United States Patent 7,919,461: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 7,919,461, titled "Erythropoietin receptor peptide formulations and uses," is a significant patent in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. This patent, granted to its inventors, pertains to peptide compounds that act as agonists of the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R), which is crucial for the production of red blood cells. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells, and its receptor, EPO-R, plays a vital role in this process. The invention described in US Patent 7,919,461 involves peptide formulations that mimic the action of EPO, potentially treating conditions such as anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, cancer, and other diseases where red blood cell production is compromised.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of US Patent 7,919,461 encompasses several key aspects:
Peptide Compounds
The patent describes specific peptide compounds that are agonists of the EPO-R. These peptides are designed to bind to the EPO-R, thereby stimulating the production of red blood cells. The detailed chemical structures of these peptides are provided, along with their synthesis methods and formulations[4].
Therapeutic Uses
The patent outlines the therapeutic uses of these peptide formulations, including the treatment of anemia and other conditions related to red blood cell deficiency. The peptides are intended to offer an alternative or complementary treatment to traditional EPO therapies.
Formulations and Administration
The patent also covers various formulations of these peptides, such as injectable solutions, and discusses methods of administration. This includes dosing regimens and the stability of the formulations, which are critical for clinical use[4].
Claims of the Patent
The claims of US Patent 7,919,461 are detailed and specific, ensuring broad protection for the inventors while also defining the boundaries of the invention.
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that describe the peptide compounds, their structures, and their therapeutic uses. For example, Claim 1 might describe a specific peptide sequence and its agonistic activity on the EPO-R[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the invention by detailing particular aspects such as the method of synthesis, specific formulations, and dosing regimens. These claims build upon the independent claims to provide a comprehensive coverage of the invention.
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is crucial for assessing the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention, as well as for identifying potential competitors and collaborators.
Prior Art
The patent cites prior art related to EPO and EPO-R agonists, highlighting the advancements and innovations brought by the current invention. This includes earlier patents and publications that describe different approaches to stimulating red blood cell production[4].
International Patent Family
To determine if similar patents exist globally, one would need to search international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Competing Patents
Other patents in the field of EPO-R agonists and related therapies need to be identified. This involves searching databases like the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and other international databases to understand the competitive landscape[1].
Search Tools and Resources
Several tools and resources are available for conducting a thorough search of the patent landscape:
USPTO Patent Public Search
This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and allows users to search through issued patents and published patent applications. It is a powerful resource for identifying similar inventions and understanding the state of the art[1].
Global Dossier
This service allows users to view the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, providing a comprehensive view of the patent family and related citations[1].
International Patent Databases
Databases such as esp@cenet, PATENTSCOPE, and others offer access to international patent collections, enabling a global search for similar inventions[1].
Economic and Market Impact
The economic and market impact of US Patent 7,919,461 can be significant, given the potential therapeutic applications of the peptide formulations.
Market Demand
The demand for treatments for anemia and related conditions is substantial, and innovative therapies like those described in the patent could capture a significant market share.
Competitive Advantage
The patent provides a competitive advantage to the inventors and assignees by protecting their intellectual property and preventing others from making, using, or selling the same invention without permission.
Legal Status and Expiry
As of the current date, the legal status of US Patent 7,919,461 is important to note:
Expiry Date
The patent has expired due to fee-related issues, which means that the exclusive rights granted by the patent are no longer in effect. This allows others to use, make, and sell the invention without infringing on the patent[4][5].
Conclusion
US Patent 7,919,461 represents a significant innovation in the field of biotechnology, particularly in the treatment of anemia and related conditions. Understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape of this invention is crucial for both the inventors and potential competitors. The expiration of the patent opens up opportunities for further research and development, potentially leading to new treatments and therapies.
Key Takeaways
- Peptide Compounds: The patent describes specific peptide compounds that act as agonists of the EPO-R.
- Therapeutic Uses: The peptides are intended for treating anemia and other conditions related to red blood cell deficiency.
- Formulations and Administration: The patent covers various formulations and methods of administration.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the invention and its boundaries.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding the prior art, international patent family, and competing patents is essential.
- Economic and Market Impact: The patent could have significant economic and market implications due to its therapeutic potential.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired due to fee-related issues.
FAQs
What is the main subject of US Patent 7,919,461?
The main subject of US Patent 7,919,461 is peptide formulations that act as agonists of the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R) for treating anemia and related conditions.
What are the therapeutic uses of the peptide formulations described in the patent?
The peptide formulations are intended for treating anemia and other conditions related to red blood cell deficiency.
How can one search for similar patents globally?
One can use tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases such as esp@cenet and PATENTSCOPE to search for similar patents globally.
What is the current legal status of US Patent 7,919,461?
The patent has expired due to fee-related issues.
What are the implications of the patent's expiry?
The expiry of the patent means that the exclusive rights granted by the patent are no longer in effect, allowing others to use, make, and sell the invention without infringing on the patent.
How does the patent impact the market for anemia treatments?
The patent could have significant economic and market implications due to its therapeutic potential, but its expiry opens up opportunities for further research and development by other entities.
Sources
- USPTO: "Search for patents - USPTO" - https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- USA.gov: "U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) | USAGov" - https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- USPTO: "Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO" - https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents: "US7919461B2 - Erythropoietin receptor peptide formulations and uses" - https://patents.google.com/patent/US7919461B2/en
- PharmaCompass: "US Patent 7919461 | US Patents | Expiry | Expiration | Dates" - https://www.pharmacompass.com/us-patent-7919461
