United States Patent 5,990,100: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 5,990,100, titled "Composition and method for treatment of psoriasis," is a significant patent in the field of dermatology, particularly for the treatment of psoriasis. This patent, granted on November 23, 1999, outlines a pharmaceutical composition and method that have been pivotal in managing this chronic skin condition.
Background and Prior Art
Before delving into the specifics of the patent, it is essential to understand the context and prior art in the field of psoriasis treatment. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, causing red, scaly patches. Prior to this patent, treatments often involved topical corticosteroids, light therapy, and systemic medications, each with their own set of limitations and side effects[5].
Patent Overview
Inventors and Applicants
The patent was filed by inventors associated with various pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. The application number US09/143,146 was filed on August 28, 1998, claiming priority from an earlier application US09/046,851 filed on March 24, 1998[5].
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of psoriasis, comprising 0.0001 to 30 weight percent of an anti-psoriatic agent selected from a group of compounds.
- Claim 2: The composition of claim 1, wherein the anti-psoriatic agent is a corticosteroid.
- Claim 3: The composition of claim 1, further comprising a solvent system including isopropyl myristate, water, and alcohol[5].
Composition and Method
Active Ingredients
The patent describes a composition that includes an anti-psoriatic agent, typically a corticosteroid, in a specific weight percentage range. This agent is combined with a solvent system that enhances the delivery and efficacy of the treatment.
Solvent System
The solvent system is crucial and includes components such as isopropyl myristate, water, and alcohol. This combination helps in improving the penetration of the active ingredient into the skin, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect[5].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The independent claims (e.g., Claim 1) define the broad scope of the invention, specifying the range of the anti-psoriatic agent and the components of the solvent system.
Dependent Claims
The dependent claims (e.g., Claims 2 and 3) narrow down the scope by specifying particular types of anti-psoriatic agents and additional components of the composition. These claims provide a more detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent is part of a larger family of related applications and patents. For instance, the continuation-in-part application US09/046,851 (US5886038A) filed on March 24, 1998, is closely related and shares a common priority date[5].
Global Patent Family
To understand the full scope of protection, it is essential to look at the global patent family. Tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO can help in identifying related applications filed at participating IP Offices, including the IP5 Offices (the United States, Europe, Japan, China, and Korea)[2].
Citation and Prior Art Analysis
The patent cites several prior art documents, which are crucial for understanding the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention. Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) can consolidate prior art cited by multiple offices, providing a comprehensive view of the prior art landscape[2].
Economic and Market Impact
Market Relevance
The treatment of psoriasis is a significant market, and this patent has contributed to the development of more effective and user-friendly treatments. The use of specific solvent systems has improved patient compliance and treatment outcomes.
Competitive Landscape
The patent landscape for psoriasis treatments is highly competitive, with numerous patents and applications filed by various pharmaceutical companies. The expiration of this patent has opened up opportunities for generic formulations, as seen with other drugs like clobetasol propionate[4].
Expiration and Generic Impact
Patent Expiration
The patent has expired, which means that the composition and method described are now in the public domain. This expiration has allowed other companies to develop generic versions of the treatment.
Generic Formulations
Generic formulations of similar compositions are now available, reducing the cost and increasing the accessibility of psoriasis treatments. This shift has significantly impacted the market, making treatments more affordable for patients[4].
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
- Innovative Composition: The patent introduced an innovative composition for psoriasis treatment, enhancing the delivery and efficacy of anti-psoriatic agents.
- Solvent System: The use of a specific solvent system was a key innovation, improving skin penetration and therapeutic effects.
- Market Impact: The patent has had a significant impact on the market, leading to more effective and affordable treatments for psoriasis.
- Generic Formulations: The expiration of the patent has enabled the development of generic formulations, increasing accessibility and reducing costs.
Key Takeaways
- The patent describes a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating psoriasis.
- The composition includes an anti-psoriatic agent and a specific solvent system.
- The patent has expired, allowing for generic formulations.
- The innovation has significantly impacted the market for psoriasis treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main innovation of the United States Patent 5,990,100?
The main innovation is the use of a specific solvent system that enhances the delivery and efficacy of anti-psoriatic agents in treating psoriasis.
Who are the inventors and applicants of this patent?
The inventors and applicants are associated with various pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, though specific names are not detailed in the patent document.
What is the significance of the solvent system in this patent?
The solvent system, including isopropyl myristate, water, and alcohol, improves the penetration of the active ingredient into the skin, enhancing the therapeutic effect.
Has the patent expired?
Yes, the patent has expired, which means the composition and method are now in the public domain.
How has the expiration of this patent affected the market for psoriasis treatments?
The expiration has led to the development of generic formulations, making treatments more affordable and accessible to patients.
