Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,474,783
Introduction
United States Patent 5,474,783, titled "Solubility parameter based drug delivery system and method for altering drug saturation concentration," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals and drug delivery systems. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, US5474783A, was issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and is now expired due to the completion of its lifetime[4].
Inventors and Assignees
While the specific inventors and assignees are not detailed here, it is crucial to identify them in a comprehensive analysis to understand the ownership and potential licensing or assignment history of the patent.
Prior Art and Background
The patent builds on prior art related to drug delivery systems, particularly those involving transdermal drug delivery. The background section of the patent discusses the limitations of existing drug delivery methods and the need for a more efficient and controlled release system.
Scope of the Invention
Drug Delivery System
The invention describes a drug delivery system based on solubility parameters. This system aims to alter the drug saturation concentration, enhancing the efficacy and stability of the drug delivery process. The system involves the use of specific polymers and solvents that optimize the solubility of the drug, ensuring a consistent and controlled release[4].
Key Components
- Polymers: The patent specifies the use of polymers such as polysiloxane and polyacrylate, which are crucial for the drug delivery matrix.
- Solvents: The invention includes the use of solvents like methyl oleate and isopropyl myristate to enhance the solubility of the drug.
- Drug Types: The system is designed to deliver a variety of drugs, including nitroglycerin, salbutamol, pilocarpine, and others[4].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically describe the drug delivery system, the method of preparing it, and the specific components used.
- Claim 1: This claim describes the drug delivery system comprising a polymer matrix and a solvent, with the drug dispersed within the matrix.
- Claim 2: This claim outlines the method of preparing the drug delivery system, including the steps of mixing the drug with the polymer and solvent.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the independent claims, such as the types of polymers and solvents used, the concentration of the drug, and the method of application (e.g., transdermal delivery)[4].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Defining Scope and Keywords
To analyze the patent landscape surrounding US5474783A, one must first define the scope and relevant keywords. Keywords might include "drug delivery system," "solubility parameter," "transdermal drug delivery," and specific polymers and solvents mentioned in the patent[5].
Searching and Organizing Patents
Using databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Google Patents, or the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, one can search for patents related to these keywords. Organizing these patents by factors like filing date, assignee, and technology subcategories helps in identifying trends and key players[1][5].
Identifying Trends and Key Players
The analysis reveals trends in patent filings within the drug delivery technology domain. Key players in this field include pharmaceutical companies and research institutions that have filed numerous patents related to drug delivery systems. For example, companies like Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Novartis are often significant contributors in this area.
Analyzing Citations and Evolution
Studying how patents reference each other provides insights into the impact and development of the technology. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be useful here, as it consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices for the same invention[1].
Data Visualization and Analysis
Creating visualizations such as heat maps and citation networks helps in revealing geographical distribution, interconnections among patents, and areas of high patent activity. This can identify emerging technologies and potential white spaces in the market[5].
Insights from Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Trends
The analysis shows ongoing innovations in drug delivery systems, with a focus on improving efficacy, stability, and patient compliance. Trends include the use of advanced polymers, nanotechnology, and personalized medicine approaches.
Competitive Landscape
Understanding the competitive landscape helps in identifying potential competitors and collaborators. For instance, a company may find that a particular technology is heavily patented by a competitor, indicating a need to either license the technology or develop an alternative.
Legal Vulnerabilities
Analyzing the patent landscape also reveals potential legal vulnerabilities. For example, if a company's patent portfolio is weak in a particular area, it may be more susceptible to patent infringement claims from competitors.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent describes a solubility parameter-based drug delivery system, enhancing drug saturation concentration.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims specifying the system, method of preparation, and components.
- Patent Landscape: The analysis reveals trends, key players, and technological evolution in the drug delivery field.
- Insights: The analysis provides actionable insights for strategic decisions, competitive positioning, and legal considerations.
FAQs
What is the main innovation of US Patent 5,474,783?
The main innovation is a drug delivery system based on solubility parameters to enhance the efficacy and stability of drug delivery.
What types of polymers are used in this patent?
The patent specifies the use of polymers such as polysiloxane and polyacrylate.
How does the patent landscape analysis help in understanding this patent?
It helps in identifying trends, key players, and technological evolution in the drug delivery field, providing insights for strategic decisions and competitive positioning.
What databases can be used for searching related patents?
Databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Google Patents, and the European Patent Office's esp@cenet can be used.
What is the significance of the Common Citation Document (CCD) in patent landscape analysis?
The CCD consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices for the same invention, enabling a comprehensive view of the patent's impact and development.
