Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,159,498
Introduction
United States Patent 6,159,498, titled "Bioerodable film for delivery of pharmaceutical compounds of mucosal surfaces," is a significant invention in the field of pharmaceutical delivery systems. This patent, issued to innovators in the medical and pharmaceutical industry, outlines a novel approach to drug delivery through bioerodable films. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US6159498A
- Authority: United States
- Prior Art Date: The patent builds upon earlier inventions in the field of pharmaceutical delivery systems, particularly those related to bioadhesive and bioerodable films[4].
Scope of the Invention
The patent describes a water-soluble, bioerodable pharmaceutical delivery device designed for application to mucosal surfaces. This invention is aimed at delivering pharmaceutical compounds in a controlled manner, leveraging the properties of bioerodable materials.
Key Components
- Bioerodable Film: The film is composed of non-adhesive and bioadhesive components. Non-adhesive components include cellulose ethers, while bioadhesive components may include polyacrylic acid, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, or polyvinylpyrrolidone[4].
- Application: The film is designed for use on mucosal surfaces, providing a delivery system that is both flexible and minimally invasive.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Claim 1: Describes the bioerodable film comprising a non-adhesive component and a bioadhesive component, specifically designed for mucosal surfaces[4].
- Claim 2: Outlines the composition of the film, including the types of cellulose derivatives and other materials used[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the invention, such as:
- Claim 3: Details the method of preparing the bioerodable film, including the steps involved in combining the non-adhesive and bioadhesive components[4].
- Claim 4: Describes the pharmaceutical compounds that can be delivered using the bioerodable film, including their concentration and release profiles[4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding US6159498A includes several related patents that address similar or complementary technologies:
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,996,934 and 4,286,592: These patents describe bandages and bioadhesive laminated films used for drug delivery through the skin or mucous membranes[4].
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,517,173; 4,572,832; 4,713,243; 4,900,554; and 5,137,729: These patents cover various aspects of membrane-adhering films and transdermal patches, which are relevant to the technology described in US6159498A[4].
Classification
The patent is classified under several categories in the International Patent Classification (IPC) system:
- A61K9/00: Medicinal preparations characterized by special physical form.
- A61K9/70: Web, sheet or filament bases; Films; Fibres of the matrix type containing drug.
- A61K47/00: Medicinal preparations characterized by the non-active ingredients used, e.g., carriers or inert additives[4].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
To fully understand the impact and protection offered by US6159498A, patent analytics can be employed:
- Claim Coverage Matrix: This tool helps in identifying which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property related to the bioerodable film. It also highlights gaps or opportunities in the current patent portfolio[5].
- Scope Concepts: Categorizing patents by scope concepts, such as the type of bioerodable materials or the method of drug delivery, can provide a comprehensive view of the patent landscape. This approach helps in filtering, searching, and analyzing large numbers of patent claims efficiently[5].
Practical Applications and Future Directions
The bioerodable film described in US6159498A has several practical applications:
- Mucosal Drug Delivery: The film can be used to deliver pharmaceutical compounds directly to mucosal surfaces, providing a targeted and efficient delivery system.
- Future Design Opportunities: The interactive claim charts generated through patent analytics can help engineers, scientists, and management identify new design options and potential future directions for the technology[5].
Legal Status and Expiration
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, as indicated by its lifetime status. This means that the technology described is now in the public domain and can be freely used without infringing on the original patent[4].
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Delivery System: US6159498A introduces a novel bioerodable film for delivering pharmaceutical compounds to mucosal surfaces.
- Comprehensive Claims: The patent includes detailed claims that specify the composition, preparation, and application of the bioerodable film.
- Related Technologies: The patent landscape includes several related patents that address similar drug delivery systems.
- Patent Analytics: Tools like claim coverage matrices and scope concepts are essential for understanding the protection and opportunities related to this patent.
- Public Domain: The patent has expired, making the technology available for public use.
FAQs
What is the main innovation of US6159498A?
The main innovation is a water-soluble, bioerodable pharmaceutical delivery device designed for application to mucosal surfaces.
What are the key components of the bioerodable film?
The film is composed of non-adhesive components like cellulose ethers and bioadhesive components such as polyacrylic acid or polyvinylpyrrolidone.
How does the patent classify in the IPC system?
The patent is classified under A61K9/00, A61K9/70, and A61K47/00, among other categories.
What tools can be used to analyze the patent claims and coverage?
Tools like claim coverage matrices and scope concepts, as part of patent analytics, can be used to analyze the patent claims and coverage.
What is the current legal status of US6159498A?
The patent has expired, making the technology described in the public domain.
How can the expired status of the patent impact its use?
The expired status means that the technology can be freely used without infringing on the original patent, allowing for widespread adoption and further innovation.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Unified Patents Portal: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/ptab/case/IPR2017-01582
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US6159498A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6159498A/en
- SLWIP - Patent Analytics: https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
