United States Patent 6,011,020: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
United States Patent 6,011,020, titled "Nucleic acid ligand complexes," is a significant patent in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. This patent, issued on January 4, 2000, discloses methods for preparing therapeutic or diagnostic complexes comprising nucleic acid ligands and lipophilic compounds. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background
The patent was filed on August 12, 1995, and assigned to the assignee NeXstar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The invention is categorized under various international patent classifications, including A61K47/00 and G01N33/50, indicating its relevance to medical preparations and biological material analysis[4].
Scope of the Invention
The patent describes a method for preparing complexes that include a nucleic acid ligand, such as an aptamer, and a lipophilic compound. These complexes are designed for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Here are the key aspects of the invention:
Nucleic Acid Ligands
The patent focuses on nucleic acid ligands, specifically aptamers, which are nucleic acids that bind to a target molecule with high affinity and specificity without hybridizing with it. These aptamers can be used to target various biological molecules, including proteins and other nucleic acids[4].
Complex Formation
The method involves combining the nucleic acid ligand with a lipophilic compound to enhance the delivery and stability of the ligand. This complex formation is crucial for improving the therapeutic or diagnostic efficacy of the nucleic acid ligand.
Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications
The complexes are intended for use in medical treatments and diagnostic procedures. For example, they can be used to target specific diseases by binding to disease-associated molecules, thereby either treating the condition or aiding in its diagnosis[4].
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the method of preparing a complex comprising a nucleic acid ligand and a lipophilic compound.
- Claim 10 outlines the therapeutic or diagnostic complex itself, including the nucleic acid ligand and the lipophilic compound[4].
Dependent Claims
- These claims further specify the types of nucleic acid ligands (e.g., aptamers), the nature of the lipophilic compounds, and the methods of administering the complexes.
Patent Landscape
Classification and Categorization
The patent is classified under several categories, including A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or toilet purposes) and G01N (Investigating or analyzing materials by determining their chemical or physical properties). These classifications indicate the patent's relevance to both medical preparations and biological material analysis[4].
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites several prior art references related to nucleic acid ligands and their applications. For instance, it mentions the use of aptamers in binding to target molecules, which was a novel concept at the time of the patent's filing[4].
Global Dossier and Patent Family
Using tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO, one can see the patent family for this specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the global reach and protection of the invention[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The CCD application consolidates prior art citations from multiple IP offices, providing a comprehensive view of the prior art landscape for this patent. This is particularly useful for understanding how different patent offices have evaluated the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention[1].
Impact and Relevance
Therapeutic Applications
The invention has significant implications for therapeutic applications, particularly in the treatment of diseases where targeted delivery of nucleic acid ligands is crucial. The use of lipophilic compounds to enhance delivery and stability has been a key advancement in this field.
Diagnostic Applications
In diagnostics, the complexes described in the patent can be used to detect specific biomarkers or disease-associated molecules, aiding in early diagnosis and treatment.
Legal Status
As of the current date, the patent has expired, which means that the invention is now in the public domain. This allows other researchers and companies to use and build upon the disclosed methods without needing to obtain a license from the original patent holder[4].
Conclusion
United States Patent 6,011,020 represents a significant contribution to the field of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The invention's focus on nucleic acid ligand complexes and their therapeutic and diagnostic applications has paved the way for further research and development in targeted therapies.
Key Takeaways
- Nucleic Acid Ligands: The patent emphasizes the use of aptamers and other nucleic acid ligands for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
- Complex Formation: The method of combining these ligands with lipophilic compounds enhances their delivery and stability.
- Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications: The complexes are designed for targeted therapies and diagnostics.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is classified under several categories and has a global patent family.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, making the invention public domain.
FAQs
What is the main invention described in US Patent 6,011,020?
The main invention is a method for preparing therapeutic or diagnostic complexes comprising nucleic acid ligands and lipophilic compounds.
What are aptamers, and how are they used in this patent?
Aptamers are nucleic acids that bind to target molecules with high affinity and specificity. In this patent, they are used as nucleic acid ligands to target specific biological molecules.
What is the significance of combining nucleic acid ligands with lipophilic compounds?
Combining nucleic acid ligands with lipophilic compounds enhances the delivery and stability of the ligands, making them more effective for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
Is the patent still in force?
No, the patent has expired, making the invention public domain.
How can one access related patent information globally?
Tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) provided by the USPTO can be used to access related patent information globally.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US6011020A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6011020A/en
- Unified Patents Portal - WO-2018071656-A1: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/WO-2018071656-A1
