Understanding United States Patent 7,465,465: A Detailed Analysis
Introduction
United States Patent 7,465,465, titled "Pharmaceutical formulation comprising lanthanum compounds," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia. This article will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Scope of the Patent
The patent focuses on a pharmaceutical formulation that includes a pharmaceutically effective amount of a lanthanum compound. Specifically, it describes a chewable formulation designed to be more patient-friendly, especially for those who have difficulty swallowing traditional tablets or capsules[1][4].
Key Components
- Lanthanum Compounds: The primary active ingredient is lanthanum, often in the form of lanthanum carbonate, which is used to treat hyperphosphatemia, a condition commonly seen in patients with chronic kidney disease.
- Chewable Formulation: The patent highlights the development of a chewable tablet or formulation, making it easier for patients to administer the medication.
- Excipients and Diluents: The formulation includes various excipients such as lactose, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and sucrose, which help in the manufacturing process and improve the palatability of the chewable tablets[1].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Composition Claims
- These claims specify the composition of the pharmaceutical formulation, including the amount of lanthanum compounds and the types of excipients used.
- For example, the formulation may include lanthanum carbonate as the active ingredient, along with diluents like lactose or mannitol, and other excipients to enhance the chewable properties[1].
Formulation Claims
- These claims describe the process of formulating the chewable tablets, including the methods of mixing, milling, and compressing the ingredients.
- The patent also covers different forms of the formulation, such as tablets, granules, or powders, designed to be chewable[1].
Dosage Form Claims
- These claims outline the specific dosage forms of the lanthanum compound, including the strength and dosage regimen.
- The chewable tablets are designed to be administered in a way that ensures effective absorption of the lanthanum compound[1].
Process Claims
- These claims detail the manufacturing process, including the steps involved in preparing the formulation, such as milling, mixing, and compressing the ingredients into a chewable form[1].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Importance of Patent Landscape Analysis
Patent landscape analysis is crucial for understanding the competitive and technological landscape of a particular field. It helps in identifying key players, trends, and potential gaps in the market[3].
Identifying Competitors
For the lanthanum compound formulations, patent landscape analysis can identify other companies or research institutions working on similar formulations. This includes analyzing patents held by competitors, such as those related to other treatments for hyperphosphatemia, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses[3].
Defining the Scope of the Search
To conduct a thorough patent landscape analysis, it is essential to define the scope clearly. This involves determining the geographical regions to search, the time frame, and whether to include abandoned or expired patents. For lanthanum compounds, the search would likely focus on pharmaceutical formulations, particularly those related to hyperphosphatemia treatment[3].
Patent Search Strategy
The search strategy should include multiple patent and non-patent sources, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the European Patent Office (EPO) databases. Collaborating with technical and market experts is also crucial to identify relevant keywords, patent class codes, and organizations operating in the field[3].
Categorization and Analysis
The collected data needs to be categorized based on the requirements of the technology. This involves manual reading of the patents to classify them into relevant categories, such as by type of formulation, active ingredients, and manufacturing processes. This categorization helps in identifying gaps, key inventors, filing year trends, and top filing countries[3].
Generating a Comprehensive Report
The final step is to generate a report that includes statistical figures and graphs to make the data easily interpretable. This report should highlight patent trends, market developments, and potential risks and opportunities. For example, it might show the number of patents filed over the years, the geographical distribution of these patents, and the expected expiry dates of key patents[3].
Market Impact and Competitive Landscape
Market Trends
The patent landscape analysis for lanthanum compound formulations reveals market trends such as the increasing demand for patient-friendly formulations, particularly in the treatment of chronic conditions like hyperphosphatemia. It also highlights the competitive landscape, with multiple companies investing in R&D to develop innovative formulations.
Licensing and Collaboration
The analysis can help in identifying potential licensing opportunities and collaborations. For instance, companies with expiring patents may be open to licensing agreements, while those with innovative formulations may seek partnerships to expand their market reach[3].
Litigation and Opposition Activities
Understanding the patent landscape also helps in anticipating and mitigating legal risks. By analyzing opposition activities and litigation trends, companies can better protect their intellectual property and avoid potential legal disputes[3].
Key Takeaways
- Patient-Friendly Formulations: The patent emphasizes the development of chewable formulations, which is a significant advancement in patient compliance and comfort.
- Competitive Landscape: Patent landscape analysis is essential for understanding the competitive landscape, identifying key players, and recognizing market trends.
- Innovation and R&D: The patent landscape highlights the ongoing innovation in pharmaceutical formulations, particularly in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia.
- Legal and Business Insights: The analysis provides valuable legal, business, and technical insights that can guide IP strategy and inform decision-making.
FAQs
What is the primary focus of United States Patent 7,465,465?
The primary focus of this patent is on a pharmaceutical formulation comprising lanthanum compounds, specifically designed as a chewable formulation for treating hyperphosphatemia.
What are the key components of the formulation described in the patent?
The key components include lanthanum compounds (such as lanthanum carbonate), various excipients like lactose, mannitol, and microcrystalline cellulose, and other ingredients to enhance the chewable properties.
How does patent landscape analysis benefit businesses in the pharmaceutical industry?
Patent landscape analysis helps businesses identify competitors, understand market trends, assess the commercial potential of existing patents, and develop new licensing strategies and product enhancements.
What are the steps involved in conducting a patent landscape analysis?
The steps include defining the scope of the search, devising a patent search strategy, categorizing the collected data, and generating a comprehensive report with statistical figures and graphs.
Why is it important to include statistical figures and graphs in a patent landscape report?
Including statistical figures and graphs makes the data easily interpretable, allowing users to derive critical insights quickly and make informed decisions.
Sources
- US7465465B2 - Pharmaceutical formulation comprising lanthanum compounds - Google Patents
- Pharmaceutical drugs covered by patent 7,465,465 - Drug Patent Watch
- Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis - Sagacious Research
- US7465465B2 - Pharmaceutical formulation comprising lanthanum compounds - Google Patents (German translation)
