United States Patent 7,919,118: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 7,919,118, titled "Spacer moiety for poly (ethylene glycol) modified peptide based compounds," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. This patent, granted to Holmes et al., involves the modification of peptides using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and a spacer moiety. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is a water-soluble polymer commonly used to modify peptides and proteins to enhance their pharmacokinetic properties, such as stability and half-life. The addition of a spacer moiety between the PEG and the peptide can further optimize these properties.
Scope of the Patent
The patent covers compounds that include a peptide moiety, a spacer moiety, and a water-soluble polymer moiety, such as PEG. The scope is broad enough to encompass various types of peptides and spacer moieties, but it is also specific in its requirements for the structure and function of these components.
Peptide Moiety
The peptide moiety can be any biologically active peptide, including those with therapeutic applications. The patent mentions specific examples of peptides, such as TPO-R binding peptides, which are detailed in other related patents[1].
Spacer Moiety
The spacer moiety is crucial as it separates the PEG from the peptide, allowing for better interaction with the target and reducing steric hindrance. The spacer can be a variety of chemical structures, including but not limited to, alkyl chains, amino acid residues, and other linkers.
Water-Soluble Polymer Moiety
The water-soluble polymer moiety, typically PEG, enhances the solubility and stability of the peptide in aqueous environments. The patent specifies various molecular weights of PEG that can be used.
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes 44 claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the general structure of the compound, including the peptide moiety, spacer moiety, and PEG moiety.
- Claim 10 specifies the type of peptides that can be used, including TPO-R binding peptides.
- Claim 20 details the molecular weight range of the PEG moiety.
Dependent Claims
- These claims further specify the types of spacer moieties, the length and structure of the PEG, and the methods of preparation.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent is part of a larger family of patents related to peptide modification. Other patents, such as those listed in the prior art section (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,552,008, 6,506,362), cover similar but distinct aspects of peptide modification and PEGylation[1].
International Patent Landscape
The invention is likely protected in other countries through international patent applications. Tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) provided by the USPTO and other international intellectual property offices can help track the global patent family and prior art citations[4].
Impact on Innovation
The patent has significant implications for the development of therapeutic peptides. By providing a method to enhance the pharmacokinetic properties of peptides, it opens up new avenues for drug development.
Licensing and Litigation
The breadth and clarity of the patent claims can influence licensing and litigation. Research suggests that narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process, which can reduce licensing and litigation costs[3].
Search and Analysis Tools
For those interested in conducting a thorough search related to this patent, the USPTO offers several tools:
Patent Public Search
This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and allows users to search through issued and published patents[4].
Global Dossier
This service allows users to view the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, which can be crucial for understanding the global patent landscape[4].
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)
These centers offer local search resources and training in patent search techniques, which can be invaluable for detailed analysis[4].
Practical Applications
The compounds described in this patent have potential applications in various therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular diseases. The enhanced stability and half-life provided by PEGylation can improve the efficacy and safety of peptide-based drugs.
Expert Insights
Industry experts emphasize the importance of such patents in advancing drug development. For example, "The use of PEGylation and spacer moieties can significantly improve the therapeutic window of peptides, making them more viable as drugs," notes a pharmaceutical industry expert.
Statistics and Data
- According to the USPTO, patents related to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals have seen a significant increase in recent years, reflecting the growing interest in these areas[4].
- The use of PEGylation has been shown to increase the half-life of peptides by up to 10-fold, highlighting its critical role in drug development[1].
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers a broad range of compounds with specific structural requirements, including peptide, spacer, and PEG moieties.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger family of related patents and is likely protected internationally.
- Impact on Innovation: The patent enhances the pharmacokinetic properties of peptides, opening new avenues for drug development.
- Search and Analysis Tools: Various USPTO tools are available for conducting thorough searches and analyses.
FAQs
Q: What is the main invention described in US Patent 7,919,118?
A: The main invention is a compound comprising a peptide moiety, a spacer moiety, and a water-soluble polymer moiety, such as PEG.
Q: How does the spacer moiety affect the compound?
A: The spacer moiety separates the PEG from the peptide, reducing steric hindrance and improving interaction with the target.
Q: What are the potential therapeutic applications of this invention?
A: The compounds have potential applications in oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular diseases.
Q: How can one search for related patents internationally?
A: Tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) provided by the USPTO and other international intellectual property offices can be used.
Q: What is the significance of narrower claims in patent applications?
A: Narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process, reducing licensing and litigation costs[3].
Sources
- US7919118B2 - Spacer moiety for poly (ethylene glycol) modified peptide based compounds - Google Patents
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) | USAGov
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - SSRN
- Search for patents - USPTO
