United States Patent 9,393,256: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 9,393,256, titled "Methods for treating HCV," was granted to Gilead Pharmasset LLC on July 19, 2016. This patent is significant in the field of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, and understanding its scope, claims, and the surrounding patent landscape is crucial for both legal and business strategies.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by Adrian S. Ray, John O. Link, David W. Oldach, William E. Delaney IV, Hongmei Mo, and Cheng Yong Yang, with Gilead Pharmasset LLC as the assignee[2].
Scope of the Patent
This patent pertains to methods for treating HCV infection using combinations of therapeutic molecules. It encompasses various compounds and their combinations that have shown efficacy in treating HCV, a major cause of chronic liver disease.
Therapeutic Molecules
The patent describes several compounds, including nucleoside derivatives, which are key components in the treatment regimens. These compounds are designed to inhibit the replication of the HCV virus, thereby reducing the viral load in patients[2].
Treatment Regimens
The patent outlines different treatment regimens that involve the combination of these therapeutic molecules. These regimens are tailored to enhance the therapeutic effect and minimize side effects. The combinations may include interferon, which was a standard treatment for HCV before the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)[2].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims are categorized into several types:
Compound Claims
The patent claims specific compounds and their derivatives that are effective against HCV. For example, compounds 1, 2, and 3 are detailed, along with their chemical structures and synthesis methods[2].
Combination Claims
Claims also cover the combinations of these compounds with other therapeutic agents, such as interferon, to enhance the treatment efficacy[2].
Method Claims
The patent claims methods for treating HCV infection using the described compounds and combinations. These methods include dosing regimens and administration routes[2].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Understanding the patent landscape surrounding US 9,393,256 is essential for navigating the competitive and legal environment.
Competitor Analysis
Patent landscape analysis reveals that Gilead Pharmasset LLC is a significant player in the HCV treatment market. Other companies, such as Sandoz Patents Ltd., also have patents in this domain, indicating a competitive landscape[5].
Patent Trends and Market Developments
The patent landscape shows trends in HCV treatment, including the shift from interferon-based treatments to DAAs. This shift is reflected in the increasing number of patents filed for DAAs and combination therapies[3].
Legal Status and Expiry Dates
The legal status of the patent, including its active status and expected expiry dates, is crucial for planning future strategies. As of the current date, the patent is active, but its expiry date needs to be monitored for potential generic entries into the market[3].
International Patent Filings
The patent has been filed in various countries, and understanding the global patent family is important. Tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) help in tracking the international filings and citations related to this patent[4].
Technical and Business Insights
The patent landscape analysis provides valuable technical and business insights:
Technical Insights
The analysis reveals the technical advancements in HCV treatment, including the development of new compounds and combination therapies. This helps in understanding the current state of technology and potential future directions[3].
Business Insights
From a business perspective, the analysis highlights market developments such as mergers and acquisitions, licensing agreements, and litigation activities. This information is critical for strategic decision-making and risk management[3].
Tools and Resources for Patent Search
Several tools and resources are available for conducting a thorough patent search and analysis:
Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool provides enhanced access to prior art and is a powerful resource for searching patents[4].
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service allows users to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, providing a comprehensive view of the patent family[4].
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)
Local PTRCs offer training and resources for patent search techniques, which can be invaluable for detailed analysis[4].
Key Takeaways
- Therapeutic Molecules: The patent focuses on nucleoside derivatives and their combinations for HCV treatment.
- Treatment Regimens: Various treatment regimens, including combinations with interferon, are outlined.
- Competitive Landscape: Gilead Pharmasset LLC is a key player, with other companies like Sandoz Patents Ltd. also active in the field.
- Patent Trends: The shift from interferon-based treatments to DAAs is a significant trend.
- Legal and Business Insights: Understanding the legal status, expiry dates, and international filings is crucial for strategic planning.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 9,393,256?
The main focus of this patent is on methods for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection using combinations of therapeutic molecules.
Who are the inventors and assignees of this patent?
The inventors include Adrian S. Ray, John O. Link, David W. Oldach, William E. Delaney IV, Hongmei Mo, and Cheng Yong Yang, with Gilead Pharmasset LLC as the assignee.
What types of compounds are described in the patent?
The patent describes nucleoside derivatives and other compounds designed to inhibit HCV replication.
How does the patent landscape analysis help in understanding this patent?
Patent landscape analysis provides insights into competitors, market trends, legal status, and international filings, which are essential for strategic decision-making.
What tools are available for conducting a thorough patent search and analysis?
Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and local Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) are available for conducting a thorough patent search and analysis.
Cited Sources
- United States Patent and Trademark Office, "US9393256B2 - Methods for treating HCV," Google Patents.
- Google Patents, "US9393256B2 - Methods for treating HCV."
- Sagacious Research, "Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis."
- United States Patent and Trademark Office, "Search for patents - USPTO."
- Unified Patents Portal, "US-20140249101-A1 - Unified Patents Portal."
