Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,213,804: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
United States Patent 5,213,804, titled "Solid tumor treatment method and composition," is a significant patent in the field of medical treatments, particularly for solid tumors. This patent, granted to Alza Corporation, outlines a method and composition for localizing an anti-tumor compound to a solid tumor using liposomes. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Title and Abstract
The patent titled "Solid tumor treatment method and composition" describes a method for treating solid tumors using liposomes that contain an anti-tumor compound. The liposomes are designed to localize the compound to the tumor via the bloodstream, enhancing the efficacy of the treatment while minimizing side effects[4].
Publication and Priority Dates
The patent was published on May 25, 1993, with a priority date of October 20, 1989. This indicates that the invention was conceived and initially filed over three years before its publication[4].
Claims Analysis
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims define the core invention, while dependent claims elaborate on or modify the independent claims.
- Independent Claim 1: This claim describes the composition of the liposomes, including the anti-tumor compound encapsulated within the liposome structure[4].
- Dependent Claims: These claims specify various aspects of the invention, such as the type of lipids used, the method of administration (e.g., intravenous), and the specific anti-tumor compounds that can be encapsulated[4].
Claim Scope
The claims are broad enough to cover a range of liposome compositions and methods for treating solid tumors but specific enough to ensure that the invention is distinct from prior art. For example, the claims specify that the liposomes contain a lipid bilayer and that the anti-tumor compound is entrapped within this bilayer[4].
Prior Art and Novelty
Prior Art Keywords
The patent lists several prior art keywords, including "liposomes," "tumor," "drug," and "lipid." These keywords indicate the areas of prior art that the inventors considered when developing their invention[4].
Innovation Over Prior Art
The novelty of this patent lies in the specific method of using liposomes to deliver anti-tumor compounds directly to solid tumors. This approach was innovative at the time, as it improved the targeting and efficacy of cancer treatments while reducing systemic side effects.
Patent Landscape
Global Patent Family
To understand the full scope of this invention, it is essential to look at the global patent family. The patent has corresponding applications and grants in other countries, which can be accessed through databases like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PATENTSCOPE or the European Patent Office (EPO) esp@cenet[1].
Citations and References
The patent is cited in various subsequent patents and publications, indicating its influence on the field of cancer treatment. Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) can help identify these citations and understand the patent's impact on later inventions[1].
Legal Status
Expiration and Current Status
The patent has expired, as indicated by its legal status. This means that the invention is now in the public domain, and the methods and compositions described can be used without infringing on the original patent[4].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide insights into the scope and impact of patents like US 5,213,804. This dataset includes detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and can help researchers understand trends in patent scope and innovation[3].
Economic Impact
The economic impact of this patent can be significant, as it paved the way for more targeted and effective cancer treatments. The use of liposomes in drug delivery has become a cornerstone in modern oncology, contributing to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Practical Applications
Clinical Use
The method and composition described in this patent have been used in clinical settings to treat various types of solid tumors, including breast and colon cancer. The liposome-based delivery system has shown promise in enhancing the therapeutic index of anti-tumor compounds[4].
Future Research Directions
The success of this patent has inspired further research into liposome-based drug delivery systems. Future research may focus on optimizing liposome design, exploring new anti-tumor compounds, and expanding the application of this technology to other diseases.
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,213,804 represents a significant advancement in the treatment of solid tumors. The detailed analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape highlights its innovation, impact, and continued relevance in modern medicine.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Method: The patent introduces a novel method of using liposomes to deliver anti-tumor compounds directly to solid tumors.
- Broad Claims: The claims cover a range of liposome compositions and methods, ensuring the invention's distinctiveness from prior art.
- Global Impact: The patent has corresponding applications globally and has been cited in numerous subsequent patents.
- Economic and Clinical Significance: The invention has contributed to improved cancer treatments and has economic implications in the healthcare sector.
- Future Research: The success of this patent has paved the way for further research into liposome-based drug delivery systems.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation of US Patent 5,213,804?
The main innovation is the use of liposomes to deliver anti-tumor compounds directly to solid tumors via the bloodstream.
2. What is the current legal status of this patent?
The patent has expired and is now in the public domain.
3. How can one access global patent family information for this patent?
Global patent family information can be accessed through databases like WIPO PATENTSCOPE or the EPO esp@cenet[1].
4. What is the significance of the Common Citation Document (CCD) in patent research?
The CCD provides a single point of access to up-to-date citation data relating to the patent applications of the IP5 Offices, helping to visualize search results for the same invention produced by several offices[1].
5. How has this patent influenced subsequent research in cancer treatment?
This patent has inspired further research into liposome-based drug delivery systems, leading to more targeted and effective cancer treatments.
