United States Patent 7,407,943: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 7,407,943, titled "Antisense modulation of apolipoprotein B expression," is a significant patent in the field of biotechnology, particularly in the area of gene expression modulation. This patent, issued to Isis Pharmaceuticals (now Ionis Pharmaceuticals), outlines methods and compositions for reducing the expression of apolipoprotein B, a protein associated with various cardiovascular diseases.
Background
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a primary component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. High levels of ApoB are linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. The patent addresses the need for effective treatments to reduce ApoB levels, thereby mitigating these risks.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of U.S. Patent 7,407,943 is broad and encompasses several key areas:
Antisense Compounds
The patent describes the use of antisense compounds, which are nucleic acid molecules designed to bind to specific mRNA sequences. These compounds inhibit the translation of the ApoB gene, thereby reducing the expression of the ApoB protein[4].
Compositions and Methods
The patent includes compositions comprising antisense compounds, as well as methods for their use in treating conditions associated with elevated ApoB levels. These methods involve administering the antisense compounds to patients, which can be done through various routes, including intravenous, subcutaneous, or oral administration[4].
Modified Sugar Moieties
The patent also covers antisense compounds with modified sugar moieties, which enhance the stability and efficacy of the antisense oligonucleotides. These modifications are crucial for improving the therapeutic effects and reducing potential side effects[4].
Claims of the Patent
The claims of U.S. Patent 7,407,943 are detailed and specific, ensuring broad protection for the inventors' work:
Independent Claims
The patent includes independent claims that define the core inventions, such as the antisense compounds themselves and the methods of using these compounds to modulate ApoB expression.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the characteristics of the antisense compounds, including their chemical structure, the presence of modified sugar moieties, and the specific sequences targeted by the antisense oligonucleotides[4].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 7,407,943 is complex and involves several key players and technologies:
Related Patents
Other patents, such as U.S. Patent No. 7,432,250 and U.S. Patent No. 7,432,249, also held by Isis Pharmaceuticals, cover related RNA-based product compositions and methods of treatment. These patents collectively strengthen the patent estate in the area of RNA therapeutics[5].
International Patent Offices
The global patent landscape includes similar patents and applications filed in other countries. For instance, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) provide searchable databases that can be used to identify related international patents[1].
Prior Art and Citations
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, which consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices, is useful for understanding the prior art landscape relevant to this patent. This tool helps in visualizing the citation data for the patent family on a single page[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
Several tools and resources are available for searching and analyzing patents like U.S. Patent 7,407,943:
Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool provides enhanced access to prior art and is a powerful resource for conducting comprehensive patent searches[1].
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service allows users to view the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, which is useful for understanding the global patent family and any office actions related to the patent[1].
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and patent applications, which can be used to analyze the scope and trends of patent claims, including those related to U.S. Patent 7,407,943[3].
Legal Status and Expiration
As of the current date, U.S. Patent 7,407,943 has expired due to fee-related issues. This expiration means that the patent is no longer enforceable, and the technology described in the patent is now in the public domain[4].
Impact and Significance
The impact of U.S. Patent 7,407,943 on the field of biotechnology and cardiovascular disease treatment has been significant. It has paved the way for further research and development in RNA therapeutics and has contributed to the advancement of treatments for conditions associated with elevated ApoB levels.
"Antisense oligonucleotides have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases," - Dr. Stanley T. Crooke, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Ionis Pharmaceuticals[5].
Key Takeaways
- Antisense Technology: U.S. Patent 7,407,943 utilizes antisense technology to modulate ApoB expression.
- Compositions and Methods: The patent covers compositions and methods for treating conditions associated with elevated ApoB levels.
- Modified Sugar Moieties: The patent includes antisense compounds with modified sugar moieties for enhanced stability and efficacy.
- Expired Status: The patent has expired due to fee-related issues.
- Global Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader global patent landscape involving related patents and international filings.
FAQs
What is the main focus of U.S. Patent 7,407,943?
The main focus of U.S. Patent 7,407,943 is the use of antisense compounds to modulate the expression of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), a protein associated with cardiovascular diseases.
What are the key components of the patent?
The key components include antisense compounds, compositions containing these compounds, and methods for their use in treating conditions associated with elevated ApoB levels.
Why are modified sugar moieties important in this patent?
Modified sugar moieties enhance the stability and efficacy of the antisense oligonucleotides, which is crucial for improving the therapeutic effects and reducing potential side effects.
Is the patent still enforceable?
No, U.S. Patent 7,407,943 has expired due to fee-related issues and is no longer enforceable.
How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
The patent is part of a broader global patent landscape involving related patents and international filings, particularly in the area of RNA therapeutics.
What tools can be used to analyze patents like U.S. Patent 7,407,943?
Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Patent Claims Research Dataset can be used to analyze and understand the scope and claims of this patent.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Untitled: https://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/bitstreams/d90a8862-b34c-47b7-a014-4615ec9d990c/download
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US7407943B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7407943B2/en
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals - Financial Results and Highlights: https://ir.ionis.com/node/8646/pdf
