Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,580,841
Introduction
United States Patent 8,580,841, assigned to Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. This patent, issued on November 12, 2013, covers various aspects of a novel compound and its applications.
Patent Overview
Patent Title and Assignee
The patent titled "Substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indol-3-yl)acetic acid derivatives" is assigned to Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.[4][5].
Inventors
The inventors listed on this patent include Robert M. Jones, Daniel J. Buzard, Sangdon Han, Sun Hee Kim, Juerg Lehmann, Brett Ullman, Jeanne V. Moody, Xiuwen Zhu, and Scott Stirn[4].
Claims and Scope
Composition of Matter
The patent claims cover specific compositions of matter, particularly derivatives of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indol-3-yl)acetic acid. These compounds are defined by their chemical structure and are intended for use in treating various diseases and disorders[4].
Methods of Treatment
The patent includes claims for methods of treating conditions mediated by lymphocytes, transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and other disorders such as cancer and conditions associated with vascular integrity defects or angiogenesis. This broad range of therapeutic applications underscores the patent's scope and potential impact[4].
Specific Compounds and Forms
The patent specifies the L-arginine salt of (R)-2-(7-(4-cyclopentyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyloxy)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocyclo-penta[b]indol-3-yl)acetic acid (Compound 1), including its crystalline free-plate habit or morphology. This detailed specification ensures that the patent covers not just the compound itself but also its specific forms and preparations[4].
Patent Claims Analysis
Breadth of Claims
The breadth of a patent's claims is a critical factor in determining its scope. According to patent attorneys, broader patents offer more protection against infringers because they are harder to design around. However, the breadth is often inversely related to the length of the first claim; longer claims typically imply more conditions that must be met for a patent to be violated[3].
For US Patent 8,580,841, the claims are detailed and specific, focusing on the chemical structure and therapeutic applications of the compounds. This specificity suggests that while the patent may not be overly broad, it provides strong protection for the exact compounds and methods described.
Number of Claims
The number of claims in a patent can also indicate its scope. While this patent does not list an excessive number of claims, each claim is meticulously crafted to cover various aspects of the invention, including different forms of the compound and its therapeutic uses[4].
Patent Landscape
Expiration Dates
The patent is set to expire on March 5, 2030. This expiration date is crucial for understanding the timeline during which Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. holds exclusive rights to the invention[4][5].
Related Patents
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has a portfolio of related patents that extend the protection of etrasimod and related compounds. These include patents such as US 9,126,932, US 9,522,133, and others that cover different aspects like solid-state forms, dosage regimens, and synthetic routes for etrasimod[1].
Geographic Coverage
The patents related to etrasimod are not limited to the United States but are also granted in multiple other jurisdictions, including China, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, India, Russia, South Korea, and Australia. This global coverage enhances the patent's scope and protection[1].
Competitive Impact
Market Exclusivity
The patent grants Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. market exclusivity for the specified compounds and their therapeutic uses until the expiration date. This exclusivity is crucial for the company's competitive advantage, as it prevents other companies from producing or selling the same or similar compounds during this period[4].
Generic Availability
As of the current date, there is no therapeutically equivalent generic version of the drug (Velsipity) available in the United States, which further underscores the patent's impact on the market[4].
Expert Insights
"Broad patents typically offer more protection against infringers than a narrow patent" because they are "oftentimes very hard to design around"[3].
This insight from patent attorney Thomas Kulaga highlights the importance of the breadth and specificity of patent claims in protecting intellectual property.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Composition of Matter: The patent covers specific derivatives of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indol-3-yl)acetic acid.
- Therapeutic Applications: It includes methods for treating autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, among other conditions.
- Expiration Date: The patent is set to expire on March 5, 2030.
- Geographic Coverage: The patent is granted in multiple jurisdictions worldwide.
- Competitive Advantage: The patent provides market exclusivity for Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. until its expiration.
FAQs
Q: What is the main compound covered by US Patent 8,580,841?
A: The main compound is the L-arginine salt of (R)-2-(7-(4-cyclopentyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyloxy)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocyclo-penta[b]indol-3-yl)acetic acid (Compound 1).
Q: What are the therapeutic applications of the compounds covered by this patent?
A: The compounds are used in treating conditions mediated by lymphocytes, transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and other disorders such as cancer and conditions associated with vascular integrity defects or angiogenesis.
Q: When is the patent set to expire?
A: The patent is set to expire on March 5, 2030.
Q: Is the patent limited to the United States?
A: No, the patent is granted in multiple other jurisdictions worldwide, including China, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, India, Russia, South Korea, and Australia.
Q: Does the patent provide any competitive advantage to Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.?
A: Yes, the patent grants Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. market exclusivity for the specified compounds and their therapeutic uses until the expiration date.
Sources
- Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Annual Reports: Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018.
- PubChem: Pharmaceutical Composition Comprising Ppar Regulator.
- Boston University Law: The Ways We've been Measuring Patent Scope are Wrong.
- Drugs.com: Generic Velsipity Availability.
- PharmaCompass: US Patent 8580841 | Expiration | Dates.
