Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,132,420
Introduction
United States Patent 6,132,420, titled "Osmotic delivery system and method for enhancing start-up and performance of osmotic delivery systems," is a significant invention in the field of drug delivery systems. This patent, issued on October 17, 2000, describes an osmotic delivery system designed to enhance the start-up and performance of such systems. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Invention
The osmotic delivery system is a method for delivering beneficial agents, such as drugs, over a prolonged period. This system operates by using an osmotic agent that imbibes fluid from an outside environment, causing the release of the beneficial agent. The invention aims to improve the start-up time and overall performance of these systems, which is crucial for effective drug delivery[5].
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the invention encompasses an osmotic delivery system that includes several key components:
- Osmotic Agent: This is the core component that absorbs fluid from the environment, leading to the release of the beneficial agent.
- Chamber: The system includes a chamber that houses the osmotic agent and the beneficial agent.
- Fluid: The fluid from the outside environment plays a critical role in activating the osmotic agent.
- Beneficial Agent: This can be any drug or therapeutic substance intended for delivery[5].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the osmotic delivery system comprising an osmotic agent, a chamber, and a beneficial agent, where the osmotic agent imbibes fluid from the environment to release the beneficial agent.
- Claim 2 specifies the system with a particular start-up time, preferably less than 10% of the total administration period[5].
Dependent Claims
- These claims further detail specific aspects of the system, such as the composition of the osmotic agent, the design of the chamber, and the characteristics of the beneficial agent. For example, Claim 3 describes the system where the total administration period is at least about one day and often between about 30 days and 2 years[5].
Detailed Description of the Invention
The patent provides a detailed description of how the osmotic delivery system works:
- Operation: The osmotic agent absorbs fluid from the environment, causing the system to swell and release the beneficial agent through a controlled rate.
- Start-Up Time: The invention emphasizes reducing the start-up time, which is the period before the system begins to release the beneficial agent at a steady rate. The example illustrated in FIG. 2 shows a start-up time of less than 10% of the total administration period[5].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent landscape for osmotic delivery systems was already established before the issuance of US 6,132,420. Prior art includes various osmotic delivery systems, but they often suffered from long start-up times and variable performance. The current invention addresses these issues by providing a system with improved start-up times and consistent performance[5].
Related Patents
Other patents in the field of osmotic delivery systems include those that focus on different aspects such as the composition of the osmotic agent, the design of the delivery system, and the type of beneficial agents delivered. For example, patents related to drug delivery systems using osmotic pumps or other mechanisms can be found in various international patent databases, such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Global Dossier and International Patent Offices
To understand the global patent landscape, tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO can be useful. This service allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This can help in identifying similar inventions and their status in different jurisdictions[1].
Economic and Practical Implications
The invention has significant economic and practical implications:
- Improved Drug Delivery: The reduced start-up time and enhanced performance of the osmotic delivery system can lead to better therapeutic outcomes.
- Market Impact: This invention could influence the market for drug delivery systems, potentially leading to increased adoption and innovation in this field.
- Research and Development: The data from this patent can be used in further research, such as the Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO, which contains detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and can help in analyzing trends and scope measurements[3].
Key Takeaways
- Improved Start-Up Time: The patent describes an osmotic delivery system with a significantly reduced start-up time.
- Enhanced Performance: The system ensures consistent and controlled release of the beneficial agent.
- Broader Applications: The invention can be applied in various therapeutic areas, improving drug delivery outcomes.
- Global Patent Landscape: Understanding the global patent landscape is crucial for identifying similar inventions and their status.
FAQs
What is the main innovation of US Patent 6,132,420?
The main innovation is the reduction in start-up time and enhancement in the performance of osmotic delivery systems.
How does the osmotic delivery system work?
The system works by an osmotic agent absorbing fluid from the environment, causing the release of the beneficial agent through a controlled rate.
What are the potential applications of this invention?
The invention can be applied in various therapeutic areas to improve drug delivery outcomes.
How can one search for similar patents globally?
Tools like the Global Dossier and databases from international patent offices such as the EPO, JPO, and WIPO can be used to search for similar patents globally.
What is the significance of the Patent Claims Research Dataset in this context?
The dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, which can help in analyzing trends and scope measurements, and can be used in further research and development.
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
- Justia - US Patent for Osmotic delivery system: https://patents.justia.com/patent/6132420
- Google Patents - US6132420A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6132420A/en
