Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,196,438
Introduction
United States Patent 5,196,438, titled "Amino acid derivatives," is a significant patent that has contributed to the field of medicinal chemistry, particularly in the treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Context
The patent, filed in 1990 and granted in 1993, pertains to novel amino acid derivatives that exhibit valuable pharmacological properties. These compounds are designed to inhibit proteases of viral origin, making them crucial in the fight against viral infections such as those caused by HIV and other retroviruses[1][2].
Scope of the Invention
Chemical Structure and Composition
The amino acid derivatives described in the patent have a specific chemical structure, represented by the formula:
[ \text{R-CO-NH-CHR'-CO-NH-CHR''-CO-NH-CHR'''-COOH} ]
where ( R ) can be benzyloxycarbonyl or 2-quinolylcarbonyl, and the compounds also include their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts[1].
Pharmacological Properties
These compounds are novel and possess significant pharmacological properties, particularly in inhibiting proteases of viral origin. This makes them effective in the treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections, especially those caused by HIV and other retroviruses[1][2].
Claims of the Patent
Compound Claims
The patent claims the amino acid derivatives themselves, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. These claims are specific to the compounds having the defined chemical structure and their salts[1].
Method of Manufacture
The patent also claims the process for the manufacture of these compounds and their salts. This includes the intermediates used in the manufacturing process, which are crucial for the synthesis of the final products[1].
Therapeutic Use
A key aspect of the patent is the use of these compounds as therapeutically active substances. The claims include the use of these compounds in medicaments for the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infections[1].
Medicaments and Pharmaceutical Compositions
The patent covers medicaments containing these amino acid derivatives and their salts. It also includes the use of these compounds in the manufacture of medicaments for treating or preventing viral infections[1].
Patent Landscape
Innovation Tracks and Protection
The patent landscape surrounding this invention is complex and involves multiple innovation tracks. Similar to the analysis of Ritonavir patents, the protection of these amino acid derivatives extends beyond the initial patent filing. This includes various aspects such as liquid and solid dosage formulations, synthesis methods, and polymorphs, which are common strategies in pharmaceutical patent protection to ensure continued innovation and protection[4].
Assignees and Patent Families
The patent is part of a larger family of patents related to viral protease inhibitors. Large pharmaceutical corporations, similar to those involved in the Ritonavir patents, are typically the assignees of such patents. These companies often have extensive patent portfolios that cover various aspects of the compounds, including their synthesis, formulations, and therapeutic uses[4].
Search Methodology and Citation Analysis
To analyze the patent landscape, a thorough search methodology is employed, including text-based searching, backward and forward citation searches, and the use of chemical identifiers to ensure all relevant documents are captured. This approach helps in identifying earlier patent publications and subsequent innovations that build upon the original patent[4].
Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry
Treatment of Viral Infections
The amino acid derivatives described in this patent have been instrumental in the development of treatments for viral infections, particularly HIV. These compounds, by inhibiting viral proteases, have significantly improved the therapeutic options available for patients suffering from such infections[1].
Future Directions
The patent's focus on novel chemical structures and their pharmacological properties opens up avenues for further research and development. Future innovations may involve modifying these compounds to enhance their efficacy or to target other viral infections[1].
Claim Coverage and Patent Analytics
To effectively manage and analyze the claims of this patent, tools such as Claim Coverage Matrix and ClaimScape® software can be utilized. These tools help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to identify gaps in coverage and potential future design opportunities[3].
Key Takeaways
- Novel Compounds: The patent introduces novel amino acid derivatives with specific chemical structures.
- Pharmacological Properties: These compounds inhibit proteases of viral origin, making them valuable in treating viral infections.
- Therapeutic Use: The patent covers the use of these compounds in medicaments for treating or preventing viral infections.
- Manufacturing Process: The patent includes claims for the process of manufacturing these compounds and their intermediates.
- Patent Landscape: The protection extends beyond the initial patent, involving various innovation tracks and strategies to ensure continued protection.
FAQs
What are the primary uses of the amino acid derivatives described in US Patent 5,196,438?
The primary uses are in the treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections, particularly those caused by HIV and other retroviruses.
Who are the typical assignees of such pharmaceutical patents?
Large pharmaceutical corporations are typically the assignees of such patents.
How do backward and forward citation searches contribute to patent landscape analysis?
These searches help in identifying earlier patent publications and subsequent innovations that build upon the original patent, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the patent landscape.
What tools can be used to manage and analyze the claims of this patent?
Tools such as Claim Coverage Matrix and ClaimScape® software can be used to categorize patents by claims and scope concepts, helping to identify gaps in coverage and potential future design opportunities.
How do these compounds inhibit viral infections?
These compounds inhibit proteases of viral origin, which are essential enzymes for the replication of viruses like HIV.
Sources
- US5196438A - Amino acid derivatives - Google Patents
- US Patent for Amino acid derivatives Patent (Patent # 5,196,438) - Justia Patents
- Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law - SLWIP
- Patent Landscape Report on Ritonavir - WIPO
