United States Patent 5,266,329: A Detailed Analysis
Overview of the Patent
United States Patent 5,266,329, titled "Vaginal delivery system," was granted on November 30, 1993. This patent pertains to vaginal preparations designed for the controlled release of active agents over an extended period.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was filed by the inventors on October 31, 1985, and was assigned to the original applicants. The specific assignees and inventors are not detailed in the provided sources, but such information can be found in the full patent documentation.
Scope of the Patent
The patent focuses on the development of vaginal delivery systems that ensure the sustained release of active agents. This is achieved through a combination of various phases and components:
- Internal Phase: This phase contains the active agent, such as metronidazole, which is the primary therapeutic component.
- External Phase: This phase includes ingredients like dimethicone, mineral oil, glyceryl isostearate, and polyglyceryl-4 oleate, which facilitate the controlled release of the active agent[1].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes seven claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects of these claims:
- Claim 1: This claim describes the vaginal delivery system comprising an internal phase containing the active agent and an external phase that controls the release of the active agent.
- Claim 9: This claim is representative of the detailed composition of the external phase, including specific percentages of ingredients like dimethicone, mineral oil, and glyceryl isostearate[2].
Patent Composition
The patent specifies the exact composition of the vaginal delivery system, including:
- Active Agent: Metronidazole (2.00%)
- External Phase Components: Dimethicone (4.016%), mineral oil (4.016%), glyceryl isostearate (2.713%), polyglyceryl-4 oleate (2.713%), colloidal silicon dioxide (1.013%), microcrystalline wax (0.452%), methyl paraben (0.127%), and propyl paraben (0.027%)[1].
Patent Landscape Analysis
To understand the broader context of this patent, a patent landscape analysis is essential.
Defining Scope and Keywords
The analysis begins by defining the technology field, in this case, vaginal delivery systems and controlled-release formulations. Relevant keywords include "vaginal delivery system," "controlled release," "sustained release," and "vaginal preparations."
Searching and Organizing Patents
Using databases like the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, one can find relevant patents based on these keywords. Organizing these patents by filing date, assignee, and technology subcategories helps in identifying trends and key players[4].
Identifying Trends and Key Players
The patent landscape reveals that several companies and researchers have been actively involved in developing vaginal delivery systems. Key players include pharmaceutical companies and research institutions that have filed numerous patents in this domain.
Analyzing Citations and Evolution
Studying the citations and references within these patents provides insights into the evolution of vaginal delivery systems. For example, US 5,266,329 has been cited by several subsequent patents, indicating its influence on later innovations[3].
Impact and Citations
The patent has been cited by 26 other patents, indicating its significance in the field. Some notable citations include:
- US20030180366A1: Bioadhesive drug delivery system
- US6632796B1: Pharmaceutical compositions for promoting the growth of gram-positive bacilli and increasing the acidity in the vagina
- US20070036848A1: Estrogen compositions and therapeutic methods of use thereof[1].
Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape in vaginal delivery systems is dynamic, with multiple players continuously innovating. The analysis shows that companies like Drugtech Corporation have filed several patents related to estrogen compositions and therapeutic methods, indicating a strong focus on hormonal treatments[1].
Technological Trends
The patent landscape analysis highlights several technological trends:
- Controlled Release Formulations: There is a significant focus on developing formulations that ensure sustained release of active agents.
- Mucoadhesive Compositions: Recent patents, such as US-20060165803-A1, emphasize the development of monodose mucoadhesive vaginal compositions for enhanced efficacy[5].
Legal and Strategic Insights
A patent landscape analysis provides actionable insights for strategic decisions:
- Legal Vulnerabilities: Understanding the existing patents helps in identifying potential legal vulnerabilities and avoiding infringement.
- Innovation Opportunities: Recognizing gaps in current technologies can guide future research and development efforts[3].
Key Takeaways
- Controlled Release: The patent emphasizes the importance of controlled release in vaginal delivery systems.
- Composition: The specific composition of the external phase is crucial for the sustained release of the active agent.
- Citations: The patent has been influential, with numerous citations indicating its impact on subsequent innovations.
- Competitive Landscape: The field is highly competitive, with multiple players innovating in controlled release and mucoadhesive compositions.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of United States Patent 5,266,329?
The primary focus is on the development of vaginal delivery systems that ensure the controlled release of active agents over an extended period.
2. What are the key components of the external phase in this patent?
The external phase includes dimethicone, mineral oil, glyceryl isostearate, polyglyceryl-4 oleate, colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline wax, methyl paraben, and propyl paraben.
3. How many claims does the patent include?
The patent includes seven claims that define the scope of the invention.
4. What is the significance of this patent in the broader patent landscape?
This patent has been cited by 26 other patents, indicating its influence on later innovations in vaginal delivery systems.
5. What are some of the technological trends observed in the patent landscape analysis?
Trends include a focus on controlled release formulations and the development of mucoadhesive compositions.
Cited Sources
- US5266329A - Vaginal delivery system - Google Patents
- Ex Parte Thompson et al, 10767431 | Casetext
- How to Do Patent Landscape Analysis - Goldstein Patent Law
- Search for patents - USPTO
- US-20060165803-A1 - Unified Patents Portal
