Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,635,523
Introduction
United States Patent 5,635,523, titled "Retroviral Protease Inhibiting Compounds," was granted to Dale J. Kempf, Daniel W. Norbeck, Hing Leung Sham, and Chen Zhao, all affiliated with Abbott Laboratories. This patent is significant in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of retroviral infections such as HIV.
Background and Context
The patent was filed on December 2, 1993, and granted on June 3, 1997. It is part of a series of continuations-in-part of earlier patent applications, indicating a thorough and iterative development process[1].
Claims and Scope
The patent claims cover a range of compounds designed to inhibit retroviral proteases, which are essential enzymes for the replication of retroviruses like HIV. Here are some key aspects of the claims:
Compound Structure
The patent describes specific chemical structures of the inhibiting compounds, including their stereochemistry and functional groups. These compounds are designed to bind to the active site of the protease enzyme, thereby inhibiting its activity[1].
Therapeutic Use
The claims also cover the therapeutic use of these compounds in treating retroviral infections. This includes methods of administration and dosage forms, highlighting the practical application of the invention in medical treatment[1].
Synthesis Methods
The patent details methods for synthesizing these compounds, which is crucial for their production and scalability. This includes various chemical reactions and intermediates involved in the synthesis process[1].
Patent Scope Metrics
To understand the scope of this patent, we can apply metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count, as discussed in recent research on patent scope[3].
- Independent Claim Length: The length of the independent claims can indicate the complexity and specificity of the invention. In this case, the claims are detailed and specific, reflecting a narrower scope focused on the unique structures and uses of the compounds.
- Independent Claim Count: The number of independent claims can also indicate the breadth of the invention. Here, the patent has multiple claims, each focusing on different aspects of the compounds and their uses, suggesting a comprehensive but targeted scope.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Competitor Analysis
A patent landscape analysis would involve identifying competitors in the field of retroviral protease inhibitors. This includes other pharmaceutical companies and research institutions that have filed similar patents. For example, other patents by companies like Merck and Pfizer could be part of this landscape[5].
Market Trends
The analysis would also look at market trends, such as the prevalence of HIV and the demand for effective treatments. This includes mergers and acquisitions, licensing agreements, and litigation activities related to these patents. For instance, collaborations between Abbott Laboratories and other companies could be significant in this context[5].
Geographical Distribution
The geographical distribution of patent filings can provide insights into global market strategies. The patent in question was filed in the United States, but similar patents may have been filed in other countries, indicating a global approach to intellectual property protection[5].
Legal Status and Expiry Dates
Understanding the legal status and expected expiry dates of related patents is crucial for strategic planning. As of the current date, the patent 5,635,523 has expired, but this information can help in assessing the current competitive landscape and potential opportunities for new innovations[2].
Impact on the Market
Therapeutic Impact
The compounds described in this patent have had a significant therapeutic impact. They were part of the first generation of protease inhibitors, which revolutionized the treatment of HIV by providing effective antiretroviral therapy. This has improved the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
Economic Impact
The economic impact includes the revenue generated by these drugs and the investment in research and development. The success of these compounds has also spurred further innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, driving the development of newer and more effective treatments.
Challenges and Future Directions
Resistance and Side Effects
One of the challenges with protease inhibitors is the development of drug resistance and side effects. Ongoing research aims to develop newer compounds with better efficacy and fewer side effects.
Combination Therapies
The future direction includes the development of combination therapies that use multiple drugs to target different aspects of the HIV lifecycle. This approach has shown promising results in reducing resistance and improving treatment outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Claims: The patent claims are specific and detailed, focusing on unique chemical structures and their therapeutic uses.
- Therapeutic Impact: The compounds have significantly improved the treatment of HIV.
- Market Trends: Understanding market trends, including competitor activity and geographical distribution, is crucial for strategic planning.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, but its impact continues to shape the pharmaceutical industry.
FAQs
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What is the main subject of United States Patent 5,635,523?
- The main subject is retroviral protease inhibiting compounds, specifically their structure, synthesis, and therapeutic use.
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Who are the inventors of this patent?
- The inventors are Dale J. Kempf, Daniel W. Norbeck, Hing Leung Sham, and Chen Zhao.
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What is the significance of this patent in the pharmaceutical industry?
- This patent was crucial in the development of the first generation of protease inhibitors for HIV treatment, revolutionizing antiretroviral therapy.
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How can the scope of this patent be measured?
- The scope can be measured using metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count.
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What are some challenges associated with the compounds described in this patent?
- Challenges include the development of drug resistance and side effects, which are being addressed through ongoing research and development of newer compounds.
Cited Sources
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retroviral Protease Inhibiting Compounds, US Patent 5,635,523, June 3, 1997.
- Canadian Patents Database. Patent 2337846 Summary, Retrieved from https://www.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2337846/summary.html?wbdisable=true
- SSRN. Patent Claims and Patent Scope, Retrieved from https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. Search for patents, Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Sagacious Research. Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis, Retrieved from https://sagaciousresearch.com/blog/navigating-technological-domains-with-patent-landscape-analysis/
