United States Patent 5,914,396: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
The United States Patent 5,914,396, titled "2'-O-modified nucleosides and phosphoramidites," is a significant patent in the field of molecular biology and pharmaceuticals. This patent, issued on June 22, 1999, covers innovative compositions and methods related to nucleoside modifications. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background
The patent was granted to inventors associated with Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (now part of Ionis Pharmaceuticals), and it represents a crucial advancement in the development of oligonucleotides that are resistant to nuclease digestion and can effectively hybridize to complementary polynucleotides[4].
Scope of the Patent
Overview
The patent focuses on the synthesis and application of 2'-O-modified nucleosides and their corresponding phosphoramidites. These modifications are designed to enhance the stability and efficacy of oligonucleotides, which are crucial for various therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
Key Components
- 2'-O-Modified Nucleosides: The patent describes the chemical synthesis of nucleosides with modifications at the 2'-position of the ribose sugar. These modifications include, but are not limited to, 2'-O-methyl, 2'-O-allyl, and 2'-O-propyl groups[4].
- Phosphoramidites: The invention also covers the preparation of phosphoramidite derivatives of these modified nucleosides, which are essential for the solid-phase synthesis of oligonucleotides.
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Claim 1: This claim covers the 2'-O-modified nucleosides themselves, specifying the chemical structure and the types of modifications.
- Claim 7: This claim pertains to the phosphoramidite derivatives of the modified nucleosides, detailing their composition and use in oligonucleotide synthesis.
- Claim 13: This claim addresses the oligonucleotides composed of these modified nucleosides, highlighting their resistance to nuclease digestion and their ability to hybridize to complementary sequences[4].
Dependent Claims
The dependent claims further elaborate on the independent claims by specifying various aspects such as:
- The methods of synthesizing the modified nucleosides and their phosphoramidite derivatives.
- The use of these oligonucleotides in therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
- The specific chemical structures and modifications that are covered under the patent.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent references several prior art documents that laid the groundwork for this invention. These include earlier patents and publications related to nucleoside modifications and oligonucleotide synthesis[4].
Related Patents
The patent landscape in this field is dense with related patents that cover various aspects of nucleoside chemistry and oligonucleotide technology. For example:
- US5914396A itself is part of a larger family of patents related to nucleoside modifications and their applications.
- Other patents, such as those related to 2'-O-substituted pyrimidines, also contribute to the broader landscape of nucleoside chemistry[5].
International Context
The global patent landscape for nucleoside modifications is extensive, with contributions from various international intellectual property offices. Databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) offer access to a wide range of patents and patent applications in this field[1].
Analytical Tools and Strategies
To fully understand the scope and claims of this patent, as well as its position within the broader patent landscape, several analytical tools and strategies can be employed:
Claim Coverage Matrix
A Claim Coverage Matrix can help in identifying which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property related to 2'-O-modified nucleosides. This matrix categorizes patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to filter, search, and analyze large numbers of patent claims[3].
Claim Charts
Interactive claim charts generated by tools like ClaimScape® can facilitate the review of patent coverage with technical experts. These charts help in determining whether specific scope concepts are applicable to target products or methods, highlighting gaps in current coverage and future design opportunities[3].
Practical Applications
The inventions covered by US 5,914,396 have significant practical applications:
- Therapeutics: The stable oligonucleotides produced using these modified nucleosides can be used in antisense therapy, RNA interference, and other gene-targeting therapies.
- Diagnostics: These oligonucleotides can be employed in diagnostic assays due to their enhanced stability and hybridization properties.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Modifications: The patent introduces novel 2'-O-modifications to nucleosides, enhancing the stability and efficacy of oligonucleotides.
- Broad Applications: The inventions have wide-ranging applications in therapeutics and diagnostics.
- Comprehensive Claims: The patent includes detailed claims covering the modified nucleosides, their phosphoramidite derivatives, and the oligonucleotides composed thereof.
- Global Relevance: The patent is part of a global landscape of intellectual property related to nucleoside chemistry and oligonucleotide technology.
FAQs
What are the primary modifications covered by US 5,914,396?
The primary modifications covered by this patent include 2'-O-methyl, 2'-O-allyl, and 2'-O-propyl groups on the ribose sugar of nucleosides.
How do these modifications improve oligonucleotides?
These modifications enhance the stability of oligonucleotides by making them resistant to nuclease digestion and improve their ability to hybridize to complementary sequences.
What are the practical applications of the inventions covered by this patent?
The inventions have significant applications in therapeutics, such as antisense therapy and RNA interference, and in diagnostics due to the enhanced stability and hybridization properties of the oligonucleotides.
How can one analyze the scope and claims of this patent in relation to other patents?
Using tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and interactive claim charts can help in analyzing the scope and claims of this patent in relation to other patents in the field.
Where can one find more information on related international patents?
Databases provided by international intellectual property offices such as the EPO, JPO, and WIPO offer access to a wide range of related patents and patent applications.
Sources
- USPTO: "Search for patents - USPTO" - https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents: "US10655128.pdf" - https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/d6/d4/38/d7ba0fc376ab1b/US10655128.pdf
- SLWIP: "Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law" - https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
- Google Patents: "US5914396A - 2'-O-modified nucleosides and phosphoramidites" - https://patents.google.com/patent/US5914396A/en
- PubChem: "Improved preparation of 2'-0-substituted pyrimidines and their ... " - https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/KR-100321416-B1
