Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,879,277
Introduction
United States Patent 4,879,277, titled "2',3'-Dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine and its use in the treatment of retroviral infections," is a significant patent in the field of viral chemotherapeutics. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Invention
The patent, granted on November 7, 1989, is part of the broader development in viral chemotherapeutics, particularly targeting retroviruses like HIV. The invention involves the use of 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine, a nucleoside analog, for treating retroviral infections such as AIDS[2].
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the invention is defined by its application in preventing and treating AIDS and other retroviral infections. Here are the key aspects:
Chemical Composition
The patent describes the use of 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine, a specific nucleoside analog. This compound is part of a broader class of dideoxynucleoside analogs, which are characterized by the absence of hydroxy substituents at the 2' and 3' positions on the ribose portion of the nucleoside molecule[2].
Therapeutic Use
The invention involves administering these nucleoside analogs to subjects infected with retroviruses, specifically at doses that are effective yet minimize neuropathic effects. This is a critical aspect as many antiviral drugs at the time had significant side effects[2].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: A method for treating a subject infected with a retrovirus by administering 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine.
- Claim 2: The method of claim 1, where the retrovirus is HIV.
- Claim 3: The method of claim 1, where the dose is from 0.001 to 0.05 milligrams per kilogram per day[2].
Dependent Claims
- These claims further specify the conditions under which the method is applied, such as the specific dosage ranges and the absence of substantial neuropathy[2].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and References
The patent cites several prior art documents, including U.S. patents and international patents, as well as scientific publications. For example, it references U.S. Patent 4,963,533 and European Patent 0206497, indicating a thorough review of existing knowledge in the field[2].
Global Patent Family
The invention is part of a global patent family, with corresponding patents filed in various countries. This is evident from the citations of foreign patent documents, such as Australian and European patents[2].
International Search and Harmonization
The global nature of patent filings for this invention aligns with the efforts to harmonize international patent systems. Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) and Global Dossier facilitate the integration of patent information across different IP offices, making it easier to track related applications and citations[1].
Impact and Significance
Clinical Impact
The invention marked a significant advancement in the treatment of AIDS, offering a therapeutic option with reduced neuropathic side effects. This was crucial in the late 1980s when effective treatments for HIV were scarce[2].
Economic and Innovation Impact
Patents like 4,879,277 drive innovation by protecting intellectual property, thereby encouraging further research and development. The USPTO's mission to drive U.S. innovation and global competitiveness is exemplified by such patents[4].
Statistical Context
The Patent Claims Research Dataset by the USPTO provides insights into patent scope and claims. While this specific patent is not part of the dataset (which covers patents up to 2014), it illustrates the complexity and detail involved in patent claims. For instance, the dataset includes claim-level statistics and document-level statistics, which can help in understanding the breadth and depth of patent claims[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 4,879,277 is a pivotal invention in the field of antiretroviral therapy. Its scope and claims are carefully defined to protect the specific use of 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine in treating retroviral infections. The patent's impact extends beyond its clinical significance, contributing to the broader landscape of intellectual property and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Chemical Composition: The patent involves the use of a specific nucleoside analog, 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine.
- Therapeutic Use: The invention is for treating retroviral infections, particularly AIDS, with a focus on minimizing neuropathic effects.
- Global Patent Family: The invention is part of a global patent family with corresponding patents in various countries.
- Impact on Innovation: The patent protects intellectual property, encouraging further research and development in viral chemotherapeutics.
- Clinical Significance: The invention provided a critical therapeutic option for AIDS treatment in the late 1980s.
FAQs
Q: What is the main compound described in United States Patent 4,879,277?
A: The main compound is 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine, a nucleoside analog.
Q: What is the therapeutic use of the invention described in the patent?
A: The invention is for treating retroviral infections, particularly AIDS, by administering the specified nucleoside analog.
Q: How does the patent protect intellectual property?
A: The patent protects the specific method of using 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine for treating retroviral infections, thereby safeguarding the intellectual property of the inventors.
Q: What is the significance of the global patent family for this invention?
A: The global patent family ensures that the invention is protected across multiple countries, facilitating international recognition and enforcement of the patent.
Q: How does this patent contribute to the broader landscape of intellectual property and innovation?
A: By protecting the intellectual property related to this specific therapeutic method, the patent encourages further research and development in the field of viral chemotherapeutics.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- United States Patent (19) - googleapis.com: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/05/6a/06/6e2a32eb03f300/US5028595.pdf
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office | U.S. Department of Commerce: https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/uspto
