United States Patent 7,964,614: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
United States Patent 7,964,614, titled "Systemic inflammatory markers as diagnostic tools for cardiovascular disorders," is a significant patent that outlines methods for characterizing an individual's risk profile for developing future cardiovascular disorders. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Patent
The patent, issued to inventors who have developed diagnostic tests and treatment methods based on systemic inflammation markers, aims to predict and prevent cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. The invention is grounded in the discovery that elevated levels of systemic inflammation markers are predictive of these cardiovascular events[4].
Scope of the Patent
Diagnostic Tests
The patent covers diagnostic tests designed to determine the risk of future cardiovascular disorders. These tests involve measuring the levels of systemic inflammation markers in an individual's blood. The markers include, but are not limited to, reactive protein levels. The tests are particularly useful for identifying individuals at high risk, even among those who appear healthy and do not smoke[4].
Treatment Methods
In addition to diagnostic tests, the patent includes methods for treating subjects with agents that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders. These agents can bind to cellular adhesion molecules, inhibiting the attachment of white blood cells, or they can be calcium channel blockers. The treatment is tailored based on the individual's inflammation marker levels, ensuring that those with above-normal levels receive effective treatment to lower their risk[4].
Claims of the Patent
Claim Structure
The patent contains multiple claims that are structured to protect the various aspects of the invention. Here are some key claims:
- Diagnostic Claims: These claims cover the methods for obtaining and interpreting the levels of systemic inflammation markers to predict the risk of future cardiovascular disorders.
- Treatment Claims: These claims cover the administration of specific agents to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events based on the inflammation marker levels.
- Method Claims: These claims detail the procedures for characterizing an individual's risk profile and selecting appropriate treatments[4].
Specific Examples of Claims
- Claim 1 might involve a method for characterizing an apparently healthy, nonsmoking individual's risk profile of developing a future myocardial infarction by obtaining a level of a marker of systemic inflammation.
- Claim 2 could involve administering an agent that binds to a cellular adhesion molecule to prevent cardiovascular disorders in individuals with above-normal levels of systemic inflammation markers[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites prior art related to the use of inflammation markers in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. However, it introduces novel methods and applications that differentiate it from existing prior art. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, which consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices, would be useful in understanding the broader citation landscape for this patent[1].
Related Patents and Applications
The patent is part of a larger family of patents related to cardiovascular diagnostics and treatments. The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to see the patent family for this specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the global patent landscape and potential overlaps or distinctions with other related patents[1].
Practical Applications and Impact
Clinical Trials and Treatment Selection
The invention provides a method for selecting candidate populations for clinical trials and for treatment with candidate drugs. By identifying individuals most likely to benefit from a new treatment, it helps in evaluating the likely net benefit of certain treatments, especially those with high risk profiles of adverse side effects[4].
Public Health Implications
The diagnostic tests and treatment methods outlined in this patent have significant public health implications. By early identification and targeted treatment, these methods can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disorders, which are among the leading causes of death globally.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Patent Validity and Enforcement
The legal status of the patent, as indicated, is subject to fee-related expiration. However, the patent's validity and enforcement would depend on various legal and regulatory considerations, including any potential challenges or disputes that may arise. The study on a potential small claims patent court by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) highlights the complexities and considerations involved in patent litigation[5].
Economic and Research Implications
Data and Research Datasets
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset, which includes detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, can provide insights into the scope and impact of this patent. This dataset, derived from patent application and grant full-text files, offers claim-level statistics and document-level statistics that can help in analyzing the patent's economic and research implications[3].
Key Takeaways
- Diagnostic Innovation: The patent introduces novel diagnostic tests based on systemic inflammation markers to predict cardiovascular disorders.
- Treatment Personalization: It outlines personalized treatment methods using specific agents based on the individual's risk profile.
- Public Health Impact: The invention has significant public health implications by enabling early identification and targeted treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
- Legal and Regulatory Considerations: The patent's validity and enforcement are subject to various legal and regulatory factors.
- Economic and Research Implications: The patent's impact can be analyzed using datasets such as the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of United States Patent 7,964,614?
A: The primary focus is on diagnostic tests and treatment methods for predicting and preventing cardiovascular disorders using systemic inflammation markers.
Q: How do the diagnostic tests in the patent work?
A: The tests involve measuring the levels of systemic inflammation markers in an individual's blood to predict the risk of future cardiovascular disorders.
Q: What types of treatments are covered by the patent?
A: The patent covers treatments using agents that bind to cellular adhesion molecules and calcium channel blockers, administered based on the individual's inflammation marker levels.
Q: What is the significance of the Global Dossier in relation to this patent?
A: The Global Dossier allows users to see the patent family for this specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices, providing a comprehensive view of the global patent landscape.
Q: How can the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset be useful in analyzing this patent?
A: The dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, including claim-level statistics and document-level statistics, which can help in analyzing the patent's scope, impact, and economic implications.
