United States Patent 7,498,440: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 7,498,440, titled "Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Antagonists," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the development of treatments for respiratory diseases. This patent, assigned to Glaxo Group Limited, covers crucial aspects of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists and their methods of use.
Patent Overview
Issue Date and Expiration
The patent was issued on March 3, 2009, and is set to expire on April 27, 2025[2][5].
Inventors and Assignee
The inventors listed on the patent are Dramane I. Laine, Michael R. Palovich, Brent W. McCleland, Christopher E. Neipp, and Sonia N. Thomas. The assignee is Glaxo Group Limited[1][4].
Scope of the Patent
Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Antagonists
The patent focuses on muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists, which are compounds that block the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. These compounds are important in treating various conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma[4].
Claims
The patent includes claims that cover the chemical structures of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists, methods of their synthesis, and their use in pharmaceutical compositions. The claims are specific to the compounds and their therapeutic applications, ensuring a broad yet targeted protection for the inventions described[4].
Key Claims and Descriptions
Chemical Structures
The patent details specific chemical structures of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists, including azoniabicyclo octane derivatives. These structures are crucial for the identification and synthesis of the compounds[4].
Methods of Synthesis
The patent describes various methods for synthesizing these compounds, which is essential for their production and use in pharmaceuticals. These methods ensure that the compounds can be reliably and efficiently produced[4].
Pharmaceutical Compositions
The patent also covers pharmaceutical compositions that include these muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists. These compositions are designed for inhaled administration, which is a common delivery method for respiratory treatments[4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
Several related patents complement and extend the protection provided by US 7,498,440. For example:
- US 7,488,827: This patent, also assigned to Glaxo Group Limited, covers a combination of a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist and a beta 2 agonist, and is set to expire on December 18, 2027[2][5].
- US 8,183,257: This patent covers muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists and methods of using them, with an expiration date of July 27, 2025[2][5].
Medicament Dispensers
Other related patents, such as US 8,161,968 and US 8,746,242, focus on medicament dispensers used for delivering these pharmaceutical compositions. These patents ensure that the delivery systems for the medications are also protected[2].
Impact on Pharmaceutical Development
Innovation and Competition
The patent landscape around US 7,498,440 encourages innovation by providing clear boundaries for what is protected and what is open for further development. This helps other companies to design around existing patents, fostering competition and advancement in the field[3].
Licensing and Litigation
The specificity and clarity of the claims in US 7,498,440 reduce the likelihood of licensing and litigation issues. Clear claims help in avoiding overlapping patents and reduce the costs associated with patent disputes[3].
Regulatory Considerations
Patent Term Extension
The patent term for US 7,498,440 could potentially be extended under certain conditions, such as delays in the regulatory approval process. However, as of the current information, no such extension has been granted, and the patent is set to expire on April 27, 2025[1].
Generic Availability
Post-Patent Exclusivity
After the patent expires, generic versions of the medications covered by US 7,498,440 can be developed and marketed. This will increase accessibility and potentially reduce the cost of these treatments for patients[5].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: US 7,498,440 covers specific muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists, their synthesis, and pharmaceutical compositions.
- Expiration Date: The patent is set to expire on April 27, 2025.
- Related Patents: Other patents, such as US 7,488,827 and US 8,183,257, complement and extend the protection.
- Impact on Innovation: The patent encourages innovation by providing clear boundaries and reducing licensing and litigation costs.
- Generic Availability: Generic versions can be developed post-patent expiration, increasing accessibility and potentially reducing costs.
FAQs
What is the main focus of US Patent 7,498,440?
The main focus of US Patent 7,498,440 is on muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists, including their chemical structures, methods of synthesis, and use in pharmaceutical compositions.
Who are the inventors and assignee of the patent?
The inventors are Dramane I. Laine, Michael R. Palovich, Brent W. McCleland, Christopher E. Neipp, and Sonia N. Thomas. The assignee is Glaxo Group Limited.
When is the patent set to expire?
The patent is set to expire on April 27, 2025.
What are some related patents to US 7,498,440?
Related patents include US 7,488,827 and US 8,183,257, which cover related compounds and delivery systems.
How does the patent impact pharmaceutical development?
The patent encourages innovation by providing clear boundaries for what is protected, reducing licensing and litigation costs, and fostering competition in the field.
What happens after the patent expires?
After the patent expires, generic versions of the medications covered by the patent can be developed and marketed, increasing accessibility and potentially reducing costs for patients.
Sources
- Regulations.gov: FEB 0 6 2014 - Regulations.gov
- Drugs.com: Generic Trelegy Ellipta Availability
- SSRN: Patent Claims and Patent Scope
- Google Patents: US7498440B2 - Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists
- Drugs.com: Generic Incruse Ellipta Availability
