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Last Updated: January 7, 2025

Details for Patent: 7,795,312


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Summary for Patent: 7,795,312
Title:Method for treating abdominal discomfort
Abstract:A method for treating irritable bowel syndrome in a mammalian subject includes administering an effective amount of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-difluoro-18-methyl-prostaglandin E.sub.1 or 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-difluoro-prostaglandin E.sub.1, or a salt, ether, ester or amide thereof, to the subject. A method for treating abdominal discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome in a mammalian subject includes administering an effective amount of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-difluoro-18-methyl-prostaglandin E.sub.1 or 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-16,16-difluoro-prostaglandin E.sub.1, or a salt, ether, ester or amide thereof, to the subject.
Inventor(s): Ueno; Ryuji (Montgomery, MD), Kuno; Sachiko (Montgomery, MD)
Assignee: Sucampo AG (Zug, CH)
Application Number:10/745,689
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases: See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 7,795,312
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

United States Patent 7,795,312: A Detailed Analysis

Overview of the Patent

United States Patent 7,795,312, titled "Method for treating abdominal discomfort," was granted to Sucampo Pharma Americas LLC and other associated entities. This patent is part of a broader portfolio related to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating various gastrointestinal disorders.

Background and Context

The patent addresses a method for treating abdominal discomfort, a common symptom associated with several gastrointestinal conditions. Abdominal discomfort can arise from various causes, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and other gastrointestinal disorders. The patent aims to provide a specific treatment approach using certain pharmaceutical compositions.

Claims and Scope

Independent Claims

The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:

  • Claim 1: A method for treating abdominal discomfort in a patient, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition containing a specific active ingredient, such as lubiprostone, in a therapeutically effective amount.
  • Claim 10: A pharmaceutical composition for treating abdominal discomfort, comprising a specific active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier[5].

Dependent Claims

Dependent claims further specify the details of the independent claims, such as the dosage regimen, the form of the pharmaceutical composition (e.g., capsules, tablets), and the specific conditions being treated.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The patent provides a detailed description of the method and composition for treating abdominal discomfort. This includes:

  • Active Ingredient: The patent specifies the use of lubiprostone, a chloride channel activator that enhances intestinal fluid secretion, thereby softening stool and promoting regular bowel movements.
  • Dosage Regimen: The dosage regimen is outlined, including the frequency and amount of the active ingredient to be administered.
  • Pharmaceutical Composition: The composition can be in various forms, such as soft-gelatin capsules, which are designed to improve bioavailability and patient compliance[5].

Prior Art and Patent Landscape

Related Patents

The patent landscape around U.S. Patent 7,795,312 includes other patents related to lubiprostone and its use in treating gastrointestinal disorders. For example:

  • U.S. Patent 8,026,393: This patent also pertains to soft-gelatin capsule formulations, which are relevant to the delivery mechanism of the active ingredient in U.S. Patent 7,795,312[2].

Global Patent Family

The patent is part of a global patent family, with corresponding patents in other jurisdictions. This is evident from the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, which allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices[4].

Litigation and Enforcement

Patents like U.S. Patent 7,795,312 are often involved in litigation to protect intellectual property rights. For instance, Sucampo Pharma Americas LLC, the holder of this patent, might engage in legal actions against generic manufacturers seeking to produce similar pharmaceutical compositions. This is a common practice in the pharmaceutical industry to enforce patent rights and prevent infringement[2].

Economic and Market Impact

The economic impact of U.S. Patent 7,795,312 is significant, as it protects a valuable method and composition for treating abdominal discomfort. This protection allows the patent holder to recoup investment in research and development and maintain market exclusivity for the patented product.

Market Dominance

By holding this patent, Sucampo Pharma Americas LLC can dominate the market for treatments of abdominal discomfort, particularly those using lubiprostone. This dominance can lead to higher revenue and market share, as generic alternatives are prevented from entering the market until the patent expires.

Technical Harmonization and Global Integration

The patent is part of an internationally harmonized system, facilitated by tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) and Global Dossier. These tools help in consolidating prior art and citation data, making it easier to navigate the global patent landscape and ensure that the same invention is not patented multiple times across different jurisdictions[4].

Search and Analysis Tools

For researchers and practitioners, tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search and PATENTSCOPE database are crucial for searching and analyzing patents like U.S. Patent 7,795,312. These tools provide full-text searching capabilities and access to international patent documents, enabling comprehensive analysis of the patent landscape[1][4].

Conclusion and Future Implications

U.S. Patent 7,795,312 is a critical component in the treatment of abdominal discomfort, offering a specific method and composition that enhance patient outcomes. The patent's scope and claims are well-defined, and its position within the broader patent landscape underscores its importance in the pharmaceutical industry.

Key Takeaways

  • Specific Method and Composition: The patent describes a method for treating abdominal discomfort using lubiprostone.
  • Dosage Regimen and Pharmaceutical Form: Detailed descriptions of the dosage regimen and pharmaceutical composition are provided.
  • Global Patent Family: The patent is part of a global patent family, with corresponding patents in other jurisdictions.
  • Litigation and Enforcement: The patent holder may engage in litigation to protect intellectual property rights.
  • Economic and Market Impact: The patent protects a valuable method and composition, allowing the patent holder to maintain market exclusivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main active ingredient in the pharmaceutical composition described in U.S. Patent 7,795,312?

The main active ingredient is lubiprostone, a chloride channel activator.

2. How does the patent protect the method and composition?

The patent protects the method and composition by defining specific claims that outline the dosage regimen, pharmaceutical form, and conditions treated.

3. What tools can be used to search and analyze this patent?

Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, PATENTSCOPE, and Global Dossier can be used to search and analyze this patent.

4. Is this patent part of a global patent family?

Yes, the patent is part of a global patent family, with corresponding patents in other jurisdictions.

5. How does the patent impact the market for treatments of abdominal discomfort?

The patent allows the holder to maintain market exclusivity for the patented product, preventing generic alternatives from entering the market until the patent expires.

Cited Sources:

  1. Clemson University Libraries, "Research and Course Guides: Patent Searching, Advanced: Overview," May 23, 2024.
  2. McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP, "Life Sciences Court Report - February 2020," JDSupra, February 2020.
  3. United States Patent and Trademark Office, "Patent Claims Research Dataset," August 28, 2017.
  4. United States Patent and Trademark Office, "Search for patents - USPTO," October 18, 2018.
  5. Google Patents, "US7795312B2 - Method for treating abdominal discomfort," Google Patents.

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 7,795,312

ApplicantTradenameGeneric NameDosageNDAApproval DateTETypeRLDRSPatent No.Patent ExpirationProductSubstanceDelist Req.Patented / Exclusive UseSubmissiondate
Sucampo Pharma Llc AMITIZA lubiprostone CAPSULE;ORAL 021908-002 Apr 29, 2008 AB RX Yes No 7,795,312 ⤷  Subscribe METHOD FOR TREATING IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME AND METHOD FOR TREATING ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT ASSOCIATED WITH IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME ⤷  Subscribe
>Applicant>Tradename>Generic Name>Dosage>NDA>Approval Date>TE>Type>RLD>RS>Patent No.>Patent Expiration>Product>Substance>Delist Req.>Patented / Exclusive Use>Submissiondate
Showing 1 to 1 of 1 entries

International Family Members for US Patent 7,795,312

CountryPatent NumberEstimated ExpirationSupplementary Protection CertificateSPC CountrySPC Expiration
Argentina 042670 ⤷  Subscribe
Argentina 106393 ⤷  Subscribe
Australia 2003292556 ⤷  Subscribe
Brazil 0317740 ⤷  Subscribe
Brazil PI0317740 ⤷  Subscribe
Canada 2510051 ⤷  Subscribe
China 1753680 ⤷  Subscribe
>Country>Patent Number>Estimated Expiration>Supplementary Protection Certificate>SPC Country>SPC Expiration
Showing 1 to 7 of 7 entries

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