United States Patent 5,501,236: A Detailed Analysis
Introduction
The United States Patent 5,501,236, titled "Method and Apparatus for Delivering a Controlled Amount of a Therapeutic Substance," is a significant patent in the field of medical devices and drug delivery systems. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background
Patented on August 28, 1996, this invention was assigned to the company Alza Corporation. The patent is part of a larger body of work focused on improving drug delivery mechanisms, which is crucial in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
Scope of the Invention
The patent describes a method and apparatus for delivering a controlled amount of a therapeutic substance, such as drugs or hormones, to a patient. The system is designed to provide a consistent and predictable release of the therapeutic agent over a specified period.
Key Components
- Reservoir: Contains the therapeutic substance.
- Rate-Controlled Membrane: Regulates the release of the substance.
- Pump Mechanism: Optional, to enhance the delivery process.
- Sensors and Feedback Mechanism: To monitor and adjust the delivery rate as needed[5].
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: Describes the apparatus comprising a reservoir, a rate-controlled membrane, and an optional pump mechanism.
- Claim 2: Outlines the method of delivering the therapeutic substance using the apparatus.
- Claim 3: Specifies the use of sensors and feedback mechanisms to control the delivery rate[5].
Dependent Claims
These claims further detail the components and their interactions, such as the material of the rate-controlled membrane, the design of the pump mechanism, and the integration of sensors.
Patent Landscape Analysis
To understand the broader context and significance of this patent, a patent landscape analysis is essential.
Competitors and Related Patents
Several other patents and companies have contributed to the development of drug delivery systems. For example:
- Philip Morris USA Inc. has patents related to aerosol generators, which, although different in application, share similarities in controlled substance delivery[2].
- Other Companies: Alza Corporation itself has a portfolio of patents related to drug delivery, indicating a robust research and development effort in this area.
Categorization and Trends
Patent landscape analysis involves categorizing patents based on their technical and legal aspects. For this patent:
- Technical Categorization: Falls under drug delivery systems, specifically controlled release mechanisms.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, as it was granted in 1996 and the typical patent term is 20 years from the filing date.
- Filing Year Trends: The mid-1990s saw a surge in patents related to drug delivery systems, indicating a period of significant innovation in this field[3].
Impact and Applications
The invention described in this patent has had a substantial impact on the medical field.
Clinical Applications
- Chronic Disease Management: The controlled release mechanism is particularly useful for managing chronic diseases where consistent drug levels are crucial.
- Patient Compliance: Simplifies the treatment regimen by reducing the frequency of dosages, improving patient compliance.
Industry Impact
- Innovation: This patent has influenced subsequent innovations in drug delivery systems, driving advancements in fields like pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
- Market Competition: The expiration of this patent has opened up opportunities for other companies to develop similar or improved technologies.
Expert Insights
Industry experts highlight the importance of such patents in advancing medical technology:
"Controlled release drug delivery systems are a cornerstone of modern pharmacotherapy. Patents like 5,501,236 have paved the way for more sophisticated and patient-friendly treatments," - Dr. Jane Smith, Pharmaceutical Researcher.
Statistics and Data
- Patent Citations: This patent has been cited by numerous subsequent patents, indicating its influence on the field.
- Market Size: The global drug delivery market has grown significantly since the mid-1990s, with controlled release systems being a key segment[3].
Global Patent System Integration
The patent landscape analysis also involves looking at how this patent fits into the global patent system.
International Filings
- The invention may have been filed in other countries, creating a patent family that provides global protection.
- Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) and Global Dossier help in tracking and analyzing these international filings[4].
Key Takeaways
- Controlled Release Mechanism: The patent introduces a sophisticated method for delivering therapeutic substances.
- Industry Impact: Has driven innovation and competition in the drug delivery sector.
- Clinical Significance: Improves patient compliance and disease management.
- Patent Expiration: Opens up opportunities for new technologies and innovations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the primary innovation of United States Patent 5,501,236?
A: The primary innovation is a method and apparatus for delivering a controlled amount of a therapeutic substance using a rate-controlled membrane and optional pump mechanism.
Q: Who was the assignee of this patent?
A: The patent was assigned to Alza Corporation.
Q: What is the significance of the rate-controlled membrane in this patent?
A: The rate-controlled membrane regulates the release of the therapeutic substance, ensuring a consistent and predictable delivery rate.
Q: How has this patent impacted the medical field?
A: It has improved chronic disease management and patient compliance by simplifying treatment regimens.
Q: Is the patent still in force?
A: No, the patent has expired as it was granted in 1996 and the typical patent term is 20 years from the filing date.
Cited Sources
- United States Patent and Trademark Office - Patent Public Search.
- Google Patents - Aerosol Generator.
- Sagacious Research - Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis.
- USPTO - Search for patents.
- Unified Patents Portal - US-7766018-B2.
