United States Patent 5,792,795: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,792,795, titled "Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Oral Dosage Forms of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Acids," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Inventors and Assignee
The patent was invented by Thomas Buser and Emilio P. Camporesi, both of Ziefen, Switzerland, and assigned to Tillotts Pharma AG, also based in Ziefen, Switzerland[4].
Patent Background
The patent was filed on April 30, 1998, as a continuation of application No. 08/687,329, which was filed as part of the international patent application PCT/EP96/02038 on May 13, 1996. It was granted on August 25, 1998[4].
Scope of the Patent
The patent focuses on the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases using oral dosage forms containing omega-3 polyunsaturated acids. Specifically, it describes the use of these acids in a sustained-release formulation designed to avoid upper gastrointestinal side effects. The formulation ensures that the active ingredients are released in the small intestine, where they can be fully absorbed[4].
Key Components
- Active Ingredients: Omega-3 polyunsaturated acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Formulation: The patent details a specific formulation that includes a sustained-release mechanism. This involves using capsules with pH and time-dependent release mechanisms to ensure the active ingredients are released in the small intestine[4].
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: An oral dosage form for treating inflammatory bowel disease, comprising omega-3 polyunsaturated acids in a sustained-release formulation.
- Claim 5: A method of treating inflammatory bowel disease, comprising administering an oral dosage form containing omega-3 polyunsaturated acids in a sustained-release formulation[4].
Dependent Claims
- These claims further specify the composition of the dosage form, including the types of omega-3 acids used, the release mechanisms, and the materials used in the formulation[4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent is part of a family of patents related to the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases using omega-3 acids. For example, U.S. Patent 5,948,818, also by Buser et al., describes a similar treatment using oral dosage forms of omega-3 polyunsaturated acids but with different formulation specifics[4].
International Patent Family
The patent is part of an international patent family, with applications filed in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom (GB 9509764) and Europe (EP 225303, EP 289204)[4].
Citation Data
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, which consolidates prior art cited by participating IP offices, would be useful in understanding the broader citation landscape for this patent. This tool helps in visualizing the search results for the same invention produced by several offices on a single page[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
For a comprehensive analysis, tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS) can be utilized. These tools provide access to prior art, file histories, and bibliographic data, which are essential for understanding the patent's position within the broader intellectual property landscape[1].
Economic and Research Implications
The Patent Claims Research Dataset by the USPTO provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, including those related to pharmaceuticals. This dataset can be used to analyze trends and scope measurements of patents like 5,792,795, offering insights into the economic and research implications of such inventions[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,792,795 is a significant contribution to the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, offering a specific formulation of omega-3 polyunsaturated acids that enhances efficacy while minimizing side effects. Understanding the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and legal professionals involved in this field.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Formulation: The patent describes a sustained-release formulation of omega-3 polyunsaturated acids designed to treat inflammatory bowel diseases.
- International Scope: The patent is part of an international patent family with applications in multiple countries.
- Related Patents: There are other related patents by the same inventors and assignee, detailing similar treatments.
- Analysis Tools: Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search and Global Dossier are essential for a comprehensive analysis.
- Economic Implications: The patent's impact can be analyzed using datasets like the Patent Claims Research Dataset.
FAQs
Q: Who are the inventors of U.S. Patent 5,792,795?
A: The inventors are Thomas Buser and Emilio P. Camporesi.
Q: What is the main focus of U.S. Patent 5,792,795?
A: The patent focuses on the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases using oral dosage forms of omega-3 polyunsaturated acids.
Q: What is unique about the formulation described in the patent?
A: The formulation includes a sustained-release mechanism that avoids upper gastrointestinal side effects by releasing the active ingredients in the small intestine.
Q: Is this patent part of an international patent family?
A: Yes, the patent is part of an international patent family with applications filed in multiple countries.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the broader patent landscape for this invention?
A: Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS) can be used.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- FDA US FOOD & DRUG - Regulations.gov: https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2015-E-2657-0006/attachment_1.pdf
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- United States Patent 5,948,818: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/35/eb/e4/0cbf466a371461/US5948818.pdf
- Office of Management Food and Drug Administration: https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2015-E-2657-0002/attachment_1.pdf