United States Patent 8,633,309: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 8,633,309, titled "Nucleoside phosphoramidates," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly for the treatment of viral diseases. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Title and Abstract
The patent, granted to inventors associated with various pharmaceutical companies, describes nucleoside phosphoramidates and their use as agents for treating viral diseases. These compounds are specifically inhibitors of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, which are crucial for the replication of certain viruses[4].
Publication and Grant Details
- Publication Number: US8633309B2
- Grant Date: The patent was granted on January 21, 2014.
- Prior Art Date: The application was filed on September 14, 2012, with earlier priority dates tracing back to 2009[4].
Scope of the Patent
Invention Description
The patent details the synthesis and application of nucleoside phosphoramidates, which are modified nucleosides that incorporate a phosphoramidate moiety. These compounds are designed to inhibit viral replication by targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of viruses such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other members of the Flaviviridae family[4].
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Independent Claims: These claims describe the nucleoside phosphoramidates, their chemical structures, and the methods for their synthesis.
- Dependent Claims: These claims further specify the types of nucleoside phosphoramidates, their use in treating viral diseases, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds[4].
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
The claims are structured to cover various aspects of the invention, including:
- Compound Claims: These claims define the specific chemical structures of the nucleoside phosphoramidates.
- Method Claims: These claims describe the methods for synthesizing these compounds.
- Use Claims: These claims specify the therapeutic uses of the nucleoside phosphoramidates, particularly in treating viral diseases[4].
Key Claim Elements
- Chemical Structure: The claims detail the specific modifications to the nucleoside backbone, including the incorporation of a phosphoramidate group.
- Synthesis Methods: The methods for preparing these compounds are outlined, including the use of specific reagents and reaction conditions.
- Therapeutic Use: The claims emphasize the use of these compounds as antiviral agents, particularly against HCV and other Flaviviridae viruses[4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape surrounding US8633309B2 includes other patents and applications related to nucleoside analogs and antiviral therapies:
- Global Dossier: Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can identify related patent applications filed in other IP offices, such as the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japanese Patent Office (JPO)[1].
- Common Citation Document (CCD): The CCD application consolidates prior art citations from multiple patent offices, providing a comprehensive view of the prior art landscape for this invention[1].
Competing Technologies
Other patents and research in the field of antiviral therapies, particularly those targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, are relevant:
- Nucleoside Polymerase Inhibitors: Patents like CA 2978085 describe other nucleoside analogs used for treating HCV, highlighting the competitive landscape in this therapeutic area[2].
Industry Impact
The invention described in US8633309B2 has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry:
- Treatment of Viral Diseases: The development of effective antiviral agents is crucial for public health, and this patent contributes to the arsenal of treatments available.
- Research and Development: This patent can influence future research directions in antiviral drug development, encouraging further innovation in the field[4].
Legal Status and Enforcement
Current Status
As of the current date, the patent is active, with no indications of it being invalidated or expired. However, the legal status can change, and it is important to consult the latest updates from the USPTO or other relevant patent offices[4].
Office Actions and Amendments
The patent history shows various office actions and amendments during the prosecution phase, indicating the interactions between the inventors and the patent office to refine the claims and ensure the patent's validity[2].
Conclusion
United States Patent 8,633,309 is a critical patent in the field of antiviral therapies, particularly for the treatment of viral diseases such as HCV. The detailed analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape highlights its significance and the competitive environment in which it exists.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent covers nucleoside phosphoramidates and their use as antiviral agents.
- Claims Structure: The claims are detailed and cover the chemical structures, synthesis methods, and therapeutic uses.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger landscape of antiviral therapies, with related patents and applications in other jurisdictions.
- Industry Impact: The patent contributes to the development of effective treatments for viral diseases and influences future research in the field.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of United States Patent 8,633,309?
A: The main subject is nucleoside phosphoramidates and their use as agents for treating viral diseases.
Q: Who are the inventors associated with this patent?
A: The inventors are associated with various pharmaceutical companies, though specific names are not provided in the patent document.
Q: What is the therapeutic target of the nucleoside phosphoramidates described in this patent?
A: The therapeutic target is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of viruses such as HCV and other members of the Flaviviridae family.
Q: How can one find related patent applications filed in other jurisdictions?
A: Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can identify related patent applications filed in other IP offices.
Q: What is the current legal status of this patent?
A: As of the current date, the patent is active, but it is important to consult the latest updates from the USPTO for any changes.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Canadian Patents Database - Patent 2978085 Summary: https://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2978085/summary.html
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US8633309B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8633309B2/en