Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,840,684
Introduction
United States Patent 5,840,684, titled "Glycopeptide antibiotic derivatives," was issued on November 24, 1998. This patent is significant in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antibacterial agents. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Patent
The patent was filed by a team of inventors including Robin D.G. Cooper, Bret E. Huff, Thalia I. Nicas, John T. Quatroche, Michael J. Rodriguez, Nancy J. Snyder, Michael A. Staszak, Richard C. Thompson, Stephen C. Wilkie, and Mark J. Zweifel. The assignees of the patent were Eli Lilly and Company and The Medicines Company, as per a license agreement dated December 23, 2005[1][2].
Scope of the Invention
The patent covers glycopeptide antibiotic derivative compounds that exhibit antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. These derivatives are designed to enhance the efficacy and stability of existing glycopeptide antibiotics.
Chemical Structure and Synthesis
The glycopeptide antibiotic derivatives described in the patent involve modifications to the core structure of natural glycopeptides. These modifications include the introduction of various substituents such as alkyl, benzyl, and other functional groups to improve the pharmacological properties of the compounds[2].
Antibacterial Activity
The patented compounds have been shown to possess significant antibacterial activity, making them valuable in the treatment of bacterial infections. The scope of the invention includes the use of these compounds as therapeutic agents against Gram-positive bacteria, which are often resistant to other antibiotics[2].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention.
Product Claims
The patent claims cover the glycopeptide antibiotic derivative compounds themselves. These claims specify the chemical structures and compositions of the derivatives, ensuring that any compound falling within these descriptions is protected under the patent[1][2].
Method of Use Claims
In addition to product claims, the patent also includes claims related to the methods of using these antibiotic derivatives. This includes the administration routes, dosages, and treatment regimens for various bacterial infections[1].
Method of Manufacture Claims
The patent further claims the methods of manufacturing these glycopeptide antibiotic derivatives. This encompasses the synthesis steps, reagents, and conditions necessary to produce the compounds[1].
Patent Landscape
Regulatory Approval
The product covered by this patent received permission for commercial marketing on August 6, 2014, as indicated in the application for patent term extension under 35 U.S.C. § 156[1].
Patent Term Extension
The patent holders applied for a patent term extension due to the regulatory review period. This application was submitted within the sixty-day period permitted, with the last day for submission being October 5, 2014[1].
Related Patents and Applications
The patent is part of a larger family of patents related to glycopeptide antibiotics. Using services like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO, one can trace the patent family and related applications filed at participating IP offices[4].
Economic and Industrial Impact
Market Significance
Glycopeptide antibiotics are crucial in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The patented compounds have the potential to significantly impact the pharmaceutical market by offering new treatment options for severe bacterial infections.
Licensing and Collaboration
The license agreement between Eli Lilly and Company and The Medicines Company highlights the collaborative efforts in the pharmaceutical industry to bring innovative treatments to market. Such collaborations are essential for the development and commercialization of new drugs[1].
Legal and Administrative Aspects
Assignment and Ownership
The patent was assigned to Eli Lilly and Company and The Medicines Company through a recorded assignment. This assignment is crucial for the legal ownership and rights to the patent[1].
Maintenance and Corrections
The patent has undergone various administrative actions, including the issuance of a certificate of correction and the payment of maintenance fees. These actions ensure the patent remains in force and any errors are corrected[1].
Conclusion and Future Implications
The scope and claims of United States Patent 5,840,684 are comprehensive, covering both the glycopeptide antibiotic derivatives and the methods related to their use and manufacture. This patent is a significant contribution to the field of antibacterial therapy and highlights the ongoing efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent covers glycopeptide antibiotic derivatives with enhanced antibacterial activity.
- Claims: Include product, method of use, and method of manufacture claims.
- Regulatory Approval: The product received commercial marketing approval on August 6, 2014.
- Patent Term Extension: Applied for due to regulatory review period.
- Economic Impact: Significant potential in the pharmaceutical market for treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
- Legal Aspects: Assigned to Eli Lilly and Company and The Medicines Company; underwent administrative actions.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of United States Patent 5,840,684?
A: The main subject is glycopeptide antibiotic derivative compounds with antibacterial activity.
Q: Who are the inventors listed on the patent?
A: The inventors include Robin D.G. Cooper, Bret E. Huff, Thalia I. Nicas, John T. Quatroche, Michael J. Rodriguez, Nancy J. Snyder, Michael A. Staszak, Richard C. Thompson, Stephen C. Wilkie, and Mark J. Zweifel.
Q: What companies are associated with this patent?
A: Eli Lilly and Company and The Medicines Company are associated with this patent through a license agreement.
Q: When did the product receive permission for commercial marketing?
A: The product received permission for commercial marketing on August 6, 2014.
Q: Why was a patent term extension applied for?
A: The patent term extension was applied for due to the regulatory review period under 35 U.S.C. § 156.
Sources
- Application for Patent Term Extension under 35 U.S.C. § 156 - U.S. Patent No. 5,840,684[1].
- Glycopeptide antibiotic derivatives - Google Patents[2].
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO[3].
- Search for patents - USPTO[4].
