United States Patent 8,143,241: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 8,143,241, issued on March 27, 2012, is a significant patent in the field of cancer treatment, particularly focusing on DNA damage repair inhibitors. This patent is crucial for understanding the treatment of cancers that are deficient in homologous recombination (HR) dependent DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by Alan Ashworth, Stephen Jackson, Niall Martin, Graeme Smith, and Mark O'Connor, and is assigned to Kudos Pharmaceuticals Limited and The Institute of Cancer Research[1][4].
Scope of the Patent
DNA Damage Repair Inhibitors
The patent revolves around the concept that inhibition of the base excision repair pathway is selectively lethal in cells that are deficient in HR dependent DNA DSB repair. This is particularly relevant for treating cancers with such deficiencies, such as those associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations[1][4].
Targeting Base Excision Repair
The patent describes methods and means for treating cancers using inhibitors that target components of the base excision repair pathway, notably PARP (Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase) inhibitors. PARP inhibitors are a class of drugs that block the PARP enzyme, which is involved in the repair of single-strand DNA breaks. In cells lacking HR repair, the inhibition of PARP leads to the accumulation of DNA damage, resulting in cell death[1][4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes multiple claims that cover various aspects of the invention:
Claim 1
Claim 1 typically defines the broadest scope of the invention, often covering the method or composition of matter. For this patent, it involves the use of base excision repair inhibitors, such as PARP inhibitors, for treating cancers deficient in HR dependent DNA DSB repair[1].
Subsequent Claims
Subsequent claims may narrow down the scope by specifying particular inhibitors, dosages, administration methods, or specific types of cancers. These claims help to protect the intellectual property by covering different aspects of the treatment methodology[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding US 8,143,241 includes several related patents that also deal with DNA damage repair inhibitors and their application in cancer treatment. For example:
- U.S. Patent No. 8,071,579, which also expires on August 12, 2027, and is related to similar DNA damage repair mechanisms[2][4].
- U.S. Patent No. 8,436,185, issued to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., which covers other aspects of PARP inhibitors[4].
Patent Expiration Dates
The patent is set to expire on August 12, 2027. This expiration date is crucial as it marks the time when generic versions of the drug, such as olaparib (LYNPARZA®), can be manufactured and marketed without infringing on the original patent[2][4].
Litigation and Challenges
There have been several legal challenges and litigations related to the patents covering LYNPARZA®, including disputes over generic versions. For instance, Cipla Limited has been involved in litigation regarding the infringement of various patents related to olaparib, although it has not challenged U.S. Patent No. 8,143,241[2].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
Claim Coverage Matrix
To understand the full scope of protection provided by this patent, a Claim Coverage Matrix can be used. This tool categorizes patents by claims and overarching scope concepts, helping to identify gaps or opportunities in the patent landscape. For US 8,143,241, this would involve analyzing the claims in relation to the base excision repair pathway and PARP inhibitors[3].
Claim Charts
Interactive claim charts generated by tools like ClaimScape® can help technical experts review the patent coverage. These charts facilitate the identification of whether a particular scope concept is applicable to a target product or method, ensuring that there are no gaps in the current coverage and highlighting future design opportunities[3].
Industry Impact
Treatment of Cancer
The invention covered by US 8,143,241 has significantly impacted the treatment of certain types of cancer, particularly those with deficiencies in HR dependent DNA DSB repair. Drugs like olaparib (LYNPARZA®) have been approved for the treatment of ovarian, breast, and other cancers with BRCA mutations, offering new hope for patients with these conditions.
Market and Competition
The expiration of this patent and related patents will open the market to generic versions of these drugs, potentially increasing competition and reducing costs for patients. However, it also underscores the need for continuous innovation in cancer treatment to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent covers the use of base excision repair inhibitors, such as PARP inhibitors, for treating cancers deficient in HR dependent DNA DSB repair.
- Claims: The patent includes multiple claims that protect various aspects of the treatment methodology.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes related patents on DNA damage repair inhibitors.
- Expiration Date: The patent expires on August 12, 2027, allowing for generic versions post-expiration.
- Industry Impact: The invention has significantly impacted cancer treatment, especially for cancers with BRCA mutations.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 8,143,241?
A: The main focus is on the use of base excision repair inhibitors, such as PARP inhibitors, for treating cancers deficient in HR dependent DNA DSB repair.
Q: Who are the inventors of this patent?
A: The inventors are Alan Ashworth, Stephen Jackson, Niall Martin, Graeme Smith, and Mark O'Connor.
Q: What is the expiration date of this patent?
A: The patent is set to expire on August 12, 2027.
Q: How does this patent impact cancer treatment?
A: It provides a method for treating cancers with deficiencies in HR dependent DNA DSB repair using PARP inhibitors, such as olaparib (LYNPARZA®).
Q: What happens after the patent expires?
A: Generic versions of the drug can be manufactured and marketed, potentially increasing competition and reducing costs for patients.
Sources
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2012). DNA DAMAGE REPAIR INHIBITORS FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER. U.S. Patent No. 8,143,241 B2.
- RPX Corporation. (2024). Case 3:24-cv-10628 Document 1 Filed 11/20/24 Page 1 of 14 PageID.
- Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.. Patent Analytics.
- Drugs.com. (2024). Generic Akeega Availability.
