United States Patent 4,861,759: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 4,861,759, issued to Mitsuya et al. on August 29, 1989, is a significant patent in the field of antiviral therapy, particularly for the treatment of HIV. This patent describes novel dideoxynucleoside compounds and their use as antiviral agents. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Invention
The patent addresses the need for effective antiviral agents, particularly in the context of the HIV epidemic. At the time of its issuance, HIV was a major public health concern, and the development of antiviral therapies was crucial. The inventors, Mitsuya et al., identified certain dideoxynucleosides that demonstrated anti-HIV activity, such as ddC, ddl, ddA, and ddG[4].
Scope of the Invention
The patent covers a range of dideoxynucleoside purine derivatives designed to inhibit viral growth in cells. These compounds are specifically tailored to block the infectivity and cytotoxic effects of viruses, particularly HIV, on cells. The scope includes various pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives, such as sodium salts of 5' esters, including mono-, di-, and tri-phosphates, and other esters like acetates, 3-methyl butyrate, and others[4].
Key Compounds
The patent details eight novel dideoxynucleoside purine derivatives that have shown effectiveness in blocking viral infection. These compounds include variations such as 6-fluoro-9-(2,3-dideoxy-β-D-glycero-pentofuranosyl)-9H-purine (6-F, ddP), among others. These compounds are active and relatively non-toxic at concentrations sufficient for effective inhibition of viral cytotoxicity[4].
Claims
The claims of the patent are critical in defining the intellectual property rights granted to the inventors. Here are some key aspects:
Independent Claims
- The patent includes claims for the novel dideoxynucleoside compounds themselves.
- Claims cover the pharmaceutical formulations containing these compounds.
- Methods of administering these compounds to inhibit viral growth are also claimed[4].
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims further specify the types of esters, salts, and other derivatives that are included within the scope of the invention.
- Claims also detail the various methods of administration, such as oral, rectal, nasal, topical, and parenteral routes[4].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is essential for assessing the impact and relevance of U.S. Patent 4,861,759.
Prior Art
The patent references prior art, including other studies and patents that have shown anti-HIV activity of certain dideoxynucleosides. For example, it cites work by Mitsuya et al. published in Nature and the New England Journal of Medicine[4].
Related Patents
Other patents in the same field, such as those related to antiviral therapies and dideoxynucleoside compounds, form part of the broader patent landscape. For instance, patents like AU644412C, which also deals with dideoxynucleoside purine derivatives, are relevant in understanding the competitive and technological environment[4].
International Patent Filings
The invention described in U.S. Patent 4,861,759 may have been filed in other jurisdictions as well. Searching international patent databases, such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), can reveal related international patent applications and grants[1].
Impact and Significance
The issuance of U.S. Patent 4,861,759 marked a significant milestone in the development of antiviral therapies for HIV. The compounds described in this patent have been used in various treatments and have contributed to the advancement of antiretroviral therapy.
Clinical Use
The dideoxynucleosides described in the patent have been clinically used to treat HIV patients. For example, zalcitabine (ddC) and didanosine (ddl) were among the first antiretroviral drugs approved for HIV treatment[4].
Influence on Subsequent Research
This patent has influenced subsequent research in antiviral therapies. It has served as a foundation for further development of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), a class of antiretroviral drugs that are still widely used today.
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
To fully understand the protection and coverage provided by U.S. Patent 4,861,759, patent analytics can be employed. This involves analyzing the claims and scope concepts to identify gaps or opportunities in the patent landscape.
Claim Coverage Matrix
A Claim Coverage Matrix can help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, providing a clear picture of which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property. This is particularly useful for companies with large patent portfolios to ensure comprehensive coverage and identify potential gaps[3].
Interactive Claim Charts
Tools like ClaimScape® software can generate interactive claim charts that help technical experts and management review patent coverage. These charts can be updated over time as new patents are filed or as development avenues are explored, ensuring that the company remains aware of its patent landscape[3].
Conclusion
U.S. Patent 4,861,759 is a pivotal patent in the field of antiviral therapy, particularly for HIV treatment. Its scope and claims cover a range of novel dideoxynucleoside compounds and their pharmaceutical formulations. Understanding this patent and its place within the broader patent landscape is crucial for both researchers and industry professionals involved in antiviral drug development.
Key Takeaways
- Novel Compounds: The patent describes eight novel dideoxynucleoside purine derivatives with anti-HIV activity.
- Pharmaceutical Formulations: The patent covers various pharmaceutical formulations and methods of administration.
- Impact on HIV Treatment: The compounds have been clinically used and have contributed significantly to antiretroviral therapy.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes related international filings and subsequent research in antiviral therapies.
- Patent Analytics: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and interactive claim charts are essential for managing and understanding the patent portfolio.
FAQs
What is the main subject of U.S. Patent 4,861,759?
The main subject of U.S. Patent 4,861,759 is the description and use of novel dideoxynucleoside purine derivatives as antiviral agents, particularly for the treatment of HIV.
Who are the inventors of U.S. Patent 4,861,759?
The inventors of U.S. Patent 4,861,759 are Mitsuya et al.
What are the key compounds described in the patent?
The patent describes eight novel dideoxynucleoside purine derivatives, including variations such as 6-fluoro-9-(2,3-dideoxy-β-D-glycero-pentofuranosyl)-9H-purine (6-F, ddP).
How has this patent impacted HIV treatment?
The compounds described in this patent have been clinically used and have contributed significantly to the development of antiretroviral therapy for HIV.
What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape of U.S. Patent 4,861,759?
Tools such as Claim Coverage Matrix and interactive claim charts, like those provided by ClaimScape® software, can be used to analyze the patent landscape and ensure comprehensive coverage.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- SLWIP - Patent Analytics: https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
- Google Patents - AU644412C: https://patents.google.com/patent/AU644412C/en
