Details for Patent: 5,775,321

Summary for Patent: 5,775,321

Title:	Seal configuration for aerosol canister
Abstract:	A dual seal configuration for an aerosol canister containing a medicinal aerosol formulation. The canister includes a vial body and valve ferrule sealed by first and second sealing members to form a chamber that contains the medicinal aerosol formulation. The dual seal configuration reduces leakage of contents, and is particularly helpful where the formulation includes hydrofluorocarbon propellant and an ethanol cosolvent. The first seal can be selected to be a barrier to the formulation components, while the second seal can be relatively more labile to such components.
Inventor(s):	Alband; Todd D. (Eagan, MN)
Assignee:	Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (St. Paul, MN)
Application Number:	08/361,719
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Formulation; Device;

Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,775,321

Introduction

United States Patent 5,775,321, hereafter referred to as the '321 patent, is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly related to inhalation aerosol products. This analysis will delve into the scope and claims of the patent, as well as the broader patent landscape surrounding it.

Patent Overview

The '321 patent, titled "Inhalation Aerosol Formulations," was granted to Schering Corporation and is associated with the development of inhalation aerosol products, such as those used for treating respiratory conditions like asthma.

Scope of the Patent

The scope of the '321 patent encompasses the formulation and composition of inhalation aerosols. Here are the key aspects:

Composition

The patent describes specific formulations for inhalation aerosols, including the use of active pharmaceutical ingredients, propellants, and other excipients. The formulations are designed to improve the stability, efficacy, and safety of the aerosol products[1].

Method of Preparation

The patent details the methods for preparing these inhalation aerosol formulations, including the steps involved in mixing the ingredients, filling the aerosol containers, and ensuring the uniform distribution of the active ingredients[1].

Applications

The '321 patent covers a range of applications for these inhalation aerosols, primarily focusing on respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Claims of the Patent

The claims of the '321 patent are crucial as they define the legal boundaries of the invention. Here are some key claims:

Independent Claims

• Claim 1 typically defines the broadest scope of the invention, which in this case might include the specific formulation and composition of the inhalation aerosol.
• Subsequent claims may narrow down the scope by specifying particular ingredients, their proportions, or the method of preparation[1].

Dependent Claims

• These claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional details or limitations. For example, a dependent claim might specify a particular propellant or excipient used in the formulation[1].

Patent Landscape Analysis

To understand the broader patent landscape surrounding the '321 patent, we need to consider several factors:

Competitors and Key Players

• Other pharmaceutical companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, have also developed inhalation aerosol products. Analyzing their patents can reveal competitive strategies and technological advancements in the field[3].

Technological Trends

• The patent landscape analysis would show trends in inhalation aerosol technology, such as the shift towards more environmentally friendly propellants or the development of new delivery systems[3].

Citation Patterns

• Studying how the '321 patent is cited by other patents can indicate its influence on subsequent innovations in the field. This can also highlight potential areas of technological evolution[3].

Geographical Distribution

• Analyzing the geographical distribution of related patents can identify innovation hotspots and regions with high patent activity in inhalation aerosol technology[3].

Data Visualization and Analysis

Visual tools such as heat maps and citation networks are essential for a comprehensive patent landscape analysis.

Heat Maps

• Heat maps can show the concentration of patent filings over time and across different regions, helping to identify key players and emerging technologies[3].

Citation Networks

• Citation networks reveal how patents reference each other, providing insights into the impact and development of the '321 patent within the broader technological domain[3].

Insights for Strategic Decisions

The outcomes of the patent landscape analysis can be translated into practical guidance for strategic decisions:

Competitive Landscape

• Understanding the competitive landscape helps in identifying potential competitors and their strengths and weaknesses. This can inform strategies for market positioning and innovation[3].

Legal Vulnerabilities

• Analyzing the patent landscape can highlight potential legal vulnerabilities, such as expired or soon-to-expire patents, which could impact the validity or enforceability of the '321 patent[1][3].

Innovation Hotspots

• Identifying innovation hotspots can guide research and development efforts towards areas with high potential for breakthroughs and market impact[3].

Example: ProAir HFA

The '321 patent is related to products like ProAir HFA, an inhalation aerosol used for treating asthma. The patent landscape analysis would show how this product fits into the broader market and how it compares to other similar products in terms of formulation, efficacy, and safety[1].

Key Takeaways

• Scope and Claims: The '321 patent covers specific formulations and methods for preparing inhalation aerosols, with claims that define the legal boundaries of the invention.
• Patent Landscape: The analysis reveals trends, key players, and technological advancements in inhalation aerosol technology.
• Strategic Insights: The outcomes of the analysis provide guidance for competitive positioning, identifying legal vulnerabilities, and targeting innovation hotspots.

FAQs

1. What is the primary focus of United States Patent 5,775,321?

   • The primary focus is on the formulation and composition of inhalation aerosols for treating respiratory conditions.

2. How does the patent landscape analysis help in understanding the '321 patent?

   • It provides insights into technological trends, key players, and competitive strategies in the field of inhalation aerosols.

3. What are the key claims of the '321 patent?

   • The key claims include the specific formulation and composition of the inhalation aerosol and the method of preparation.

4. What tools are used for visualizing the patent landscape?

   • Tools such as heat maps and citation networks are used to visualize trends and interconnections among patents.

5. How can the outcomes of the patent landscape analysis be used?

   • The outcomes can be used to inform strategic decisions regarding market positioning, innovation, and legal strategies.

Drugs Protected by US Patent 5,775,321

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate
No data available in table

International Family Members for US Patent 5,775,321

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
Australia	6665994
Australia	695969
Canada	2161632
European Patent Office	0697002
European Patent Office	0796805
Germany	69406916
Germany	69701051