United States Patent 5,683,677: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,683,677, titled "Triamcinolone Acetonide Aerosol Formulations for Oral Inhalation," was granted on November 4, 1997, to Anthony J. Cutie and assigned to Aeropharm Technology Limited. This patent is significant in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly for respiratory disorders. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent describes aerosol formulations containing triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid used for treating respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma. The formulation is designed to be administered via a metered dose inhaler, ensuring consistent and controlled delivery of the medication.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent encompasses several key aspects:
Composition of the Formulation
The patent details the composition of the aerosol formulation, including the active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide, propellants, and other excipients. The formulation is designed to be environmentally safe, using non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants, which was a significant advancement at the time given the environmental concerns associated with CFCs[5].
Method of Preparation
The patent describes the method of preparing the aerosol formulation, including the steps involved in mixing the ingredients and filling the metered dose inhaler. This method ensures the stability and efficacy of the formulation[5].
Metered Dose Inhaler
The invention also includes a detailed description of the metered dose inhaler, which is crucial for the delivery of the aerosol formulation. The inhaler must be capable of withstanding the vapor pressure of the propellant and includes a metering valve with a gasket to ensure precise dosing[5].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the aerosol formulation containing triamcinolone acetonide, a propellant, and other excipients.
- Claim 10 outlines a method for treating a respiratory disorder by administering the aerosol formulation.
- Claim 12 describes the metered dose inhaler suitable for delivering the aerosol formulation[5].
Dependent Claims
The dependent claims further specify the composition, method of preparation, and the use of the aerosol formulation. For example, claim 11 specifies that the respiratory disorder treated is bronchial asthma[5].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and References
The patent cites several prior art documents, including U.S. patents and foreign patent documents, as well as other publications. These references indicate the state of the art at the time of the invention and highlight the novelty of the triamcinolone acetonide aerosol formulations[5].
Global Dossier and Patent Family
Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This service helps in understanding the global patent family for this specific application, including related applications filed at other IP Offices[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application. This tool is useful for visualizing the search results for the same invention produced by several offices on a single page[1].
Impact and Relevance
Clinical Significance
The invention of triamcinolone acetonide aerosol formulations has been clinically significant in the treatment of respiratory disorders. These formulations provide a controlled and consistent delivery of the medication, which is crucial for managing conditions like bronchial asthma.
Market and Commercial Impact
The patent has had a commercial impact by providing a new and effective treatment option for patients. The use of non-CFC propellants made the product more environmentally friendly, aligning with regulatory and consumer demands.
Litigation and Patent Quality
The USPTO has taken steps to improve patent quality and reduce litigation. For instance, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) introduced changes that affected patent litigation, including limiting the number of defendants in a lawsuit. However, the USPTO does not currently use information on patent litigation to initiate actions to improve patent quality, a point highlighted by the GAO report[4].
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,683,677 represents a significant advancement in the treatment of respiratory disorders. The detailed analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape highlights its importance in both clinical and commercial contexts. Understanding the composition, method of preparation, and delivery mechanism of the aerosol formulation is crucial for appreciating the innovation behind this patent.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Overview: The patent describes aerosol formulations containing triamcinolone acetonide for treating respiratory disorders.
- Scope: The scope includes the composition, method of preparation, and the metered dose inhaler.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims defining the invention.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes prior art, global dossier, and common citation documents.
- Impact: The invention has clinical and commercial significance, particularly in the use of non-CFC propellants.
FAQs
Q: What is the main active ingredient in the aerosol formulation described in US Patent 5,683,677?
A: The main active ingredient is triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid used for treating respiratory disorders.
Q: Why is the use of non-CFC propellants significant in this patent?
A: The use of non-CFC propellants is significant because it addresses environmental concerns associated with CFCs, making the product more environmentally friendly.
Q: How does the metered dose inhaler contribute to the invention?
A: The metered dose inhaler ensures consistent and controlled delivery of the aerosol formulation, which is crucial for the effective treatment of respiratory disorders.
Q: What is the Global Dossier service, and how is it relevant to this patent?
A: The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping to understand the global patent family for this specific application.
Q: How has the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) affected patent litigation?
A: The AIA introduced changes that affected patent litigation, including limiting the number of defendants in a lawsuit, which has impacted the way patent infringement lawsuits are filed and managed.
