United States Patent 6,610,824: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
The United States Patent 6,610,824, titled "Amylin agonist peptides and uses therefor," is a significant patent in the field of medicine, particularly in the treatment and prevention of hypoglycemic conditions and other related disorders. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent, issued on August 26, 2003, pertains to agonist analogues of amylin, a peptide hormone involved in glucose regulation. Amylin is co-secreted with insulin from the pancreas and plays a crucial role in modulating postprandial glucose levels. The invention focuses on designing and synthesizing amylin agonist peptides that can mimic or enhance the natural effects of amylin, thereby offering therapeutic benefits for conditions such as diabetes and other metabolic disorders[1].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected. Here are some key aspects:
Claims Structure
The patent includes multiple claims that describe the composition and structure of the amylin agonist peptides. These claims specify the amino acid sequences, modifications, and linkages that are essential for the peptides' activity.
- Independent Claims: These claims define the broadest scope of the invention, including the general structure of the amylin agonist peptides and their therapeutic uses.
- Dependent Claims: These claims narrow down the scope by specifying particular amino acid substitutions, modifications, and linkages that are part of the invention[1].
Amino Acid Sequences and Modifications
The patent details various amino acid sequences and modifications that are critical for the agonist activity of the peptides. For example:
- The patent specifies residues such as Ala, Ser, Thr, Val, Leu, Ile, His, Arg, and others at specific positions in the peptide chain.
- It also describes the formation of intramolecular linkages and the use of different chiral centers[1].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claim Length and Count
The length and count of independent claims are important metrics for measuring patent scope. In this case, the patent includes several independent claims that define the core aspects of the invention. These claims are detailed enough to provide a clear understanding of what is protected but broad enough to encompass various embodiments of the amylin agonist peptides[3].
Claim Specificity
The claims are specific in terms of the amino acid sequences and modifications, ensuring that the patent protection is well-defined and not overly broad. This specificity helps in distinguishing the invention from prior art and reduces the likelihood of disputes over patent validity[3].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Novelty
The patent application process involves a thorough search of prior art to ensure the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention. In this case, the inventors have clearly differentiated their amylin agonist peptides from existing peptides by introducing specific modifications and linkages that enhance their therapeutic efficacy[5].
Global Patent System
The patent is part of a global patent family, with potential filings in various international jurisdictions. Tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) provided by the USPTO and other international patent offices facilitate the management and analysis of related patent applications across different countries[4].
Therapeutic Uses
The patent highlights several therapeutic uses for the amylin agonist peptides, including:
Treatment of Hypoglycemic Conditions
The peptides are designed to mimic or enhance the natural effects of amylin, which helps in regulating blood glucose levels. This makes them potential therapeutic agents for treating hypoglycemia and related metabolic disorders[1].
Other Metabolic Disorders
The invention also suggests the use of these peptides in treating other metabolic conditions where amylin plays a role, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Preparation and Synthesis
The patent describes the methods for preparing the amylin agonist peptides, including conventional coupling reactions known in the peptide art. The synthesis involves successively adding the desired amino acids to a growing peptide chain, ensuring the correct sequence and modifications[1].
Commercial and Clinical Implications
Commercial Value
The invention has significant commercial value due to its potential in treating common metabolic disorders. Pharmaceutical companies may be interested in licensing or acquiring this technology to develop new therapeutic products[5].
Clinical Trials and Regulatory Approval
To bring these peptides to market, they would need to undergo rigorous clinical trials to establish their safety and efficacy. Regulatory approval from agencies such as the FDA would be necessary before these peptides could be used as therapeutic agents.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Claims: The patent includes detailed claims that specify the amino acid sequences, modifications, and therapeutic uses of the amylin agonist peptides.
- Therapeutic Potential: The invention has significant therapeutic potential for treating hypoglycemic conditions and other metabolic disorders.
- Global Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a global patent family, with tools like the Global Dossier and CCD facilitating international patent management.
- Commercial Value: The invention has substantial commercial value, making it an attractive target for pharmaceutical companies.
FAQs
What is the primary focus of United States Patent 6,610,824?
The primary focus of this patent is on the design, synthesis, and therapeutic uses of amylin agonist peptides for treating hypoglycemic conditions and other metabolic disorders.
How are the amylin agonist peptides synthesized?
The peptides are synthesized using conventional coupling reactions known in the peptide art, involving the successive addition of desired amino acids to a growing peptide chain.
What are the key therapeutic uses of the amylin agonist peptides?
The key therapeutic uses include the treatment of hypoglycemic conditions, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
How does the patent protect the invention?
The patent protects the invention through specific claims that define the amino acid sequences, modifications, and therapeutic uses of the amylin agonist peptides.
What is the commercial significance of this patent?
The patent has significant commercial value due to its potential in treating common metabolic disorders, making it an attractive target for pharmaceutical companies.
Sources
- US6610824B2 - Amylin agonist peptides and uses therefor - Google Patents
- Determining Inventorship for US Patent Applications - Oregon State University
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - SSRN
- Search for patents - USPTO
- Intellectual Property Protection - KU Office of Research
