United States Patent 7,582,617: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
United States Patent 7,582,617, titled "Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Method," is a significant patent in the field of cardiac imaging. This patent, issued to address specific needs in myocardial perfusion imaging, involves the use of partial adenosine A2A receptor agonists. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Purpose
The patent focuses on a method for identifying and using compounds that are selective partial A2A adenosine receptor agonists. These compounds are designed to provide coronary dilation in mammals without causing significant peripheral vasodilation, which is crucial for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI)[1].
Scope of the Patent
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI)
MPI is a diagnostic technique that uses materials such as radionuclides to identify areas of insufficient blood flow to the heart. The method involves measuring blood flow at rest and comparing it with blood flow measured during exercise or stress testing. However, many patients cannot undergo the necessary exercise due to medical conditions, making alternative methods like those described in this patent essential[1].
Adenosine A2A Receptor Agonists
The patent centers around the use of partial adenosine A2A receptor agonists. These compounds are chosen for their ability to dilate coronary arteries without causing significant peripheral vasodilation. This specificity is critical for accurate imaging of the heart's blood flow without the confounding effects of systemic vasodilation[1].
Claims of the Patent
Key Claims
The patent includes several key claims:
- Compound Identification: Methods for identifying compounds that are selective partial A2A adenosine receptor agonists.
- Coronary Dilation: Use of these compounds to achieve coronary dilation without significant peripheral vasodilation.
- Cardiac Imaging: Application of these compounds as adjuncts in cardiac imaging, particularly in MPI[1].
Technical Details
The claims also include technical details such as:
- Binding Affinity: The method involves determining the binding affinity of these compounds using Scatchard plots, which help in estimating the affinity constant (K_a) and the maximum binding capacity (B_max)[1].
- Potency: The potency of the compounds is measured by the dose or concentration required to achieve a specific effect, typically the EC_50 (the dose causing 50% of the maximum effect)[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Technologies
The landscape for cardiac imaging and adenosine receptor agonists is rich with related patents and technologies. Other patents and research focus on similar methods for cardiac imaging, including the use of different receptor agonists and imaging techniques[5].
Industry Trends
The trend in cardiac imaging is towards more precise and less invasive methods. Patents like US 7,582,617 contribute to this trend by providing alternatives to traditional stress testing methods, which are not feasible for all patients. The use of specific receptor agonists is a growing area of research, reflecting the need for targeted and effective diagnostic tools[1].
Regulatory and Legal Considerations
Patents in the medical field, including those related to cardiac imaging, are subject to rigorous regulatory and legal scrutiny. The establishment of a small claims patent court, as discussed in other studies, could impact the litigation and enforcement of such patents, making it easier for smaller entities to protect their intellectual property[2].
Impact on Innovation
Patent Scope and Quality
The debate over patent scope and quality is relevant here. Narrower claims, as seen in this patent, are often associated with a higher probability of grant and shorter examination processes. This aligns with the broader trend of ensuring that patents are clear, valid, and not overly broad, which can hinder innovation by increasing licensing and litigation costs[3].
Economic and Geographical Distribution
Patent data, including those related to medical inventions, show a varied geographical distribution. The USPTO's data on patenting activity by region and sector highlight the importance of accurate geographical and sectoral classification, which can influence the economic impact of such patents[4].
Key Takeaways
- Specificity of Compounds: The patent emphasizes the use of specific partial adenosine A2A receptor agonists for coronary dilation without peripheral vasodilation.
- Diagnostic Utility: These compounds are crucial for myocardial perfusion imaging, especially for patients unable to undergo traditional stress testing.
- Technical Precision: The method involves detailed technical steps, including Scatchard plots and potency measurements.
- Industry Trends: The patent aligns with industry trends towards more precise and less invasive cardiac imaging methods.
- Regulatory Considerations: The patent is subject to regulatory and legal scrutiny, with potential implications from changes in patent court structures.
FAQs
What is the primary purpose of United States Patent 7,582,617?
The primary purpose is to provide a method for using partial adenosine A2A receptor agonists in myocardial perfusion imaging to achieve coronary dilation without significant peripheral vasodilation.
How do the compounds identified in this patent differ from others used in cardiac imaging?
These compounds are selective partial A2A adenosine receptor agonists, designed to dilate coronary arteries specifically without causing systemic vasodilation.
What technical methods are used to determine the efficacy of these compounds?
The method involves using Scatchard plots to determine the binding affinity and potency measurements, such as the EC_50.
How does this patent fit into the broader trend in cardiac imaging?
It contributes to the trend towards more precise and less invasive diagnostic methods, particularly for patients who cannot undergo traditional stress testing.
What are the potential regulatory and legal implications for this patent?
The patent could be impacted by changes in patent court structures, such as the proposed small claims patent court, which could affect litigation and enforcement.
Sources
- US7582617B2 - Myocardial perfusion imaging method - Google Patents
- U.S. Patent Small Claims Court - Administrative Conference of the United States
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - SSRN
- Invention, Knowledge Transfer, and Innovation - National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
- Method of identifying partial agonists of the A2A receptor - PubChem
