Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,242,901
Introduction
United States Patent 5,242,901, titled "Method of reducing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity," is a significant patent in the field of pharmacology and cardiology. This patent, granted to the inventors, outlines a method for protecting the heart from the harmful effects of anthracycline chemotherapy. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Patent
The patent 5,242,901 was issued for a method of reducing cardiotoxicity associated with anthracycline chemotherapy. Anthracyclines are powerful chemotherapeutic agents used to treat various cancers, but they can cause severe cardiac damage. The invention involves the administration of a protective agent, such as dexrazoxane, to mitigate this cardiotoxicity[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which must be clear, concise, and fully supported by the description provided in the patent document.
Claims
The claims in a patent define the matter for which protection is sought. For U.S. Patent 5,242,901, the claims would typically include:
- Independent Claims: These define the core invention and the essential features necessary for the method to be effective.
- Dependent Claims: These build upon the independent claims and specify additional features or limitations that further define the invention.
For example, a claim might state: "A method of reducing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, comprising administering a protective agent selected from the group consisting of dexrazoxane and its derivatives, to a patient undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy."
Requirements for Claims
According to the USPTO guidelines, claims must adhere to specific requirements:
- They must define the matter for which protection is sought in terms of the technical features of the invention.
- They must be clear and concise.
- They must be fully supported by the description provided in the patent document[5].
Patent Landscape Analysis
To understand the broader context and impact of U.S. Patent 5,242,901, a patent landscape analysis is essential.
Defining Scope and Keywords
The first step in a patent landscape analysis is to define the scope and identify relevant keywords. For this patent, keywords might include "anthracycline cardiotoxicity," "dexrazoxane," "chemotherapy protective agents," and "cardioprotective methods."
Searching and Organizing Patents
Using patent databases such as the USPTO's PatentsView Database or Google Patents, one can search for patents related to these keywords. Patents can be organized by factors like filing date, assignee, and technology subcategories[3].
Identifying Trends and Key Players
Analyzing the patent filings within this technological domain reveals trends and key players. For instance:
- Trends: There may be an increasing number of patents related to cardioprotective agents, indicating a growing interest in this area.
- Key Players: Pharmaceutical companies and research institutions may be prominent in filing patents related to anthracycline cardiotoxicity mitigation.
Analyzing Citations and Evolution
Studying how patents reference each other helps in understanding their impact and development. This analysis can show how U.S. Patent 5,242,901 has influenced subsequent inventions in the field.
Generating Insights for Decisions
The insights from the patent landscape analysis can guide strategic decisions, such as evaluating the competitive landscape, identifying potential legal vulnerabilities, and assessing the strength of the patent portfolio.
Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry
U.S. Patent 5,242,901 has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the development of cardioprotective agents.
Clinical Significance
The method described in the patent has been clinically significant in reducing the cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines, thereby improving the safety profile of these chemotherapeutic agents.
Market Impact
The patent has likely influenced the market by encouraging the development of similar cardioprotective agents and methods. This could lead to a competitive landscape where multiple companies are working on related technologies.
Public Sector Involvement
Given the importance of this patent, it is worth examining if there was any public sector involvement in its development.
Government Funding
If the research leading to this patent was funded by government grants, it would be subject to the Bayh-Dole Act, which mandates the inclusion of government-interest statements in the patent. This could potentially allow for march-in rights if the invention is not being used to meet public health needs[1].
Conclusion
U.S. Patent 5,242,901 is a pivotal invention in the field of cardiology and pharmacology, offering a method to mitigate the cardiotoxic effects of anthracycline chemotherapy. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape provides valuable insights into its impact and the competitive environment within the pharmaceutical industry.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent defines a method for reducing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity using protective agents like dexrazoxane.
- Patent Landscape: The analysis reveals trends, key players, and the evolution of related patents.
- Impact: The patent has significant clinical and market implications, influencing the development of cardioprotective agents.
- Public Sector Involvement: Potential government funding could subject the patent to Bayh-Dole Act provisions.
FAQs
Q: What is the main invention described in U.S. Patent 5,242,901?
A: The patent describes a method for reducing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity by administering a protective agent such as dexrazoxane.
Q: How are claims structured in a patent like U.S. Patent 5,242,901?
A: Claims must be clear, concise, and fully supported by the patent description. They define the matter for which protection is sought and can include independent and dependent claims.
Q: What is the purpose of a patent landscape analysis?
A: A patent landscape analysis helps in understanding the existing patents within a technology domain, identifying trends, key players, and providing insights for strategic decisions.
Q: Could U.S. Patent 5,242,901 be subject to march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act?
A: Yes, if the research leading to this patent was funded by government grants, it could be subject to the Bayh-Dole Act, allowing for march-in rights if the invention is not being used to meet public health needs.
Q: How does U.S. Patent 5,242,901 impact the pharmaceutical industry?
A: The patent has encouraged the development of cardioprotective agents and methods, influencing the safety profile of anthracycline chemotherapy and shaping the competitive landscape in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sources
- The Feasibility of Using Bayh-Dole March-In Rights to Lower Drug Prices - National Bureau of Economic Research.
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO.
- How to Do Patent Landscape Analysis - Goldstein Patent Law.
- WO2003099296A1 - Method of treating multiple ... - Google Patents.
- 1824-The Claims - USPTO.
