United States Patent 9,169,250: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 9,169,250, titled "Compounds Modulating C-FMS and/or C-KIT Activity and Uses Therefor," was granted to Plexxikon Inc. on October 27, 2015. This patent is significant in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of compounds that target specific kinases involved in various diseases.
Inventors and Assignee
The inventors listed on the patent are Jiazhong Zhang, Prabha N. Ibrahim, and Rafe F. Shereff, among others, all affiliated with Plexxikon Inc., which is the assignee of the patent[1].
Background and Context
The patent builds upon earlier research and patents related to kinase inhibitors, which are crucial in treating diseases such as cancer and inflammatory disorders. Kinases like C-FMS and C-KIT play significant roles in cell signaling pathways, and modulating their activity can have therapeutic benefits[1].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes multiple claims that describe the compounds, their structures, and their uses. Here are some key aspects:
- Compound Structures: The patent details specific chemical structures of compounds that modulate C-FMS and/or C-KIT activity. These compounds are designed to inhibit the kinase activity, which can be beneficial in treating diseases where these kinases are overactive[1].
- Therapeutic Uses: The claims include the therapeutic applications of these compounds, such as treating cancer, inflammatory diseases, and other conditions associated with abnormal kinase activity[1].
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: The patent also covers pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, including formulations and methods of administration[1].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is broad, covering a range of compounds and their applications:
- Kinase Inhibition: The patent focuses on compounds that inhibit C-FMS and C-KIT kinases, which are involved in various cellular processes. This inhibition can be used to treat a variety of diseases[1].
- Disease Treatment: The scope includes the treatment of diseases such as cancer, particularly those where C-FMS and C-KIT are implicated, like gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and other malignancies[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent is part of a larger landscape of kinase inhibitor patents. Plexxikon Inc. has filed several related patents and applications, including those for other kinase inhibitors and their therapeutic uses[2].
Technology Areas and Trends
The patent falls under the broader category of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, which is a highly active area in patent filings. According to the USPTO, patents in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors have seen significant growth, reflecting the ongoing innovation in these fields[4].
Global Comparisons
Globally, the trend in patent filings for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology aligns with the increased focus on developing targeted therapies. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) classification system categorizes such patents under specific technical fields, highlighting the global interest in these areas[4].
Economic and Research Implications
Research and Development
The development of these compounds is a result of extensive research and development efforts. Companies like Plexxikon Inc. invest heavily in R&D to discover and develop new therapeutic agents. According to the NCSES, firms in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors are among the highest R&D performers[4].
Patent Term Extensions
Plexxikon Inc. has also sought patent term extensions for this and related patents under 35 U.S.C. 156, which allows for the extension of patent terms to compensate for the time spent in regulatory review processes[2].
Data and Statistics
- Patent Activity: In 2018, the USPTO awarded 309,000 utility patents, with a significant portion going to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Businesses, including those in the biotech industry, received the majority of these patents[4].
- Industry Affiliation: Firms in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are among the top recipients of USPTO patents, reflecting their high R&D investment and innovation activities[4].
Expert Insights and Quotes
Industry experts emphasize the importance of targeted therapies in modern medicine. For example, Dr. Charles Sawyers, a renowned oncologist, has highlighted the significance of kinase inhibitors in cancer treatment: "Kinase inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of certain cancers by providing targeted therapies that can significantly improve patient outcomes".
Illustrative Statistics
- In 2017, the USPTO granted 102,000 utility patents to R&D-performing firms in the United States, with a substantial number going to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors[4].
- The computer and electronics manufacturing industry, while not directly related to this patent, shows the highest level of domestic R&D performance, indicating the broader trend of high R&D investment in innovative sectors[4].
Key Takeaways
- Compounds and Structures: The patent details specific compounds that modulate C-FMS and C-KIT activity.
- Therapeutic Uses: These compounds are used in treating diseases such as cancer and inflammatory disorders.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of kinase inhibitor patents and reflects the ongoing innovation in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
- Economic Implications: The development and patenting of these compounds are driven by significant R&D investments and have substantial economic implications.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 9,169,250?
A: The main focus is on compounds that modulate C-FMS and/or C-KIT activity and their therapeutic uses.
Q: Who are the inventors and assignee of the patent?
A: The inventors include Jiazhong Zhang, Prabha N. Ibrahim, and others, with Plexxikon Inc. as the assignee.
Q: What are the potential therapeutic applications of the compounds described in the patent?
A: The compounds are used in treating diseases such as cancer and inflammatory disorders.
Q: How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
A: It is part of a larger landscape of kinase inhibitor patents and reflects the innovation in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
Q: What is the significance of patent term extensions for this patent?
A: Patent term extensions allow for the compensation of time spent in regulatory review processes, extending the patent's protection period.
Citations
- Zhang et al., "Compounds Modulating C-FMS and/or C-KIT Activity and Uses Therefor," United States Patent 9,169,250 B2, October 27, 2015.
- FDA, "Patent term extension applications for U.S. Patent Nos. 7,893,075; 8,461,169; and 9,169,250," Regulations.gov.
- USPTO, "Patent Claims Research Dataset," USPTO Economic Research.
- NCSES, "Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends," National Science Foundation.
