United States Patent 6,872,700: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 6,872,700, titled "Methods for glucagon suppression," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the management of diabetes and related metabolic disorders. This patent, issued on March 29, 2005, is jointly owned by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP and Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC. Here, we delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Background and Context
The patent 6,872,700 is part of a series of patents related to the use of exendin and exendin agonists for medical treatments. Exendin, a peptide found in the saliva of the Gila monster, has been identified for its potential in regulating blood glucose levels by suppressing glucagon secretion and enhancing insulin secretion[4].
Scope of the Patent
The patent 6,872,700 specifically covers methods for using exendin, exendin agonists, or modified exendin or exendin agonists to suppress glucagon secretion. This is crucial in the management of diabetes, as glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels. The methods described involve administering these compounds to patients, either alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, to achieve the desired glucagon-suppressive effects[4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:
- Claim 1: A method for suppressing glucagon secretion in a patient, comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of an exendin or an exendin agonist.
- Claim 2: The method of claim 1, wherein the exendin or exendin agonist is administered in a formulation that includes one or more excipients.
- Claim 3: The method of claim 1, wherein the exendin or exendin agonist is linked to one or more moieties to enhance its stability or half-life[4].
These claims are designed to protect the specific methods and formulations developed by the inventors.
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding 6,872,700 is complex and involves several related patents and litigation cases.
Related Patents
Several other patents are closely related to 6,872,700, including:
- U.S. Patent 6,902,744: This patent covers exendin agonist formulations and methods of administration, which are complementary to the methods described in 6,872,700[5].
- U.S. Patent 6,956,026: This patent also pertains to the use of exendin and exendin agonists, focusing on different aspects of their therapeutic applications[2].
Litigation History
The patent 6,872,700 has been involved in several litigation cases, particularly against generic pharmaceutical companies. For example:
- AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.: This case, filed in 2014, involved allegations of patent infringement by Teva Pharmaceuticals regarding several patents, including 6,872,700 and 6,902,744. The litigation highlighted the importance of these patents in protecting the intellectual property rights of the original inventors[2].
Expiration Date and Extensions
The original expiration date of the 6,872,700 patent was January 14, 2020. However, patent term extensions can be granted under certain conditions, such as regulatory review periods. For instance, the reissued patent RE45,313, related to another patent in the same family, underwent a detailed analysis for potential term extensions due to regulatory review periods, although such extensions are subject to various limitations under U.S. patent law[1].
Economic and Research Implications
The Patent Claims Research Dataset by the USPTO provides insights into the scope and claims of patents like 6,872,700. This dataset helps in understanding the trends and measurements of patent scope, which can be crucial for economic and research analyses. For example, the dataset includes claim-level statistics and document-level statistics that can help in assessing the breadth and depth of patent protection[3].
Industry Impact
The impact of this patent on the pharmaceutical industry is significant. It has contributed to the development of treatments for diabetes and other metabolic disorders, such as exenatide (Byetta), which is an exendin-4 agonist. These treatments have improved the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.
Expert Insights
Industry experts emphasize the importance of robust patent protection in the pharmaceutical sector. For instance, Dr. John Buse, a diabetes expert, has highlighted the role of exendin-based therapies in managing diabetes, underscoring the need for strong intellectual property rights to encourage innovation[4].
Statistics and Data
- Patent Term: The original patent term was set to expire in 2020, but potential extensions could have been considered based on regulatory review periods.
- Litigation: The patent was involved in at least one major litigation case against Teva Pharmaceuticals.
- Therapeutic Impact: Exendin-based therapies have been prescribed to millions of patients worldwide, significantly improving diabetes management.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers specific methods for glucagon suppression using exendin and exendin agonists.
- Related Patents: Several related patents cover complementary aspects of exendin and exendin agonist use.
- Litigation: The patent has been involved in significant litigation cases to protect its intellectual property.
- Industry Impact: The patent has contributed significantly to the development of diabetes treatments.
- Economic and Research Implications: The patent is part of a broader dataset that helps in understanding patent scope and trends.
FAQs
What is the main subject of U.S. Patent 6,872,700?
The main subject of U.S. Patent 6,872,700 is methods for suppressing glucagon secretion using exendin, exendin agonists, or modified exendin or exendin agonists.
Who are the owners of U.S. Patent 6,872,700?
The patent is jointly owned by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP and Amylin Pharmaceuticals, LLC.
What is the significance of exendin in diabetes treatment?
Exendin and its agonists play a crucial role in diabetes treatment by suppressing glucagon secretion and enhancing insulin secretion, thereby regulating blood glucose levels.
Has U.S. Patent 6,872,700 been involved in any litigation?
Yes, the patent has been involved in litigation, notably in the case of AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
What is the current status of the patent's expiration date?
The original expiration date was January 14, 2020, but potential extensions could have been considered based on regulatory review periods.
Cited Sources
- USPTO Document: "IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE" - [PDF][1]
- Drug Patent Watch: "AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc." - [Website][2]
- USPTO: "Patent Claims Research Dataset" - [Website][3]
- Google Patents: "US6872700B1 - Methods for glucagon suppression" - [Website][4]
- RPX Insight: "Case 1:15-cv-01139-UNA Document 1 Filed 12/09/15 Page 1 of 16" - [PDF][5]
