United States Patent 9,248,199: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
The United States Patent 9,248,199, titled "1:1 adducts of sickle hemoglobin," is a significant patent in the field of hematology and pharmaceuticals. This patent, assigned to Global Blood Therapeutics Inc., pertains to the development of compounds that modulate sickle hemoglobin (HbS), a crucial aspect in the treatment of sickle cell disease. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin production, leading to abnormal hemoglobin known as sickle hemoglobin (HbS). This condition causes red blood cells to take on a sickle shape, which can lead to various health complications, including pain crises, infections, and organ damage. The development of effective treatments for this disease is a critical area of research.
Patent Overview
Publication and Filing Details
- Publication Number: US9248199B2
- Filing Date: June 12, 2014
- Grant Date: October 27, 2015
- Assignee: Global Blood Therapeutics Inc.[4]
Scope of the Patent
The patent focuses on the creation and use of 1:1 adducts of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and specific compounds. These adducts are designed to modulate the properties of HbS, thereby mitigating the effects of sickle cell disease.
Key Components
- Compounds: The patent describes specific chemical compounds of formula (I) that form 1:1 adducts with HbS. These compounds are crucial for increasing the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, thereby reducing the polymerization of HbS that leads to the sickling of red blood cells[4].
Therapeutic Applications
The invention has significant therapeutic implications, including:
- Increasing Tissue Oxygenation: By stabilizing HbS and preventing its polymerization, the compounds can improve oxygen delivery to tissues, reducing the severity of sickle cell disease symptoms.
- Reducing Pain Crises: Effective modulation of HbS can decrease the frequency and severity of pain crises, a common complication in sickle cell disease patients.
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention.
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: This claim describes the 1:1 adducts of HbS and the specific compounds, including their chemical structure and formulation.
- Claim 2: This claim outlines the methods for preparing these adducts.
- Claim 3: This claim details the therapeutic uses of these adducts, including their application in treating sickle cell disease[4].
Dependent Claims
The dependent claims further specify the characteristics of the compounds, the methods of administration, and the dosages.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding US9248199B2 includes several related patents that also focus on treatments for sickle cell disease. For example:
- Oxbryta Patents: Global Blood Therapeutics Inc. also owns patents related to Oxbryta (voxelotor), another treatment for sickle cell disease. These patents protect the active ingredient and methods of use until their expiration dates, which range from 2032 to 2037[2].
Patent Scope Metrics
Research on patent scope metrics suggests that the breadth and clarity of patent claims are critical. Narrower claims, as seen in the examination process of this patent, are often associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Challenges and Controversies
Patent Quality and Scope
Debates over patent quality and scope are relevant here. The patent's claims must be clear and not overly broad to avoid licensing and litigation issues. The examination process for this patent likely involved narrowing the scope of the claims to ensure clarity and validity[3].
Industry Impact
The approval and protection of this patent have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the treatment of sickle cell disease.
- Market Dominance: Global Blood Therapeutics Inc. holds a strong position in the market with this and related patents, allowing them to develop and market exclusive treatments.
- Innovation Incentives: The protection provided by this patent incentivizes further innovation in the field, as companies can invest in research and development with the assurance of exclusive rights to their discoveries.
Conclusion
The United States Patent 9,248,199 is a pivotal invention in the treatment of sickle cell disease, offering a novel approach to modulating sickle hemoglobin. The patent's scope and claims are carefully defined to ensure clarity and validity, reflecting the broader trends in patent law and practice.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Treatment: The patent introduces 1:1 adducts of HbS and specific compounds to treat sickle cell disease.
- Therapeutic Applications: These adducts can increase tissue oxygenation and reduce pain crises.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of related patents protecting treatments for sickle cell disease.
- Industry Impact: The patent provides market exclusivity and incentivizes further innovation.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of the United States Patent 9,248,199?
A: The patent focuses on the creation and use of 1:1 adducts of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and specific compounds to treat sickle cell disease.
Q: Who is the assignee of this patent?
A: The assignee is Global Blood Therapeutics Inc.
Q: What are the therapeutic applications of the invention described in this patent?
A: The invention aims to increase tissue oxygenation and reduce the polymerization of HbS, thereby mitigating the effects of sickle cell disease.
Q: How does the patent landscape affect the exclusivity of this invention?
A: The patent, along with related patents, provides exclusive rights to Global Blood Therapeutics Inc. until the expiration dates of these patents.
Q: What metrics are used to measure the scope of a patent?
A: Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count are used to measure patent scope and ensure clarity and validity[3].
Sources
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. US10450269.pdf. Google Patents.
- Pharsight. Oxbryta patent expiration. Pharsight.
- SSRN. Patent Claims and Patent Scope. SSRN.
- Google Patents. US9248199B2 - 1:1 adducts of sickle hemoglobin. Google Patents.
