United States Patent 4,832,957: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 4,832,957, titled "Controlled Release Combination of Carbidopa/Levodopa," was granted on May 23, 1989. This patent pertains to a matrix or monolithic drug delivery system designed for the controlled release of carbidopa and levodopa, two drugs commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Scope of the Patent
Technology Domain
The patent falls within the medical and pharmaceutical domain, specifically focusing on drug delivery systems. It involves the formulation of carbidopa and levodopa in a polymer matrix to achieve a controlled release, which is crucial for managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease effectively[4].
Key Components
- Carbidopa and Levodopa: These are the active ingredients. Carbidopa inhibits the peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine, allowing more levodopa to cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Polymer Matrix: The drugs are uniformly dispersed in a polymer, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose or polyvinyl acetate, to control the release rate[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. The primary claims revolve around the composition and method of the controlled release system:
- Claim 1 describes the formulation comprising carbidopa and levodopa uniformly dispersed in a polymer matrix.
- Claim 2 specifies the amounts of carbidopa and levodopa in the formulation, such as 200 mg of levodopa and 50 mg of carbidopa[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further detail the specifics of the formulation, including the types of polymers used, the method of preparation, and the sustained-release characteristics.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Defining Scope and Keywords
To analyze the patent landscape, one must first define the scope and identify relevant keywords. For this patent, keywords include "controlled release," "carbidopa," "levodopa," "polymer matrix," and "drug delivery system"[3].
Search and Organize Patents
Using databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, one can retrieve patents related to these keywords. Patents can be organized by factors like filing date, assignee, and technology subcategories. This helps in identifying similar inventions and understanding the evolution of the technology[1][3].
Identify Trends and Key Players
The analysis reveals trends in patent filings related to drug delivery systems, particularly those involving controlled release mechanisms. Key players in this field include pharmaceutical companies and research institutions that have filed numerous patents related to Parkinson's disease treatments.
Analyze Citations and Evolution
Studying the citations and references in the patent and related patents helps in understanding the impact and development of the technology. For example, the patent cites earlier work on drug formulations and polymer matrices, indicating a continuous innovation in this area[4].
Data Visualization and Analysis
Visualizations such as heat maps and citation networks can reveal geographical distribution, interconnections among patents, and areas of high patent activity. This can help in identifying emerging technologies and potential white spaces in the market[3].
Insights from Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Trends
The analysis shows a significant focus on improving drug delivery systems for Parkinson's disease. There is a trend towards developing more efficient and sustained-release formulations to enhance patient compliance and treatment efficacy.
Key Players
Major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions are actively involved in this field. The landscape analysis helps in identifying these key players and their contributions to the technology.
Legal and Competitive Insights
Understanding the patent landscape provides insights into potential legal vulnerabilities and competitive positioning. For instance, knowing which patents are about to expire or have already expired can help in strategizing product development and licensing agreements.
Case Law and Litigation
Patents in the pharmaceutical sector are often subject to litigation. For example, the case of Merck Co., Inc. v. Mylan Pharmaceuticals highlights the importance of patent validity and infringement issues in this field. While not directly related to US Patent 4,832,957, such cases underscore the need for thorough patent landscape analysis to avoid legal disputes[5].
Conclusion
The United States Patent 4,832,957 is a significant contribution to the field of drug delivery systems, particularly for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for inventors, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies looking to innovate or enter this market.
Key Takeaways
- Controlled Release System: The patent describes a controlled release system for carbidopa and levodopa using a polymer matrix.
- Scope and Claims: The patent's scope includes specific formulations and methods of preparation, with claims detailing the composition and release characteristics.
- Patent Landscape: The analysis reveals trends, key players, and technological evolution in drug delivery systems.
- Legal and Competitive Insights: Understanding the patent landscape is essential for navigating legal and competitive challenges in the pharmaceutical sector.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of United States Patent 4,832,957?
The main purpose of this patent is to describe a controlled release combination of carbidopa and levodopa for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
What are the key components of the patented formulation?
The key components include carbidopa, levodopa, and a polymer matrix such as hydroxypropyl cellulose or polyvinyl acetate.
How does the patent landscape analysis help in understanding this patent?
It helps in identifying trends, key players, and technological evolution in drug delivery systems, as well as providing insights into legal and competitive positioning.
What databases can be used to conduct a patent landscape analysis for this patent?
Databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE can be used[1][3].
Why is it important to analyze citations and references in the patent?
Analyzing citations and references helps in understanding the impact and development of the technology, as well as identifying potential legal vulnerabilities and areas for further innovation.
