United States Patent 9,226,931: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 9,226,931, titled "Topical treatment for chemotherapy induced eyelash loss or hypotrichosis using prostamide F2 alpha agonists," is a significant patent in the field of medical and cosmetic treatments. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
This patent, assigned to Allergan Inc., addresses the treatment of post-chemotherapeutic hypotrichosis, a condition characterized by hair loss due to chemotherapy. The invention involves the use of prostamide F2 alpha agonists in topical compositions to stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss[4][5].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected. Here are the key elements:
Claims
- The patent includes claims for compositions and methods using prostamide F2 alpha agonists to treat chemotherapy-induced eyelash loss or hypotrichosis.
- These claims cover specific formulations, including emulsions and mixtures, and their application methods[4].
Composition and Formulation
- The patent describes the use of prostamide F2 alpha agonists, such as bimatoprost, in various formulations suitable for topical application.
- The compositions may include additional ingredients like preservatives, solvents, and emulsifiers to enhance stability and efficacy[4].
Method of Treatment
- The method involves applying the topical composition to the affected area, typically the eyelashes or eyebrows.
- The treatment aims to stimulate hair growth in the anagen phase and reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy on hair follicles[4].
Classification and Categorization
The patent is classified under several categories in the International Patent Classification (IPC) system:
Medical and Veterinary Science
- A61K31/165: This classification pertains to medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients, specifically amides and related compounds.
- A61K31/33: This category includes heterocyclic compounds, which are relevant to the prostamide F2 alpha agonists used in the invention[4].
Cosmetics and Toiletry Preparations
- A61Q1/00: This classification covers make-up preparations and other cosmetic treatments, highlighting the patent's relevance to the cosmetic industry[4].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding US 9,226,931 involves several key aspects:
Prior Art and Related Patents
- The patent cites prior art related to the use of prostaglandin analogs and other compounds for hair growth stimulation.
- Other patents, such as those related to non-prostanoic agonists of prostaglandin EP-2 and/or EP-4 receptors, also address hair loss treatments, indicating a broader field of research in this area[2].
International Patent Offices
- The invention is part of a global patent family, with corresponding patents in other jurisdictions. This is facilitated by services like the Global Dossier, which provides access to file histories and related applications from participating IP offices[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
- Tools like the Patent Public Search and the Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be used to analyze the patent's claims and prior art citations, providing a comprehensive view of the patent landscape[1].
Economic and Market Impact
The economic and market impact of this patent is significant:
Market Demand
- The demand for treatments addressing chemotherapy-induced hair loss is substantial, given the prevalence of cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy.
- This patent positions Allergan Inc. as a leader in providing innovative solutions for this condition[4].
Competitive Landscape
- The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment with multiple players researching and developing treatments for hair loss.
- The protection offered by this patent ensures Allergan Inc.'s competitive edge in the market for a specified period[1][4].
Legal Status and Expiration
As of the current date, the legal status of the patent is important to note:
- Expired - Fee Related: The patent has expired due to non-payment of maintenance fees. This means that the invention is now in the public domain, and others can use the disclosed technology without infringing on the original patent[4].
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent covers the use of prostamide F2 alpha agonists in topical compositions for treating chemotherapy-induced eyelash loss or hypotrichosis.
- Claims and Composition: The claims are specific to the formulations and methods of application, ensuring broad protection for the invention.
- Classification: The patent is classified under medical and cosmetic categories, highlighting its dual relevance.
- Patent Landscape: The invention is part of a global patent family with related patents and prior art, indicating a competitive and innovative field.
- Economic Impact: The patent has significant market implications, particularly in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired due to non-payment of maintenance fees, making the technology publicly available.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of United States Patent 9,226,931?
The main purpose of this patent is to provide a topical treatment for chemotherapy-induced eyelash loss or hypotrichosis using prostamide F2 alpha agonists.
Who is the assignee of this patent?
The assignee of this patent is Allergan Inc.
What are the key claims of the patent?
The key claims include compositions and methods for using prostamide F2 alpha agonists in topical treatments to stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss.
How does the patent classify in the IPC system?
The patent is classified under A61K31/165, A61K31/33, and A61Q1/00, among other categories.
What is the current legal status of the patent?
The patent has expired due to non-payment of maintenance fees.
What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for this invention?
Tools such as the Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be used to analyze the patent landscape.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- PubChem - Use of non-prostanoic agonists of prostaglandin EP-2 and/or EP-4 receptors: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US-2002044953-A1
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - Topical treatment for chemotherapy induced eyelash loss or hypotrichosis using prostamide F2 alpha agonists: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9226931B2/en
- Unified Patents Portal - Topical Treatment for Chemotherapy Induced Eyelash Loss or Hypotrichosis Using Prostamide F2 Alpha Agonists: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/WO-2012068515-A2
