United States Patent 7,473,761: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 7,473,761, titled "Somatostatin analogues," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the field of somatostatin analogues. This patent, assigned to Novartis AG, protects several key pharmaceutical products, including SIGNIFOR LAR KIT and SIGNIFOR. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Title and Abstract
The patent is titled "Somatostatin analogues" and describes the invention of cyclo[{4-(NH.sub.2--C.sub.2H.sub.4--NH--CO--O--)Pro}-Phg-DTrp-Lys-Tyr(4-Benzy)-Phe], a somatostatin analogue, optionally in protected form, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or complex thereof. These compounds exhibit interesting pharmaceutical properties[2].
Inventors and Assignee
The inventors include Rainer Albert, Wilfried Bauer, David Bodmer, Christian Bruns, Ivo Felner, Heribert Hellstern, Ian Lewis, Mark Meisenbach, Gisbert Weckbecker, and Bernhard Wietfeld. The patent is assigned to Novartis AG, based in Basel, Switzerland[2].
Application and Patent History
The patent application was filed on July 30, 2001, as part of the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) with the application number PCT/EP01/08824. It was later nationalized in the United States and granted on January 6, 2009, as U.S. Patent 7,473,761. This patent is part of a larger family of patents, with forty-five patent family members in thirty-three countries[2].
Scope of the Patent
Pharmaceutical Properties
The somatostatin analogues described in this patent have several pharmaceutical properties that make them valuable for therapeutic use. These compounds are designed to mimic the natural hormone somatostatin, which regulates various bodily functions, including the secretion of other hormones. The specific compound, cyclo[{4-(NH.sub.2--C.sub.2H.sub.4--NH--CO--O--)Pro}-Phg-DTrp-Lys-Tyr(4-Benzy)-Phe], is particularly noted for its stability and efficacy in treating conditions such as acromegaly and Cushing's disease[2][4].
Protected Forms and Salts
The patent covers not only the free form of the somatostatin analogue but also its protected forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or complexes. This broadens the scope of the patent to include various formulations that can be used in different therapeutic applications[2].
Claims of the Patent
Compound and Composition Claims
The patent includes claims for the specific compound, its diastereoisomers, and mixtures thereof. It also covers compositions containing these compounds, which can be in free form, in salt or complex form, or in protected form. These claims are crucial as they define the boundaries of what is protected under the patent[2].
Pharmaceutical Preparations
The patent claims extend to pharmaceutical preparations containing the somatostatin analogues. This includes formulations for various routes of administration, such as intramuscular injection, which is relevant for products like SIGNIFOR LAR KIT[2].
Patent Landscape
Global Patent Family
The patent is part of a large global patent family with members in thirty-three countries. This extensive coverage ensures that Novartis AG has broad protection for its somatostatin analogues across multiple jurisdictions[2].
Related Patents and Applications
The patent is linked to several other patents and applications, including divisional and continuation applications. For example, U.S. Patent 7,939,625 is a division of the original application, highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of the patent landscape in this field[4].
Expiration and Generic Entry
The patent's expiration date is critical for understanding when generic versions of the protected products can enter the market. While the exact expiration dates vary by country, the patent's protection period is generally expected to end around the mid-2020s, depending on any extensions or adjustments under 35 U.S.C. 154(b)[2].
Impact on Pharmaceutical Industry
Market Protection
The broad scope and extensive global coverage of this patent provide significant market protection for Novartis AG's products. This protection allows the company to maintain a competitive edge and recoup its investment in research and development[2].
Innovation and Research
The patent's focus on somatostatin analogues has driven innovation in the field of endocrinology and oncology. It has encouraged further research into the therapeutic applications of these compounds, contributing to the development of new treatments for various diseases[4].
Utilizing Patent Search Tools
USPTO Resources
To conduct a thorough analysis of this patent and its landscape, one can use various resources provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) are invaluable for accessing prior art, file histories, and other relevant patent information[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application is particularly useful for consolidating citation data from multiple patent offices, providing a single point of access to up-to-date citation data related to the patent family[1].
Conclusion
United States Patent 7,473,761 is a pivotal patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the realm of somatostatin analogues. Its broad scope, extensive global coverage, and significant claims make it a crucial asset for Novartis AG. Understanding the details of this patent and its landscape is essential for both innovators and competitors in the field.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Scope: The patent covers specific somatostatin analogues, their protected forms, and pharmaceutical preparations.
- Global Coverage: It is part of a large global patent family with members in thirty-three countries.
- Market Protection: Provides significant market protection for Novartis AG's products.
- Innovation: Drives innovation in endocrinology and oncology by encouraging further research into therapeutic applications.
- Utilizing USPTO Resources: Tools like Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and CCD are essential for analyzing the patent and its landscape.
FAQs
Q: What is the main compound protected by U.S. Patent 7,473,761?
A: The main compound is cyclo[{4-(NH.sub.2--C.sub.2H.sub.4--NH--CO--O--)Pro}-Phg-DTrp-Lys-Tyr(4-Benzy)-Phe], a somatostatin analogue.
Q: Who is the assignee of this patent?
A: The assignee is Novartis AG, based in Basel, Switzerland.
Q: What are the therapeutic applications of the compounds described in this patent?
A: The compounds are used in treating conditions such as acromegaly and Cushing's disease.
Q: How many patent family members does this patent have globally?
A: It has forty-five patent family members in thirty-three countries.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape of U.S. Patent 7,473,761?
A: Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Common Citation Document (CCD) can be used.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- DrugPatentWatch - Patent 7,473,761. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent/7473761
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - United States Patent US 8,822,637 B2. Retrieved from https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/b6/f3/da/d93752a4506765/US8822637.pdf
