United States Patent 8,940,718: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 8,940,718, titled "Antiviral compounds," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly focusing on antiviral therapies. This patent is crucial for understanding the development and protection of specific antiviral compounds and their applications.
Background
The patent, filed under the application number US13/679,874, was granted on January 27, 2015. It is associated with the development of antiviral compounds, compositions containing these compounds, and therapeutic methods involving their administration[1][2].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of this patent is broad and encompasses several key areas:
Antiviral Compounds
The patent describes a variety of antiviral compounds, including those with specific chemical structures such as imidazol, cyclopropylcarbonylamino, and cyclobutylcarbonylamino groups. These compounds are designed to target various viral infections, including hepatitis C virus (HCV)[1].
Pharmaceutical Compositions
The patent includes claims related to pharmaceutical compositions that contain these antiviral compounds. These compositions can be in various forms such as tablets, suspensions, and slurry, each designed for different modes of administration[1].
Therapeutic Methods
The therapeutic methods outlined in the patent involve the administration of these antiviral compounds, either alone or in combination with other antiviral agents like interferons and ribavirin. This combination therapy is particularly relevant for treating HCV and other viral infections[1].
Claims of the Patent
The patent contains multiple claims that define the scope of protection:
Independent Claims
- These claims define the novel antiviral compounds and their chemical structures.
- Claims also cover the pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and the methods of their preparation[1].
Dependent Claims
- These claims specify various aspects of the independent claims, such as different chemical groups, synthesis methods, and specific therapeutic uses.
- For example, claims related to the use of these compounds in combination with interferons and ribavirin for treating HCV are detailed[1].
Chemical Groups and Synthesis
The patent delves into the chemical details of the antiviral compounds, including:
Chemical Groups
- The patent describes various chemical groups such as cyclopropylcarbonylamino, cyclobutylcarbonylamino, and alkoxycarbonyl groups that are integral to the antiviral compounds[1].
Synthesis Methods
- The synthesis of these compounds involves several steps, including column chromatography, reversed phase HPLC, and precipitation methods. These methods are crucial for the purification and characterization of the compounds[1].
Therapeutic Applications
The therapeutic applications of these antiviral compounds are a key focus of the patent:
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
- The compounds are specifically designed to target HCV, and the patent includes claims related to their use in treating this condition, often in combination with other antiviral agents[1].
Combination Therapy
- The patent highlights the efficacy of these compounds when used in combination with interferons and ribavirin, which is a common treatment approach for HCV[1].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is essential for navigating the intellectual property rights associated with these antiviral compounds:
Related Patents
- The patent is part of a larger family of patents related to antiviral therapies. Other patents may cover similar compounds or different aspects of their use and synthesis[4].
International Protection
- The protection of these antiviral compounds extends beyond the United States. Similar patents may be filed in other countries, providing global protection for the inventions[4].
Expiration and Licensing
- The patent's expiration date is crucial for understanding when the protected compounds will enter the public domain. As of the current date, the patent has already expired, allowing for generic versions of the protected drugs to be developed[5].
Protected Drugs
The patent specifically protects drugs such as EPCLUSA and VOSEVI, which are used in the treatment of HCV and other viral infections. These drugs are included in multiple New Drug Applications (NDAs)[5].
Conclusion
United States Patent 8,940,718 is a comprehensive patent that covers a range of antiviral compounds, their pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods. The scope of the patent is broad, encompassing various chemical structures and synthesis methods. Understanding the claims and the patent landscape is crucial for pharmaceutical companies and researchers working in the field of antiviral therapies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers novel antiviral compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions.
- It includes therapeutic methods involving the administration of these compounds, often in combination with other antiviral agents.
- The patent is significant for the treatment of HCV and other viral infections.
- The protected drugs include EPCLUSA and VOSEVI.
- The patent has expired, allowing for the development of generic versions.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 8,940,718?
The main focus of this patent is on antiviral compounds, their pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods for treating viral infections, particularly HCV.
Which drugs are protected by this patent?
The patent protects drugs such as EPCLUSA and VOSEVI, which are used in the treatment of HCV and other viral infections.
What is the significance of the combination therapy mentioned in the patent?
The combination therapy involving the antiviral compounds and other agents like interferons and ribavirin is significant because it enhances the efficacy of the treatment for HCV.
How can one search for similar patents?
One can search for similar patents using resources like the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and other international patent databases[4].
What happens when a patent like this expires?
When a patent expires, the protected inventions enter the public domain, allowing other companies to develop generic versions of the protected drugs.
Sources
- US8940718B2 - Antiviral compounds - Google Patents
- US8940718B2 - Antiviral compounds - Google Patents
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Search for patents - USPTO
- Drugs covered by patent 8,940,718. Claims, international patent ...
