Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,389,578
Introduction
United States Patent 8,389,578, titled "Composition and method for treating neurological disease," is a significant patent in the field of neurology, particularly focusing on the treatment of neurological disorders. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication and Status
The patent was published on March 5, 2013, and is currently active, with an expiration date that would be 20 years from the filing date of the application, assuming no extensions or adjustments[1].
Inventors and Assignees
The patent is assigned to Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company known for its work in developing treatments for neurological diseases.
Scope of the Invention
Purpose and Application
The invention is designed to treat or prevent neurological disorders, which include a wide range of conditions such as Parkinson's disease, neurotoxicity, and other nervous system diseases. The patent describes compositions and methods that utilize specific drug formulations to achieve therapeutic effects[1].
Key Components
- Drug Formulations: The patent involves the use of drugs like amantadine, levodopa, and carbidopa. These drugs are known for their roles in treating Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions.
- Sustained Release: The invention includes methods for sustained release of these drugs, which helps in maintaining therapeutic plasma concentrations over an extended period[1].
Claims of the Invention
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that outline the core aspects of the invention:
- Composition Claims: These claims describe the specific formulations of the drugs, including the combination of amantadine with other agents like levodopa and carbidopa.
- Method Claims: These claims detail the methods of administering the compositions, including sustained release formulations and therapeutic procedures[1].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the independent claims, such as the dosage forms (e.g., tablets, beads), the coating methods, and the binding agents used in the formulations.
Technical Details
Drug Interactions and Mechanisms
The patent explains the interaction of the drugs with N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are crucial in the treatment of neurological diseases. Amantadine, for instance, acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, which helps in reducing neurotoxicity and improving neurological function[1].
Formulation and Delivery
The invention describes various formulation techniques, including sustained release methods that ensure a consistent therapeutic effect. This includes the use of microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and other excipients to achieve the desired release profile[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape for neurological disease treatments is complex and involves numerous patents and applications. For example, other patents may cover different formulations or methods of treating similar conditions, creating a web of intellectual property that companies must navigate.
Competitive Analysis
Companies like Adamas Pharmaceuticals must conduct thorough patent analytics to understand the scope of their patents and identify gaps or opportunities. Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts can help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to analyze large numbers of patent claims[3].
International Patent Considerations
The global patent system is integrated through services like the Global Dossier, which allows users to access file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This is crucial for companies operating internationally, as it helps in understanding the global patent landscape and ensuring that their inventions are protected across different jurisdictions[4].
Enforcement and Litigation
Patent Protection
Adamas Pharmaceuticals, like other companies, must enforce the patents associated with their products to protect their intellectual property. This includes monitoring for potential infringements and taking legal action when necessary[2].
Key Takeaways
- Therapeutic Focus: The patent is specifically designed to treat neurological disorders using a combination of drugs like amantadine, levodopa, and carbidopa.
- Sustained Release: The invention includes methods for sustained release of these drugs to maintain therapeutic plasma concentrations.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes numerous other patents and applications related to neurological disease treatments.
- International Considerations: The global patent system plays a crucial role in protecting intellectual property across different jurisdictions.
FAQs
What is the primary focus of United States Patent 8,389,578?
The primary focus of this patent is the treatment or prevention of neurological disorders using specific drug formulations.
Which drugs are mentioned in the patent?
The patent mentions drugs such as amantadine, levodopa, and carbidopa.
What is the significance of sustained release in this patent?
The sustained release formulations ensure that the therapeutic plasma concentrations of the drugs are maintained over an extended period, providing consistent therapeutic effects.
How does the patent interact with NMDA receptors?
The patent describes amantadine as an NMDA receptor antagonist, which helps in reducing neurotoxicity and improving neurological function.
What tools can companies use to analyze their patent landscape?
Companies can use tools like Claim Coverage Matrix, Claim Charts, and the Global Dossier to analyze their patent landscape and identify gaps or opportunities.
Sources
- US8389578B2 - Composition and method for treating neurological disease - Google Patents
- Untitled - materials.proxyvote.com
- Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law - slwip.com
- Search for patents - USPTO - uspto.gov
