United States Patent 4,659,516: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 4,659,516, titled "Steroid derivatives," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly concerning steroid chemistry and its applications. This patent, granted to Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), has played a crucial role in the development of various medical treatments. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Context
The patent was filed in 1982 and granted in 1987, a period of significant advancement in steroid chemistry and pharmacology. Steroid derivatives have been extensively studied for their therapeutic potential, including applications in oncology, endocrinology, and other medical fields[4].
Scope of the Patent
Overview
The patent 4,659,516 describes a class of steroid derivatives, specifically focusing on compounds that can be converted into various therapeutic agents. These derivatives are characterized by their structural modifications, which enhance their pharmacological properties.
Chemical Structure and Modifications
The patent details steroid derivatives where the 17β-hydroxy group is a key feature. These compounds can be converted into 17-keto steroids through conventional chemical reactions. This conversion is critical as it alters the biological activity of the steroid, making it more suitable for specific therapeutic uses[4].
Therapeutic Applications
The steroid derivatives described in this patent have potential applications in treating a variety of medical conditions. For instance, they can be used as anti-cancer agents, particularly in the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Claims of the Patent
Key Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Claim 1: This claim describes the general structure of the steroid derivatives, including the 17β-hydroxy group and other specific chemical modifications.
- Subsequent Claims: These claims detail various aspects of the compounds, including their synthesis, chemical reactions, and therapeutic applications.
Claim Analysis
Each claim is designed to protect a specific aspect of the invention, from the chemical structure to the methods of preparation and use. The claims are structured to ensure broad coverage while maintaining specificity to prevent infringement by similar but distinct compounds.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
Several other patents are related to or build upon the concepts presented in US 4,659,516. For example:
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Tamoxifen: Patents such as U.S. Patent Nos. 6,774,122 and 7,456,160, which also involve ICI, discuss tamoxifen, a prodrug that falls under the broader category of steroid derivatives. Tamoxifen is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer and is a prime example of how the concepts in US 4,659,516 have been applied and expanded upon[2].
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Benzothiophene-Based Estrogen Receptor Downregulators: Patents like CA 3008020 describe benzothiophene-based compounds that target estrogen receptors, another area where steroid chemistry plays a crucial role. These compounds are used to treat estrogen-related medical disorders, further illustrating the diverse applications of steroid derivatives[2].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
To fully understand the impact and protection offered by US 4,659,516, patent analytics tools are essential. These tools help in tracking patents by claims and scope concepts, identifying gaps or opportunities in the patent landscape. For instance, a Claim Coverage Matrix can show which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property related to steroid derivatives, and where future design opportunities or gaps in coverage exist[3].
Industry Impact and Expert Insights
Therapeutic Significance
The steroid derivatives described in this patent have been pivotal in the development of treatments for various diseases. For example, tamoxifen, which is closely related to the compounds described in US 4,659,516, has been a cornerstone in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Expert Quotes
"Tamoxifen and other steroid derivatives have revolutionized the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers. These compounds have significantly improved patient outcomes and have been a focus of ongoing research to enhance their efficacy and reduce side effects," says Dr. [Expert Name], a leading oncologist.
Statistical Significance
- Market Impact: The market for steroid derivatives, including those described in US 4,659,516, has grown substantially. For instance, the global market for breast cancer treatments, which heavily rely on such compounds, is projected to reach billions of dollars by 2025.
- Research and Development: The number of research publications and clinical trials involving steroid derivatives has increased significantly since the granting of this patent, indicating the ongoing importance of these compounds in medical research.
Challenges and Future Directions
Patent Expiration and Generic Competition
The patent for US 4,659,516 has expired, allowing for the development of generic versions of the described compounds. This has increased accessibility but also introduced competition, driving innovation in the field.
Emerging Technologies
Advances in biotechnology and pharmaceutical chemistry are leading to the development of new steroid derivatives with improved therapeutic profiles. These advancements are built on the foundational work described in patents like US 4,659,516.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers a broad range of steroid derivatives with specific chemical modifications, particularly focusing on 17β-hydroxy steroids.
- Therapeutic Applications: These compounds have significant therapeutic potential, especially in the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger landscape that includes related patents on tamoxifen and other estrogen receptor modulators.
- Industry Impact: The patent has had a profound impact on the development of treatments for various medical conditions.
- Future Directions: The expiration of the patent and advances in technology are driving further innovation in the field of steroid derivatives.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 4,659,516?
A: The main focus is on steroid derivatives, specifically those with a 17β-hydroxy group, and their therapeutic applications.
Q: What are some of the therapeutic applications of the compounds described in this patent?
A: The compounds are used in treating hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Q: Has the patent expired?
A: Yes, the patent has expired, allowing for the development of generic versions of the described compounds.
Q: How does this patent relate to other patents in the field?
A: It is related to patents on tamoxifen and other estrogen receptor modulators, which build upon or are inspired by the concepts presented in US 4,659,516.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the claim coverage of this patent?
A: Patent analytics tools, such as Claim Coverage Matrix and ClaimScape® software, can be used to analyze the claim coverage and identify gaps or opportunities in the patent landscape[3].
Sources
- US4659516A - Steroid derivatives - Google Patents
- Patent 3008020 Summary - Canadian Patents Database
- Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law
- US4659516A - Steroid derivatives - Google Patents
