Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,484,801
Introduction
United States Patent 5,484,801, titled "Pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting HIV protease," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of HIV. This patent, granted in 1996, outlines a specific pharmaceutical composition designed to inhibit HIV protease, a crucial enzyme in the replication cycle of the HIV virus.
Background
HIV protease inhibitors are a class of antiretroviral drugs that have been pivotal in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. These inhibitors work by binding to the active site of the HIV protease enzyme, preventing it from cleaving viral polyproteins, which are essential for the maturation of the virus[4].
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US5484801A
- Prior Art Date: January 1995
- Grant Date: January 1996
- Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
Classification
The patent is classified under various categories, including A61K47/06 and A61K47/08, which pertain to medicinal preparations characterized by the non-active ingredients used, such as carriers or inert additives[1].
Claim Scope
Importance of Claim Scope
The scope of claims in a patent is critical, as it defines the boundaries of the invention and the protection it receives. A common misconception is that broader claims are always better, but this is not the case. Broader claims can be more difficult to get granted and are easier to invalidate due to prior art and other legal challenges[3].
Specific Claims of US5484801A
The patent claims a pharmaceutical composition that includes a solution of an HIV protease inhibiting compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvent. The claims are specific to the formulation and the active ingredients, ensuring that the invention is well-defined and anchored to the embodiments disclosed in the specification.
Key Components of the Patent
Active Ingredients
The patent specifies the use of HIV protease inhibiting compounds, which are crucial for the treatment of HIV. These compounds are designed to inhibit the HIV protease enzyme, thereby preventing the replication of the virus.
Pharmaceutical Formulation
The composition includes a solution of the active ingredient in a pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvent. This formulation is important for the bioavailability and efficacy of the drug.
Non-Active Ingredients
The patent also mentions the use of carriers or inert additives, which are essential for stabilizing the formulation and ensuring its pharmaceutical acceptability.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape for HIV protease inhibitors is complex, with numerous patents filed and granted in the late 20th century. The patent US5484801A references several prior art patents, including those by Chen et al., Sham et al., and Yamamoto et al., which also deal with pharmaceutical formulations and HIV protease inhibitors[4].
Legal Status
As of the current date, the patent US5484801A has expired, which means that the specific formulation and claims described in the patent are no longer under patent protection.
Challenges and Considerations
Broad vs. Specific Claims
While broader claims might offer broader protection, they are more susceptible to invalidation. The claims in US5484801A are balanced to ensure they are specific enough to be granted yet broad enough to offer meaningful protection[3].
Prior Art and Invalidation
The technical field of HIV protease inhibitors is highly populated with prior art. Therefore, the claims must be carefully crafted to avoid overlapping with existing patents and to meet the written description requirement to avoid invalidation[3].
Impact and Significance
Clinical Impact
The invention described in US5484801A has been significant in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. HIV protease inhibitors have been a cornerstone in antiretroviral therapy, improving the quality of life and life expectancy of patients with HIV.
Economic Impact
The patent has also had economic implications, as it has influenced the development and marketing of similar drugs by other pharmaceutical companies. The expiration of the patent has opened up the market for generic versions of HIV protease inhibitors.
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,484,801 is a pivotal patent in the field of HIV treatment, outlining a specific pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting HIV protease. Understanding the scope and claims of this patent is crucial for appreciating its significance and the broader patent landscape in this field.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Claim Scope: The patent's claims are specific to the formulation and active ingredients, ensuring well-defined protection.
- Pharmaceutical Formulation: The composition includes a solution of HIV protease inhibiting compounds in a pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvent.
- Prior Art and Related Patents: The patent references several prior art patents and operates within a complex patent landscape.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, making the formulation and claims public domain.
- Clinical and Economic Impact: The invention has been significant in HIV treatment and has economic implications for the pharmaceutical industry.
FAQs
Q: What is the main invention described in US5484801A?
A: The main invention is a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting HIV protease, which includes a solution of an HIV protease inhibiting compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvent.
Q: Why is the scope of claims important in a patent?
A: The scope of claims defines the boundaries of the invention and the protection it receives. Broader claims can be more difficult to get granted and easier to invalidate.
Q: What are the risks of having overly broad claims in a patent?
A: Overly broad claims can lead to invalidation due to the abstract idea exception and failure to meet the written description requirement.
Q: How has US5484801A impacted the treatment of HIV/AIDS?
A: The patent has been significant in the development of HIV protease inhibitors, which are crucial in antiretroviral therapy, improving the quality of life and life expectancy of patients with HIV.
Q: What is the current legal status of US5484801A?
A: The patent has expired, making the specific formulation and claims described in the patent public domain.
Sources
- US5484801A - Pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting HIV protease - Google Patents
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- The Importance of Getting the Claim Scope Right in a US Patent Application - Rimon Law
- US7141593B1 - Pharmaceutical formulations - Google Patents
- USPTO Office Action Rejection API - USPTO
