United States Patent 6,770,660: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Overview of the Patent
United States Patent 6,770,660, titled "Method for inhibiting platelet aggregation," was granted on August 3, 2004. This patent is crucial in the medical field, particularly in the prevention of thrombotic events in patients at risk of acute coronary syndrome.
Background and Prior Art
The patent application was filed on May 1, 2003, with a priority date of May 6, 2002. The invention builds upon prior art in the field of platelet aggregation inhibitors, specifically focusing on the use of tirofiban, a well-known integrin alpha-IIb and beta-3 antagonist[1][4].
Claims and Scope
Main Claims
The patent includes several key claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims revolve around the method of administering a bolus dose of tirofiban to patients at risk of acute coronary syndrome to reduce the risk of thrombotic events. The claims specify the dosage regimen, the timing of administration, and the patient population[1].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further elaborate on the main claims by specifying additional details such as the duration of treatment, the combination with other antiplatelet agents, and the monitoring of platelet aggregation during treatment. These claims help to narrow down the scope and ensure that the method is both effective and safe[1].
Mechanism of Action
Tirofiban, the active drug in this method, works by inhibiting the integrin alpha-IIb and beta-3 receptors on platelets, thereby preventing platelet aggregation. This mechanism is critical in preventing thrombotic events in patients with non-ST elevated acute coronary syndrome[4].
Clinical Significance
The method described in this patent is clinically significant because it provides a specific protocol for using tirofiban to prevent thrombotic events. This is particularly important in the acute management of coronary syndrome, where timely and effective intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding US 6,770,660 includes several related patents and applications that have been filed over the years. These include continuation applications and divisional applications that further refine the method and its applications. For example, US 10/909,608 and US 14/086,230 are continuation applications that build upon the original patent[1].
Patent Analytics
To understand the full scope and coverage of this patent, patent analytics tools can be employed. These tools help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to identify gaps or opportunities in intellectual property protection. For instance, using ClaimScape® software, one can generate interactive claim charts to review patent coverage and determine if there are gaps in current coverage[3].
Patent Prosecution and Timeline
The patent prosecution process for US 6,770,660 involved several steps, including the initial filing, office actions from the USPTO, and responses from the patent attorney. The average time for a U.S. utility patent application to be pending is about three years, although this can vary depending on the technology field. Once issued, the patent is enforceable for 20 years from the initial filing date, provided that maintenance fees are paid[5].
Economic and Legal Implications
The issuance of this patent gives the owner the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, offering to sell, and importing any patented invention. This provides a significant economic advantage by protecting the intellectual property and allowing the patent holder to recoup investment in research and development. The legal protections afforded by this patent are crucial in maintaining market exclusivity and preventing infringement[5].
Industry Impact
The method described in this patent has a substantial impact on the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. It sets a standard for the use of tirofiban in clinical practice and influences the development of similar drugs and treatment protocols. The patent also encourages further research and innovation in the field of platelet aggregation inhibitors.
Future Directions
As new patents and applications are filed, the landscape around US 6,770,660 continues to evolve. Future directions may include the development of new dosage regimens, combination therapies, and expanded patient populations. The use of patent analytics tools will remain essential in navigating this evolving landscape and identifying new opportunities for innovation and protection.
Key Takeaways
- Method of Inhibition: The patent describes a method for inhibiting platelet aggregation using tirofiban.
- Clinical Significance: The method is crucial in preventing thrombotic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes related patents and applications.
- Patent Analytics: Tools like ClaimScape® help in analyzing and managing patent claims.
- Legal and Economic Implications: The patent provides significant legal and economic protections to the owner.
- Industry Impact: The patent influences clinical practice and encourages further research in platelet aggregation inhibitors.
FAQs
What is the primary mechanism of action of tirofiban as described in US 6,770,660?
Tirofiban works by inhibiting the integrin alpha-IIb and beta-3 receptors on platelets, thereby preventing platelet aggregation.
How long is the patent enforceable after issuance?
The patent is enforceable for 20 years from the initial filing date of the application, provided that maintenance fees are paid.
What is the significance of the bolus dose in the method described in the patent?
The bolus dose of tirofiban is critical in rapidly achieving therapeutic levels of the drug to prevent thrombotic events in acute coronary syndrome.
How does patent analytics help in managing patents like US 6,770,660?
Patent analytics tools help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, identifying gaps or opportunities in intellectual property protection, and generating interactive claim charts to review patent coverage.
What is the average time for a U.S. utility patent application to be pending?
The average time for a U.S. utility patent application to be pending is about three years, although this can vary depending on the technology field.
Sources
- US6770660B2 - Method for inhibiting platelet aggregation - Google Patents
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Patent Analytics - Intellectual Property Law
- Tirofiban: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action - DrugBank Online
- Legal Protections - Office of Technology Transfer - Penn State
