Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,751,071
Overview of the Patent
United States Patent 4,751,071, titled "Composition comprising salbutamol," was granted for an osmotic delivery system designed to deliver salbutamol, a medication commonly used for treating asthma and other respiratory conditions, at a controlled and constant rate.
Scope of the Patent
Invention Description
The patent describes an osmotic delivery system that modulates the release of salbutamol through a pulsed delivery mechanism. This system is designed to maintain a consistent therapeutic level of the drug in the body over an extended period. The composition includes salbutamol, along with other components such as sodium chloride and polymers, which facilitate the osmotic delivery process[4].
Key Components
- Salbutamol: The primary active ingredient, a bronchodilator used to treat respiratory conditions.
- Osmotic Delivery System: This system uses osmotic pressure to release the drug at a controlled rate.
- Sodium Chloride and Polymers: These components are integral to the osmotic delivery mechanism, helping to regulate the release of salbutamol.
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the composition comprising salbutamol and an osmotic delivery system.
- Claim 2 specifies the use of sodium chloride and polymers in the composition.
- Claim 3 details the pulsed delivery mechanism of the osmotic system[4].
Dependent Claims
These claims further elaborate on the specific components, their proportions, and the method of preparation of the composition. For example, dependent claims might specify the concentration of salbutamol, the type of polymers used, and the method of assembling the osmotic delivery system.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Domain
The patent falls within the technological domain of pharmaceutical delivery systems, specifically osmotic delivery systems. This domain is highly competitive, with numerous patents and ongoing research aimed at improving drug delivery mechanisms.
Competitors and Market Trends
- Competing Patents: Other patents in this domain include those related to different types of drug delivery systems, such as sustained-release formulations and transdermal patches.
- Market Trends: There is a growing demand for advanced drug delivery systems that offer improved efficacy, patient compliance, and reduced side effects. This trend is driven by advancements in biotechnology and the need for more targeted and efficient therapeutic approaches[3].
Legal Status and Expiry Dates
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, which means that the technology described is now in the public domain and can be used without infringing on the original patent.
- Expiry Dates: Understanding the expiry dates of related patents is crucial for planning future research and development. In this case, since the patent has expired, it does not pose a barrier to further innovation or commercialization[4].
Impact on the Market
Business Insights
- Market Developments: The expiration of this patent opens up opportunities for other companies to develop similar or improved osmotic delivery systems without the need for licensing or royalties.
- Litigation and Opposition: Since the patent has expired, there is less likelihood of litigation related to this specific invention. However, new patents filed in this domain could still be subject to opposition and litigation[3].
Technical Insights
- Patent Trends: Analyzing the patent landscape reveals trends in pharmaceutical delivery systems, such as the increasing use of osmotic and sustained-release technologies.
- Collaborations and Licensing: Companies may collaborate or license technologies from other innovators to stay competitive in the market. This patent landscape analysis can help identify potential partners or competitors[3].
Global Patent Family
International Filings
To understand the global reach of this invention, it is essential to look at the patent family, which includes related applications filed in other countries. Tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) can provide insights into the international filings and the status of these patents across different jurisdictions[1].
Citation Data
The CCD application consolidates citation data from participating IP offices, allowing users to see the prior art cited by multiple offices for the same invention. This helps in understanding the global patent landscape and identifying potential gaps or opportunities[1].
Conclusion
United States Patent 4,751,071 represents a significant innovation in the field of pharmaceutical delivery systems, particularly in the use of osmotic technology for controlled drug release. The expiration of this patent has opened up new avenues for research and development, and a thorough patent landscape analysis can provide valuable insights into market trends, competitor activities, and potential opportunities for innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent describes an osmotic delivery system for salbutamol with specific components and a pulsed delivery mechanism.
- Claims: The claims define the composition, components, and method of preparation.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a competitive domain with ongoing research and development in drug delivery systems.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, making the technology publicly available.
- Global Impact: Understanding the global patent family and citation data is crucial for international strategies.
FAQs
-
What is the main invention described in United States Patent 4,751,071?
- The main invention is an osmotic delivery system designed to deliver salbutamol at a controlled and constant rate.
-
What are the key components of the osmotic delivery system?
- The key components include salbutamol, sodium chloride, and polymers.
-
Why is patent landscape analysis important for this patent?
- Patent landscape analysis helps in understanding the competitive landscape, identifying market trends, and planning future research and development.
-
What is the current legal status of the patent?
- The patent has expired, making the technology publicly available.
-
How can the Global Dossier and CCD tools be useful in analyzing this patent?
- These tools provide access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP offices and consolidate citation data, helping to visualize the global patent landscape.
Cited Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents[1]
- Federal Register - Guidelines for Assessing Enablement in Utility Applications[2]
- Sagacious Research - Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis[3]
- Google Patents - Composition comprising salbutamol[4]
- Unified Patents - Albuterol Formulations[5]
