Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 9,345,724
Introduction
United States Patent 9,345,724, granted to Hope Medical Enterprises, Inc., is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical field, particularly focusing on sodium thiosulfate and its pharmaceutical compositions. Here, we will delve into the details of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: 9,345,724
Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
Assignee: Hope Medical Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Craig Sherman, Catherine Marie Smith, Kevin Robert Wirtz, Erich Schulze, and others.
This patent encompasses several key aspects related to sodium thiosulfate, including its pharmaceutical compositions, methods for determining total non-purgeable organic carbon, methods for producing pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate, and methods of treatment involving the administration of sodium thiosulfate[1].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is broad and multifaceted, covering various aspects of sodium thiosulfate:
Pharmaceutical Compositions
The patent provides detailed descriptions of pharmaceutical compositions that include sodium thiosulfate. These compositions are designed to be pharmaceutically acceptable, meaning they meet the standards for use in medical treatments. The compositions can be formulated in various ways, including solutions, tablets, and other forms suitable for administration[1].
Methods for Determining Total Non-Purgeable Organic Carbon
The patent includes methods for determining the total non-purgeable organic carbon in samples containing sodium thiosulfate. This is crucial for ensuring the purity and quality of the pharmaceutical product. These methods help in maintaining the integrity of the sodium thiosulfate, which is essential for its efficacy and safety[1].
Methods for Producing Pharmaceutically Acceptable Sodium Thiosulfate
The patent outlines specific methods for producing sodium thiosulfate that meets pharmaceutical standards. This involves detailed processes to ensure the purity and stability of the compound, which is vital for its use in medical treatments[1].
Methods of Treatment
The patent also covers methods of treatment that involve the administration of pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate. This includes various therapeutic applications where sodium thiosulfate can be used, such as in the treatment of conditions related to cyanide poisoning or other medical conditions where an antidote is required[1].
Claims of the Patent
The claims of the patent are the legal boundaries that define the invention and distinguish it from prior art. Here are some key claims:
Claim 1: Pharmaceutical Compositions
The first claim typically defines the pharmaceutical composition containing sodium thiosulfate, specifying the formulation and the components involved[1].
Claim 2: Methods for Determining Total Non-Purgeable Organic Carbon
This claim details the methods used to determine the total non-purgeable organic carbon in samples, ensuring the quality and purity of the sodium thiosulfate[1].
Claim 3: Methods for Producing Pharmaceutically Acceptable Sodium Thiosulfate
This claim outlines the specific processes and steps involved in producing sodium thiosulfate that meets pharmaceutical standards[1].
Claim 4: Methods of Treatment
This claim covers the therapeutic applications of sodium thiosulfate, including the administration methods and the conditions treated[1].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding sodium thiosulfate and related pharmaceutical compositions is complex and dynamic.
Related Patents
Other patents, such as those granted to Alvine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Patent 8980254), also deal with pharmaceutical formulations and the use of antioxidants to stabilize proteins. These patents highlight the broader interest in stabilizing pharmaceutical compounds and ensuring their efficacy[1].
Trends in Patent Scope
Research on patent scope, such as the work by Marco, Sarnoff, and deGrazia, indicates that patent claims are often narrowed during the examination process to ensure clarity and validity. This trend is relevant to understanding how patents like 9,345,724 are scrutinized and refined to meet legal and technical standards[3].
Economic and Legal Implications
The scope and claims of patents like 9,345,724 have significant economic and legal implications. They influence innovation, licensing, and litigation in the pharmaceutical industry. Narrower claims, as validated by research, are associated with a higher probability of grant and shorter examination processes, which can impact the commercial viability of the invention[3].
Practical Applications
The practical applications of this patent are substantial:
Medical Treatments
Sodium thiosulfate is used in various medical treatments, including as an antidote for cyanide poisoning. The methods outlined in the patent ensure that the sodium thiosulfate used is of high quality and purity, which is critical for patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
The patent provides detailed methods for producing and testing sodium thiosulfate, which are essential for pharmaceutical manufacturers. These methods help in maintaining consistency and quality in the production process.
Key Takeaways
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: The patent covers various pharmaceutical compositions of sodium thiosulfate.
- Quality Control: Methods for determining total non-purgeable organic carbon ensure the purity and quality of the sodium thiosulfate.
- Production Methods: Detailed processes are outlined for producing pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate.
- Therapeutic Applications: The patent includes methods of treatment involving the administration of sodium thiosulfate.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes other related patents and trends in patent scope.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of United States Patent 9,345,724?
A: The primary focus is on pharmaceutical compositions and methods related to sodium thiosulfate.
Q: Who are the inventors listed on the patent?
A: The inventors include Craig Sherman, Catherine Marie Smith, Kevin Robert Wirtz, Erich Schulze, and others.
Q: What are the key claims of the patent?
A: The key claims include pharmaceutical compositions, methods for determining total non-purgeable organic carbon, methods for producing pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate, and methods of treatment.
Q: How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
A: It is part of a complex landscape involving related patents on pharmaceutical formulations and trends in patent scope and examination processes.
Q: What are the practical applications of this patent?
A: The patent has significant practical applications in medical treatments, particularly as an antidote for cyanide poisoning, and in pharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure quality and purity.
Sources
- Justia Patents: Sulfites Or Thiosulfates Patents and Patent Applications (Class 424).
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset.
- SSRN: Patent Claims and Patent Scope by Marco, Sarnoff, and deGrazia.
- USPTO: The Path to a Patent, Part V: Understanding the role of claims in a patent application.
