary compound discussed in U.S. Patent 4,387,103?
A: The primary compound is esmolol, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent.
Q: How is esmolol typically administered according to the patent?
A: Esmolol is typically administered intravenously.
Q: What are some of the therapeutic uses of esmolol as described in the patent?
A: The therapeutic uses include treating supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension.
Q: Are there other patents related to esmolol?
A: Yes, patents like U.S. Patent 4,593,119 and international filings such as WO2008147715A2 are related to esmolol.
Q: How can one access and analyze the patent landscape for esmolol-related inventions?
A: Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be used to access and analyze the patent landscape.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - WO2008147715A2: https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2008147715A2/en
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Canadian Patents Database - CA 02686548: https://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2686548/summary.html?pedisable=true&wbdisable=true
- Google APIs - US4387103: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/56/50/d0/36dcc3613194ba/US4387103.pdf
