United States Patent 5,763,407: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 5,763,407, titled "Desmopressin for nocturia, incontinence and enuresis," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of nocturia, incontinence, and enuresis. This patent is part of a series of continuations and is crucial for understanding the development and production of high-purity desmopressin.
Background of the Patent
Inventors and Assignee
The patent was invented by Krister Larsson, Thomas Vebrand, Birgitta Mörnstam, Jan Roschester, Jan-Ake Sköldback, and Ragner Asplund, all from Sweden and Denmark. The assignee of the patent is Ferring B.V., a pharmaceutical company based in the Netherlands[4][5].
Filing and Grant Dates
The patent application was filed on February 10, 1997, and the patent was granted on June 9, 1998[4][5].
Scope of the Patent
Subject Matter
The patent pertains to the manufacture of high-purity desmopressin, a synthetic analogue of the natural hormone vasopressin. Desmopressin is used to treat conditions such as nocturia (frequent nighttime urination), incontinence, and enuresis (bedwetting)[4][5].
Objectives
The primary objectives of the invention are:
- To provide large single batches of high-purity desmopressin.
- To develop an economical process for producing high-yield, high-purity desmopressin.
- To provide a method for treating nocturia, incontinence, and enuresis using the produced desmopressin[4][5].
Claims of the Patent
Claim Structure
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are the key claims:
- Claim 1: A process for the manufacture of high-purity desmopressin in single batches of substantial size.
- Claim 2: The process of Claim 1, where the batch size is at least 50 g, preferably at least 100 g, and particularly preferred at least about 500 g.
- Claim 3: A method of treating nocturia, incontinence, and enuresis by administering an adequate dose of desmopressin obtained from the process described in Claim 1[4][5].
Claim Analysis
The claims are structured to protect both the process of manufacturing high-purity desmopressin and the method of using this desmopressin for therapeutic purposes. The specificity of batch sizes ensures that the invention covers a range of production scales, from small to large batches.
Patent Landscape
Continuation-in-Part
The patent 5,763,407 is a continuation-in-part of earlier applications, including:
- Application Ser. No. 08/797,826 filed on February 10, 1997.
- Application Ser. No. 08/524,761 filed on September 7, 1995, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,850.
- Application Ser. No. 08/176,411 filed on December 23, 1993, which was abandoned[4][5].
Related Patents
The patent is part of a family of patents related to desmopressin production and use. Other relevant patents include:
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,850, which is a continuation of the earlier abandoned application.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,835, which is another continuation-in-part and deals with similar aspects of desmopressin production and use[4][5].
International Patent Landscape
The invention is also protected in other countries through corresponding international patent applications. The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices[1].
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites several prior art documents, including earlier patents and publications related to the production and use of desmopressin. These citations help in understanding the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention over existing prior art[4][5].
Economic and Practical Impact
Economic Benefits
The invention provides an economical process for producing high-purity desmopressin in large batches, which is beneficial for both the manufacturer and the consumer. The economies of scale in production reduce costs and make the treatment more accessible[4].
Therapeutic Impact
The high-purity desmopressin produced through this process is effective in treating nocturia, incontinence, and enuresis. This has a significant impact on the quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions[4][5].
Legal Status
The patent has expired, as indicated by its legal status. This means that the invention is now in the public domain, and others can use the disclosed process and method without infringing on the original patent[5].
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,763,407 is a critical patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the treatment of nocturia, incontinence, and enuresis. The patent's scope and claims protect a novel and economical process for producing high-purity desmopressin, which has significant therapeutic and economic benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Inventors and Assignee: The patent was invented by several individuals and assigned to Ferring B.V.
- Scope: The patent covers the manufacture of high-purity desmopressin and its therapeutic use.
- Claims: The patent includes claims for the process of manufacture and the method of treatment.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a series of continuations and related patents.
- Economic and Therapeutic Impact: The invention provides economic benefits and improves treatment outcomes.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired and is now in the public domain.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 5,763,407?
The main subject of the patent is the manufacture of high-purity desmopressin and its use in treating nocturia, incontinence, and enuresis.
Who are the inventors of the patent?
The inventors include Krister Larsson, Thomas Vebrand, Birgitta Mörnstam, Jan Roschester, Jan-Ake Sköldback, and Ragner Asplund.
What is the assignee of the patent?
The assignee is Ferring B.V., a pharmaceutical company based in the Netherlands.
What are the key claims of the patent?
The key claims include the process for manufacturing high-purity desmopressin in single batches and the method of treating nocturia, incontinence, and enuresis using this desmopressin.
Is the patent still in force?
No, the patent has expired and is now in the public domain.
How does the patent impact the pharmaceutical industry?
The patent provides an economical process for producing high-purity desmopressin, which has significant economic and therapeutic benefits in treating related conditions.
