Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,679,545
Introduction
United States Patent 8,679,545, titled "Stable Corticosteroid Compositions," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
The patent, assigned to ViroPharma Biologics LLC, describes pharmaceutical compositions comprising a corticosteroid and an antioxidant. These compositions are designed to treat, prevent, or alleviate symptoms of inflammatory diseases and conditions, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract[4].
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the invention is broad and encompasses various aspects of pharmaceutical compositions and their applications.
Pharmaceutical Compositions
The patent details compositions that include a corticosteroid and an antioxidant. These compositions can be in various forms such as emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, slurries, dispersions, colloids, and solid forms like powders. The inclusion of an antioxidant is crucial as it helps in stabilizing the corticosteroid, thereby enhancing its efficacy and shelf life[4].
Therapeutic Applications
The compositions are intended for treating a range of inflammatory diseases and conditions, including:
- Esophageal inflammation
- Esophageal strictures
- Systemic diseases
- Post-surgery inflammation
- Congenital diseases
- Fungal esophagitis
These applications highlight the versatility and potential impact of the invention in managing various inflammatory conditions[4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes 12 claims that define the scope of the invention.
Independent Claims
The independent claims outline the core aspects of the invention, such as:
- The pharmaceutical composition comprising a corticosteroid and an antioxidant.
- The method of treating inflammatory diseases by administering the pharmaceutical composition.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the composition and method, including:
- The types of corticosteroids and antioxidants used.
- The forms in which the composition can be administered (e.g., oral, topical).
- The specific conditions and diseases that can be treated using the composition[4].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is crucial for assessing the novelty, non-obviousness, and potential impact of the invention.
Prior Art and Cited References
The patent cites several prior art documents, including U.S. patents and foreign patent documents. These references indicate the existing state of the art in the field of corticosteroid compositions and their therapeutic applications. For example, the patent cites U.S. Patents 4,830,853 and 5,945,106, which relate to similar pharmaceutical compositions but lack the specific combination of a corticosteroid and an antioxidant[4].
Global Dossier and International Patent Offices
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This service is useful for understanding how the patent 8,679,545 is treated in other jurisdictions and whether similar patents have been granted or are pending in other countries[1].
Searchable Databases
Utilizing searchable databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can help in identifying similar patents and patent applications globally. These databases, like PATENTSCOPE, offer full-text searches and machine translations, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the international patent landscape[1].
Economic and Market Impact
The economic and market impact of this patent can be significant, given the prevalence of inflammatory diseases and the need for effective treatments.
Market Demand
Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are common and can have a substantial impact on the quality of life. The demand for effective treatments is high, and a stable corticosteroid composition with enhanced efficacy could capture a substantial market share.
Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape in the pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive. Patents like 8,679,545 provide a competitive edge by offering novel and improved treatments. The ability to stabilize corticosteroids with antioxidants can differentiate these compositions from existing treatments, potentially leading to market dominance[4].
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Understanding the legal and regulatory environment is crucial for the enforcement and maintenance of the patent.
Patent Assignment and Ownership
The Patent Assignment Search website provided by the USPTO allows users to search for patent assignments and changes in ownership. This is important for tracking the current ownership of the patent and any potential licensing agreements[1].
Office Actions and Examination Data
The Patent Examination Data System (PEDS) provides access to bibliographic data for patent applications, including office actions. This data can be useful in understanding the examination process and any challenges faced during the patent application process[1].
Conclusion
United States Patent 8,679,545 represents a significant advancement in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The scope of the invention is broad, encompassing various pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic applications. The claims are well-defined, and the patent landscape analysis highlights its novelty and potential market impact.
Key Takeaways
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: The patent describes compositions of corticosteroids and antioxidants.
- Therapeutic Applications: These compositions are used to treat various inflammatory diseases and conditions.
- Claims: The patent includes 12 claims defining the scope of the invention.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes prior art and international patent applications.
- Economic Impact: The patent has significant economic and market potential due to the demand for effective treatments.
- Legal Considerations: Understanding patent assignments, office actions, and examination data is crucial for enforcement and maintenance.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main subject of United States Patent 8,679,545?
A1: The main subject is pharmaceutical compositions comprising a corticosteroid and an antioxidant for treating inflammatory diseases.
Q2: How many claims are included in the patent?
A2: The patent includes 12 claims.
Q3: What are some of the therapeutic applications of the compositions described in the patent?
A3: The compositions are used to treat esophageal inflammation, esophageal strictures, systemic diseases, post-surgery inflammation, and other inflammatory conditions.
Q4: How can one search for similar patents globally?
A4: Utilizing databases like PATENTSCOPE from WIPO, esp@cenet from EPO, and other international patent offices can help in identifying similar patents globally.
Q5: What is the significance of the Global Dossier service in patent analysis?
A5: The Global Dossier service allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the international patent landscape.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Unified Patents Portal - US-20140187523-A1: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-20140187523-A1
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google APIs - United States Patent 11,260,064 B2: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/61/30/4d/479c1fc70ebe66/US11260064.pdf
- Justia Patents - Plural Compounds Containing ...: https://patents.justia.com/patents-by-us-classification/514/170?page=4
