United States Patent 7,956,187: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
United States Patent 7,956,187, titled "Method for decreasing opioid metabolism," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the field of opioid metabolism. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, numbered US7956187B2, was issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[2].
Prior Art and Keywords
The patent involves methods related to decreasing opioid metabolism, with prior art keywords including "compound," "hydrogen," "alkyl," and "conh." These terms indicate the chemical and pharmacological nature of the invention[2].
Legal Status
As of the current date, the patent has expired due to fee-related issues. This status is important for understanding the current legal standing and potential for further development or litigation[2].
Scope of the Invention
Method Description
The patent describes a method for decreasing opioid metabolism, which is crucial in managing opioid-based treatments. The method likely involves specific chemical compounds or processes that alter the metabolic pathway of opioids, potentially reducing side effects or enhancing efficacy.
Pharmaceutical Implications
The invention has significant implications for pharmaceutical companies and medical practitioners. By reducing opioid metabolism, the method could lead to more stable and predictable drug levels in the body, which is vital for patient safety and treatment effectiveness.
Claims of the Patent
Claim Structure
Patent claims are the heart of any patent, defining the scope of protection. For US7956187B2, the claims would typically include a combination of independent and dependent claims. Independent claims define the broadest scope of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding additional limitations[2].
Claim Analysis
- Independent Claims: These would outline the core method for decreasing opioid metabolism, including any necessary steps or components.
- Dependent Claims: These would specify variations or additional features of the method, such as specific compounds used or conditions under which the method is applied.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to identify related patents and applications. Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search or international databases such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet can be used to find similar inventions[1].
Global Dossier and International Filings
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This can help in identifying international filings and the global scope of protection for similar inventions[1].
Citation Data and Prior Art
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application. This tool can help in understanding the prior art landscape and how US7956187B2 fits into it[1].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, including those related to pharmaceutical methods. This dataset can offer insights into the scope and trends of patent claims in the pharmaceutical sector[3].
Industry Impact
Companies like Alkermes, which are involved in the development of pharmaceuticals, often rely on patents like US7956187B2 to protect their innovations. The expiration of such patents can open up opportunities for generic versions or new innovations, as seen in the case of Ampyra (dalfampridine)[5].
Practical Applications and Future Directions
Clinical Studies and FDA Approvals
The method described in US7956187B2 could have been part of clinical studies and FDA approval processes. For instance, Alkermes' development of ALKS 8700 involved extensive clinical trials and pharmacokinetic studies, similar to what might be required for a method to decrease opioid metabolism[4].
Licensing and Collaboration
Patents like US7956187B2 can be part of licensing agreements and collaborations between pharmaceutical companies. These agreements can facilitate the development and commercialization of new drugs, as seen in the collaboration between Alkermes and Acorda[4].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers a method for decreasing opioid metabolism, which is crucial for managing opioid-based treatments.
- Claims Analysis: Understanding the independent and dependent claims is essential for grasping the full scope of protection.
- Patent Landscape: The Global Dossier and CCD tools can help in identifying related international filings and prior art.
- Economic Implications: The expiration of the patent opens up opportunities for generic versions or new innovations.
- Practical Applications: The method could be part of clinical studies and FDA approval processes, and may be involved in licensing agreements.
FAQs
What is the primary focus of United States Patent 7,956,187?
The primary focus of US7956187B2 is a method for decreasing opioid metabolism.
What is the current legal status of the patent?
The patent has expired due to fee-related issues.
How can one find related patents and applications?
Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international databases such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet can be used.
What is the significance of the Common Citation Document (CCD) application?
The CCD application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application, helping to understand the prior art landscape.
How do pharmaceutical companies use patents like US7956187B2?
Pharmaceutical companies use such patents to protect their innovations, facilitate licensing agreements, and guide clinical studies and FDA approval processes.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - US7956187B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7956187B2/en
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Annual Reports - Alkermes: https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/a/NASDAQ_ALKS_2015.pdf
- Alkermes Investor Relations: https://investor.alkermes.com/static-files/01c7d8fb-9015-4f1a-892f-93b8da81d6fc
