United States Patent 5,994,409: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,994,409, titled "Methods for treatment of neuro- and nephro-disorders and therapeutic toxicities using aminothiol compounds," is a significant patent in the field of medical treatments, particularly focusing on the use of aminothiol compounds. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Background of the Patent
The patent, issued to various inventors, pertains to methods for treating neuro- and nephro-disorders, as well as therapeutic toxicities, using aminothiol compounds. Aminothiols, such as amifostine, have been shown to have protective effects against certain types of damage caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is broad and encompasses several key areas:
Treatment of Neuro-Disorders
The patent includes methods for treating neuro-disorders, which can arise from various therapeutic interventions, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These methods involve administering aminothiol compounds to mitigate neurotoxicity[4].
Treatment of Nephro-Disorders
It also covers the treatment of nephro-disorders, such as renal insufficiency and kidney failure, which can be side effects of certain therapeutic treatments. The use of aminothiol compounds is aimed at reducing the nephrotoxic effects of these treatments[4].
Therapeutic Toxicities
The patent addresses the treatment of therapeutic toxicities, including those associated with chemotherapy agents like cisplatin, carboplatin, and doxorubicin. Aminothiol compounds are administered to protect against these toxicities[4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- The patent claims methods for treating neuro- and nephro-disorders by administering specific aminothiol compounds.
- It also claims methods for reducing therapeutic toxicities associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy using these compounds[4].
Dependent Claims
- These claims further specify the types of aminothiol compounds used, the dosage forms, and the administration routes.
- They also detail the specific conditions treated, such as neurotoxicity, renal insufficiency, and cancer-related toxicities[4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape around US 5,994,409 includes other patents and applications related to the use of aminothiol compounds in medical treatments. For instance, other patents may cover different applications of aminothiols or variations in the compounds used[4].
International Patent Family
The patent is part of an international patent family, with corresponding applications filed in other countries. This is evident from the global dossier services provided by the USPTO, which allow users to see the patent family for a specific application across participating IP offices[1].
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites prior art related to the use of aminothiol compounds in medical treatments. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, which consolidates prior art cited by participating IP offices, would be useful in understanding the prior art landscape for this patent[1].
Expiration and Freedom to Operate (FTO)
The patent has expired, which means that the methods and compounds described are now in the public domain. This expiration allows other entities to use the disclosed methods and compounds without infringing on the original patent[5].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, including those related to medical treatments. This dataset can be used to analyze trends and scope measurements of patents like US 5,994,409[3].
Economic Impact
The expiration of this patent can have significant economic implications, as it opens up the market for generic versions of the treatments described. This can lead to increased competition and potentially lower costs for patients.
Practical Applications and Industry Impact
Clinical Use
The methods described in the patent have been clinically used to protect patients from the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The use of aminothiol compounds like amifostine has been a standard practice in certain medical protocols[4].
Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry has benefited from this patent by developing and marketing products based on the disclosed methods. With the patent's expiration, other pharmaceutical companies can now develop and market similar products, potentially increasing market competition.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers methods for treating neuro- and nephro-disorders and therapeutic toxicities using aminothiol compounds.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of an international patent family and has expired, allowing for public use of the disclosed methods.
- Economic Implications: The expiration of the patent can lead to increased competition and lower costs for patients.
- Practical Applications: The methods have been clinically used to protect patients from toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 5,994,409?
A: The main focus is on methods for treating neuro- and nephro-disorders and therapeutic toxicities using aminothiol compounds.
Q: What are the key claims of the patent?
A: The patent claims methods for treating neuro- and nephro-disorders and reducing therapeutic toxicities associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy using aminothiol compounds.
Q: Has the patent expired?
A: Yes, the patent has expired, which means the methods and compounds described are now in the public domain.
Q: What is the economic impact of the patent's expiration?
A: The expiration can lead to increased competition and potentially lower costs for patients as other entities can now use the disclosed methods and compounds.
Q: How can one search for similar patents or related information?
A: One can use resources like the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and international patent databases to search for similar patents and related information[1].
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - US5994409A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5994409A/de
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US5994409A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5994409A/en
- Drug Patent Watch - Patent 5,994,409: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent-claims/5994409
