United States Patent 6,469,182: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 6,469,182, titled "Methods and compositions for use in treating diseases associated with excessive cellular proliferation," is a significant patent in the field of oncology and pharmaceuticals. This patent, granted on October 22, 2002, is part of a series of continuations and continuations-in-part, reflecting a comprehensive approach to treating diseases like cancer.
Background and Priority
The patent is a continuation of several earlier patent applications, starting with U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/089,682 filed on June 17, 1998. This chain of continuations indicates a thorough and iterative development process, incorporating feedback and advancements over several years[1].
Scope of the Patent
Diseases Treated
The patent focuses on methods and compositions for treating diseases characterized by excessive cellular proliferation, with a primary emphasis on cancer. This includes various types of cancer where uncontrolled cell growth is a hallmark[1].
Pharmaceutical Compositions
The patent describes pharmaceutical compositions that include compounds of a specific formula (I) and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. These compositions can be formulated for various administration routes, such as oral, topical, parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, or by injection or inhalation. Additionally, the compositions can be designed for controlled-release, including transdermal patches[1].
Claims of the Patent
Compound Structure
The patent claims compounds with a specific structural formula, including various substituents such as:
- G being O, S, CH2, or NR6
- J and J′ being independently H, C1-6 alkoxy, or C1-6 alkyl, or together forming ═CH2 or —O-(straight or branched C1-5 alkylene)-O—
- Q being C1-3 alkyl
- T being ethylene or ethenylene, optionally substituted with (CO)OR7 where R7 is H or C1-6 alkyl
- U and U′ being independently H, C1-6 alkoxy, or C1-6 alkyl, or together forming ═CH2 or —O-(straight or branched C1-5 alkylene)-O—
- X being H or C1-6 alkoxy
- Y and Y′ being independently H or C1-6 alkoxy, or together forming ═O, ═CH2, or —O-(straight or branched C1-5 alkylene)-O—[1].
Combination Therapies
The patent also claims combinations of these compounds with other pharmaceutically-active agents, such as anti-tumor agents, immune-stimulating agents, interferons, cytokines, anti-MDR agents, or anti-angiogenesis agents. This indicates a versatile approach to cancer treatment, allowing for tailored therapies based on the specific needs of patients[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent is part of a larger family of patents related to cancer treatment. For instance, it is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/843,617, which itself is a continuation of earlier applications. This family of patents reflects ongoing research and development in the field of oncology[1].
International Context
While the patent is specific to the United States, similar research and patent filings exist globally. For example, the European Patent Office (EPO) and other international intellectual property offices have databases that can be searched to identify similar patents and prior art in other jurisdictions[4].
Impact on Cancer Treatment
Innovative Therapies
The patent's focus on specific compounds and their combinations with other therapeutic agents represents an innovative approach to cancer treatment. This can lead to more targeted and effective therapies, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Clinical Implications
The ability to formulate these compounds for various administration routes and in controlled-release forms enhances their clinical utility. This flexibility can improve patient compliance and the overall efficacy of the treatment.
Industry Expert Insights
Industry experts often highlight the importance of such patents in advancing cancer treatment. For example, Dr. Francis Collins, former Director of the National Institutes of Health, has emphasized the critical role of targeted therapies in modern oncology: "Targeted therapies are a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment, allowing us to attack the cancer cells more precisely and with fewer side effects".
Statistical Significance
Patent Filings
The number of patent filings in the oncology sector has been increasing, reflecting the growing interest and investment in cancer research. According to the USPTO, the number of patent applications related to cancer treatments has seen a significant rise over the past two decades[3].
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials involving targeted therapies have shown promising results. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that targeted therapies improved survival rates in certain types of cancer by up to 30% compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Challenges and Future Directions
Regulatory Hurdles
Patents like 6,469,182 must navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and international standards is crucial for bringing these treatments to market.
Continuous Innovation
The field of oncology is rapidly evolving, with new discoveries and advancements continually being made. Future directions may include further refinement of these compounds, exploration of new targets, and integration with emerging technologies like immunotherapy and gene editing.
Key Takeaways
- Disease Focus: The patent targets diseases associated with excessive cellular proliferation, primarily cancer.
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: It describes specific compounds and their formulations for various administration routes.
- Combination Therapies: The patent includes claims for combinations with other therapeutic agents.
- Patent Landscape: Part of a larger family of patents related to cancer treatment.
- Clinical Impact: Represents an innovative approach to cancer treatment with potential for improved patient outcomes.
FAQs
What is the primary focus of United States Patent 6,469,182?
The primary focus of this patent is on methods and compositions for treating diseases associated with excessive cellular proliferation, particularly cancer.
What types of compounds are described in the patent?
The patent describes compounds with a specific structural formula, including various substituents, and their combinations with other pharmaceutically-active agents.
How can the compositions be administered?
The compositions can be administered through various routes, including oral, topical, parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, or by injection or inhalation, and can be formulated for controlled-release.
What is the significance of combination therapies in this patent?
The patent claims combinations of the described compounds with other therapeutic agents, allowing for tailored and potentially more effective cancer treatments.
How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
This patent is part of a larger family of patents related to cancer treatment and reflects ongoing research and development in the field of oncology.
Sources
- US Patent for Methods and compositions for use in treating cancer: Justia Patents.
- Patent 2931788 Summary - Canadian Patents Database: Brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca.
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO: USPTO.
- Search for patents - USPTO: USPTO.
- Drugs covered by patent 6469182: DrugPatentWatch.
- NIH Director's Blog: National Institutes of Health.
- Journal of Clinical Oncology: American Society of Clinical Oncology.
