Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,935,437
Introduction
United States Patent 4,935,437, titled "(Substituted-aralkyl)heterocyclic compounds," was granted on June 19, 1990, to inventors Philip N. Edwards and Michael S. Large of Imperial Chemical Industries plc. This patent is significant in the field of organic chemistry and pharmaceuticals, particularly for its application in the development of therapeutic agents.
Inventors and Assignee
The inventors of this patent are Philip N. Edwards and Michael S. Large, both from England. The patent is assigned to Imperial Chemical Industries plc, a major chemical company based in London, England[2].
Patent Overview
This patent describes a class of (substituted-aralkyl)heterocyclic compounds, their synthesis, and their potential therapeutic applications. The compounds are characterized by specific substituents and structural elements that confer them with desirable pharmacological properties.
Chemical Structure and Substituents
The patent details compounds of the formula I, where various substituents such as azido, carbamoyl, cyano, formyl, hydroxy, or nitro radicals are present. These compounds also include 1-6C hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbamoyl, alkylthio, alkylsulphinyl, or alkylsulphonyl radicals, among others. The specific arrangement and nature of these substituents are crucial for the compounds' biological activity[2].
Synthesis Methods
The patent outlines several methods for synthesizing these compounds. These methods involve various chemical reactions, including the use of halogenating agents, dehydrohalogenation, and hydrogenation. For example, a compound with a 1-hydroxyethylene radical can be converted into a compound with an ethylene radical through a series of reactions involving halogenation, dehydrohalogenation, and hydrogenation[1].
Therapeutic Applications
The compounds described in this patent have potential therapeutic applications, particularly in the treatment of disorders related to metabolism and as antineoplastic agents. The patent falls under the classification A61P3/00, which pertains to drugs for disorders of the metabolism, and A61P35/00, which pertains to antineoplastic agents[1].
Claims
The patent includes nine claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims specify the structural requirements of the compounds, including the types of substituents and the methods of synthesis. The claims are designed to protect the unique chemical structures and their therapeutic uses, ensuring that the inventors and the assignee have exclusive rights to these compounds and their applications[2].
Prior Art and References
The patent references several prior art documents, including U.S. patents and scientific publications. These references highlight the state of the art in the field at the time of the invention and distinguish the novel aspects of the patented compounds. For example, references include patents by Iizuka et al., Tanouchi et al., and publications in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry[2].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape for this invention involves a detailed analysis of the claims and their scope. Here are some key points:
- Claim Coverage: The claims cover a broad range of (substituted-aralkyl)heterocyclic compounds with specific substituents and structural elements. This broad coverage ensures that any similar compounds developed in the future would likely infringe on these claims.
- Scope Concepts: Analyzing the scope concepts of these claims helps in understanding the value and applicability of the patent. For instance, the claims related to antineoplastic agents would be highly valuable given the ongoing research and development in cancer treatment[3].
- Gaps and Opportunities: A thorough analysis of the patent claims and the broader patent landscape can identify gaps in current coverage and highlight future design opportunities. This could involve identifying areas where the current claims do not provide adequate protection or where new compounds could be developed without infringing on existing patents.
Industrial and Commercial Significance
This patent is significant in the pharmaceutical industry due to its potential applications in treating various metabolic disorders and cancer. The compounds described could serve as leads for the development of new drugs, and the synthesis methods outlined provide a roadmap for their production.
Example of Application
One of the compounds described in this patent, anastrozole, is a well-known aromatase inhibitor used in the treatment of breast cancer. The synthetic route for anastrozole mentioned in this patent highlights the practical application of the invention in producing therapeutically important compounds[5].
Key Takeaways
- Chemical Structure: The patent describes (substituted-aralkyl)heterocyclic compounds with specific substituents.
- Synthesis Methods: Various chemical reactions are outlined for synthesizing these compounds.
- Therapeutic Applications: The compounds have potential uses in treating metabolic disorders and as antineoplastic agents.
- Claims and Scope: The patent includes nine claims that define the structural requirements and therapeutic uses of the compounds.
- Patent Landscape: The analysis of claims and scope concepts helps in understanding the value and applicability of the patent.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 4,935,437?
The main subject of this patent is the description and synthesis of (substituted-aralkyl)heterocyclic compounds and their potential therapeutic applications.
Who are the inventors of this patent?
The inventors are Philip N. Edwards and Michael S. Large, both from England.
What is the assignee of this patent?
The assignee is Imperial Chemical Industries plc, based in London, England.
What are the potential therapeutic applications of the compounds described in this patent?
The compounds have potential applications in treating disorders related to metabolism and as antineoplastic agents.
How are the compounds described in this patent synthesized?
The synthesis involves various chemical reactions, including halogenation, dehydrohalogenation, and hydrogenation.
What is an example of a compound described in this patent that has significant therapeutic use?
An example is anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor used in the treatment of breast cancer.
Sources
- US4935437A - (Substituted aralkyl) heterocyclic compounds - Google Patents
- United States Patent (19) - Googleapis.com
- Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law - SLWIP
- US 2002/0103141 A1 - Patent Application Publication - Google Patents
- US20090247765A1 - Process for preparing pure anastrozole - Google Patents