United States Patent 5,494,903: A Detailed Analysis
Introduction
United States Patent 5,494,903, titled "Delivery of Tigecycline in the Presence of Warfarin," is a patent that deals with combination therapies involving the antibiotics tigecycline and the anticoagulant warfarin. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Patent
The patent, filed by Wyeth (now part of Pfizer), addresses the administration of tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, in conjunction with warfarin, a commonly used anticoagulant. The invention is significant because it provides methods for managing the interactions between these two drugs, which can be critical in clinical settings[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific methods and compositions related to the administration of tigecycline and warfarin. Here are the key aspects:
- Combination Therapies: The patent describes methods for co-administering tigecycline and warfarin, including specific dosages and administration schedules.
- Pharmacokinetic Interactions: It addresses how the presence of one drug affects the pharmacokinetics of the other, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
- Clinical Applications: The patent covers various clinical scenarios where such combination therapies might be necessary, such as treating bacterial infections in patients on anticoagulant therapy[4].
Claims of the Patent
The claims of the patent are the legally binding definitions of what the invention covers. Here are some key claims:
- Method Claims: These claims describe the specific steps involved in administering tigecycline and warfarin together, including monitoring and adjusting dosages based on patient response.
- Composition Claims: These claims cover the formulations of tigecycline and warfarin that can be used together, including any necessary adjustments to ensure compatibility.
- Use Claims: These claims specify the medical conditions for which the combination therapy is intended, such as treating bacterial infections in patients with coagulation disorders[4].
Patent Landscape Analysis
To understand the broader context of this patent, a patent landscape analysis is essential. Here are the key steps and findings:
Define Scope and Keywords
The analysis begins by defining the technology field (antibiotics and anticoagulants) and identifying relevant keywords such as "tigecycline," "warfarin," "combination therapy," and "pharmacokinetic interactions"[3].
Search and Organize Patents
Using databases like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE, relevant patents are identified and organized by factors such as filing date, assignee, and technology subcategories[1][3].
Identify Trends and Key Players
The analysis reveals trends in patent filings related to antibiotic and anticoagulant combination therapies. Key players include pharmaceutical companies like Wyeth (now Pfizer), Johnson & Johnson, and other major pharmaceutical firms involved in antibiotic and anticoagulant research.
Analyze Citations and Evolution
Studying the citations and references within the patents helps in understanding the development and impact of the invention. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,494,903 and 5,529,990 are cited together in various other patents, indicating their significance in the field[4].
Generate Insights for Decisions
The analysis provides insights into the competitive landscape and potential legal vulnerabilities. For instance, understanding the patent landscape can help in identifying opportunities for innovation or potential infringement risks.
Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape in the field of antibiotic and anticoagulant combination therapies is dynamic. Several pharmaceutical companies are actively researching and developing new therapies to address the growing need for effective treatments that can be safely co-administered.
International Patent Filings
The patent has international implications, with filings in various countries. For example, the Canadian Patents Database shows a related patent application (CA 2606535) that discusses similar combination therapies[4].
Search Resources
To conduct a comprehensive search related to this patent, one can use resources such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international databases like the European Patent Office's esp@cenet and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE[1].
Public Search Facilities
The USPTO Public Search Facility and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) provide additional resources for conducting detailed patent searches and analyzing the landscape[1].
Citations and References
The patent is cited in various other patents and publications, indicating its influence in the field. For example:
"Other formulations are discussed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,494,903 and 5,529,990, which are herein incorporated by reference."[4]
Key Takeaways
- Combination Therapies: The patent focuses on safe and effective methods for co-administering tigecycline and warfarin.
- Pharmacokinetic Interactions: Understanding these interactions is crucial for clinical applications.
- Competitive Landscape: The patent landscape is dynamic, with several key players involved in similar research.
- International Implications: The patent has filings in multiple countries, reflecting its global relevance.
- Search Resources: Utilizing comprehensive search resources is essential for a thorough patent landscape analysis.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 5,494,903?
A: The main focus is on methods for the co-administration of tigecycline and warfarin, addressing their pharmacokinetic interactions.
Q: How can one conduct a patent landscape analysis related to this patent?
A: By defining the scope, searching and organizing relevant patents, identifying trends and key players, analyzing citations, and generating insights for strategic decisions.
Q: What resources can be used to search for patents related to this invention?
A: Resources include the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE.
Q: Why is understanding pharmacokinetic interactions important in this patent?
A: Understanding these interactions is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective co-administration of tigecycline and warfarin in clinical settings.
Q: Are there international filings related to this patent?
A: Yes, there are international filings, such as the related Canadian patent application CA 2606535.
Cited Sources:
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- USPTO - United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/web/offices/pac/dapp/opla/term/certs/5494903.pdf
- Goldstein Patent Law - How to Do Patent Landscape Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.goldsteinpatentlaw.com/how-to-patent-landscape-analysis/
- Canadian Patents Database - Patent 2606535 Summary. Retrieved from https://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2606535/summary.html?wbdisable=true
