United States Patent 6,120,752: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
United States Patent 6,120,752, titled "Medicinal aerosol products containing formulations of ciclesonide and related steroids," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the field of respiratory medicine. This patent, granted to a pharmaceutical company, outlines the formulation and use of ciclesonide, an anti-inflammatory steroid, in aerosol products.
Background
Ciclesonide is a synthetic corticosteroid used primarily for the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. The patent focuses on the development of aerosol formulations that enhance the delivery and efficacy of ciclesonide.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US6120752A
- Prior Art Date: The patent was filed on March 27, 1998, and granted on September 19, 2000[1].
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects:
Independent Claims
- The patent claims cover a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation suitable for oral and/or nasal inhalation.
- The formulation includes an anti-inflammatory steroid, specifically ciclesonide, and related steroids[1].
Dependent Claims
- These claims further specify the composition of the aerosol formulation, including the concentration of ciclesonide, the type of propellant used, and the method of administration[1].
Scope of the Invention
Formulation
The patent describes a detailed formulation of ciclesonide in an aerosol product. This includes:
- Active Ingredient: Ciclesonide, an anti-inflammatory steroid.
- Propellant: The use of a propellant to deliver the active ingredient in an aerosol form.
- Excipients: Additional components that enhance the stability and delivery of the formulation[1].
Administration
The patent specifies that the aerosol formulation is designed for oral and/or nasal inhalation, making it suitable for treating respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Technical Details
Chemical Structure
The patent provides the chemical structure of ciclesonide and related steroids, which is crucial for understanding the composition and synthesis of the active ingredient[1].
Metering Tank and Valve
The patent also describes the mechanical aspects of the aerosol device, including the metering tank and valve system, which ensure precise dosing of the medication[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape around US6120752A includes other patents related to aerosol formulations and respiratory treatments. These patents often focus on different aspects such as new propellants, delivery systems, or other active ingredients.
Global Dossier
Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the global patent family and any citations or office actions related to this patent[4].
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
Patentability
The patentability of such formulations is subject to the conditions and requirements of the Patent Act, including the Alice test for determining whether the claims are directed to abstract ideas or natural phenomena[2].
Expiration
The patent has expired, which means that the formulation and method described are now in the public domain. This allows other companies to manufacture and market similar products without infringing on the original patent[1].
Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry
Market Competition
The expiration of this patent has opened up the market for generic versions of ciclesonide aerosol products, increasing competition and potentially reducing costs for consumers.
Innovation
The patent has driven innovation in the field of respiratory medicine by encouraging the development of new aerosol formulations and delivery systems.
Key Takeaways
- Formulation and Delivery: The patent focuses on the formulation and delivery of ciclesonide in aerosol products for respiratory conditions.
- Scope and Claims: The claims cover the composition, method of administration, and mechanical aspects of the aerosol device.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of respiratory treatment patents and is now in the public domain.
- Impact: The patent has driven innovation and competition in the pharmaceutical industry.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary use of ciclesonide as described in US6120752A?
A: Ciclesonide is used primarily for the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Q: What is the significance of the metering tank and valve in the patent?
A: The metering tank and valve ensure precise dosing of the medication, which is crucial for the effective delivery of ciclesonide.
Q: Is the patent still in force?
A: No, the patent has expired, allowing other companies to manufacture and market similar products without infringing on the original patent.
Q: How does the Global Dossier service help in understanding this patent?
A: The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping to understand the global patent family and any citations or office actions related to this patent.
Q: What is the Alice test, and how does it relate to this patent?
A: The Alice test is a two-step test used to determine whether patent claims are directed to abstract ideas or natural phenomena. While this patent does not involve abstract ideas, the test is relevant for understanding patentability in general.
Sources
- US6120752A - Medicinal aerosol products containing formulations of ciclesonide and related steroids - Google Patents
- CONTOUR IP HOLDING LLC v. GOPRO, INC. - CAFC
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Search for patents - USPTO - USPTO
- U.S. Patent Small Claims Court - ACUS
