United States Patent 7,517,334: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 7,517,334, titled "Medication dispensing apparatus with spring-driven locking feature," is a significant innovation in the field of medical devices, particularly in the design and functionality of medication dispensing systems. This patent, granted to the inventors, outlines a sophisticated mechanism for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of medications.
Overview of the Patent
Purpose and Design
The patent describes a medication dispensing apparatus designed to deliver a fixed dose of medication, typically through an injector pen. The apparatus includes a housing, a drive member, a fluid container with a medicine-filled reservoir, and a spring-driven locking feature. This mechanism ensures that the apparatus is automatically locked after the administration of the final dose, preventing further use[1].
Key Components and Mechanism
Housing and Drive Member
The apparatus features a housing that contains a drive member movable in a distal direction. This drive member is crucial for advancing the piston within the fluid container to deliver the medication[1].
Fluid Container and Piston
The fluid container has a medicine-filled reservoir sealed at one end by a slidable piston and at the other end by an injection needle-pierceable septum. The piston is engaged by the drive member to advance toward the outlet, delivering the medication[1].
Spring-Driven Locking Feature
A key innovation of this patent is the spring-driven locking feature. This feature includes a latching element with a latching lip and a skid. The skid-engaging surface of the drive member interacts with the skid to maintain the latching lip in a first position during dose preparation and injection. Upon the administration of the final dose, the skid passes beyond the proximal end of the skid-engaging surface, allowing the spring force to move the latching lip to a second position, thereby locking the driving means[1].
Advantages of the Invention
Automatic Locking Mechanism
One of the primary advantages of this invention is the automatic locking mechanism that prevents further use after the final dose has been administered. This ensures safety and prevents accidental or unauthorized use of the apparatus[1].
Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency
The apparatus is designed to provide a mechanical advantage during dose administration, which can be adjusted to suit different dose volumes. This flexibility allows for efficient use in various clinical settings[1].
Compact Design
The internal configuration of the apparatus is optimized for space efficiency, resulting in a compact and symmetrical design. This makes the device more user-friendly and easier to handle[1].
Patent Claims and Scope
Claim Structure
The patent claims are structured to cover the various components and their interactions, including the housing, drive member, fluid container, piston, and the spring-driven locking feature. These claims are designed to capture the essence of the invention while providing a clear boundary of what is protected under the patent[1].
Scope of Protection
The scope of the patent is broad enough to cover the entire mechanism of the medication dispensing apparatus but narrow enough to prevent infringement by similar devices that do not incorporate the specific spring-driven locking feature. This balance is crucial for maintaining the inventor's rights while allowing for innovation in related fields[3].
Patent Landscape and Exclusivity
Related Patents and Exclusivity
The patent landscape for medication dispensing devices is complex, with multiple patents covering various aspects of such devices. The patent in question, US7517334B2, is part of this landscape and is set to expire on March 25, 2025. This expiration will open up the market for generic or similar devices, provided they do not infringe on the specific claims of this patent[2][4].
Generic and Competitor Devices
The approval of generic versions of medications, such as teriparatide (Forteo), highlights the importance of patent expiration dates and exclusivity periods. While generic versions may be approved, they must comply with the existing patent claims to avoid infringement. This dynamic ensures that innovators have a period of exclusivity to recoup their investment while also promoting competition and innovation in the long term[2].
Challenges in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Patents
Genus Claims and Enablement
The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries face significant challenges in obtaining and maintaining robust patent protection. Genus claims, which aim to capture a broad class of compounds or mechanisms, are particularly problematic. The Federal Circuit's rigid application of Section 112(a) of the U.S. patent laws has made it difficult for innovators to claim the full scope of their inventions without risking invalidation. This has led to a situation where innovators are caught between claiming too broadly and risking invalidation or claiming too narrowly and allowing competitors to design around their patents[3].
Impact on Industry and Users
Safety and Efficiency
The medication dispensing apparatus protected by this patent enhances safety and efficiency in clinical settings. The automatic locking feature prevents accidental use, ensuring that patients receive the correct dosage without the risk of overdose or underdose[1].
Market Competition
The expiration of this patent will likely increase competition in the market for medication dispensing devices. This competition can drive innovation and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers[2].
Conclusion
The United States Patent 7,517,334 represents a significant advancement in the design and functionality of medication dispensing apparatuses. Its unique spring-driven locking feature ensures safety and efficiency, making it a valuable innovation in the healthcare sector. Understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape of this invention is crucial for both innovators and competitors in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Key Takeaways
- The patent describes a medication dispensing apparatus with a spring-driven locking feature that automatically locks after the final dose.
- The apparatus includes a housing, drive member, fluid container, and piston, all designed for efficient and safe medication delivery.
- The patent provides a mechanical advantage and efficient use of space, contributing to its compact design.
- The patent is set to expire on March 25, 2025, which will impact the market for similar devices.
- The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries face challenges in obtaining robust patent protection due to the rigid application of Section 112(a) of U.S. patent laws.
FAQs
What is the primary innovation of the United States Patent 7,517,334?
The primary innovation is the spring-driven locking feature that automatically locks the medication dispensing apparatus after the administration of the final dose.
What are the key components of the medication dispensing apparatus described in the patent?
The key components include a housing, a drive member, a fluid container with a medicine-filled reservoir, and a spring-driven locking feature.
What is the significance of the spring-driven locking feature?
The spring-driven locking feature ensures that the apparatus is locked after the final dose, preventing further use and enhancing safety.
When is the patent set to expire?
The patent is set to expire on March 25, 2025.
How does the patent landscape impact the development of similar medication dispensing devices?
The expiration of the patent will allow for the development of generic or similar devices, provided they do not infringe on the specific claims of this patent.
Sources
- US7517334B2 - Medication dispensing apparatus with spring-driven locking feature enabled by administration of final dose - Google Patents
- Generic Forteo Availability - Drugs.com
- Eviscerating Patent Scope - DigitalCommons@NYLS
- Teriparatide: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action - DrugBank
