Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent RE47826
Introduction
The United States Patent RE47826, while not directly related to the agricultural or technological innovations of John Deere, is an interesting case study in the realm of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. This patent pertains to a drug delivery device designed for providing local analgesia, local anesthesia, or nerve blockade.
Background
The patent RE47826 was issued on January 28, and it covers a specific invention related to a drug delivery device. Here is a detailed breakdown of its scope and claims.
Invention Overview
The invention described in this patent involves a drug delivery device that utilizes a fibrillar collagen matrix to deliver local analgesia, anesthesia, or nerve blockade. Here are the key components:
- Fibrillar Collagen Matrix: This is the primary material used in the device. Collagen is a biocompatible and biodegradable protein that provides a scaffold for drug delivery.
- Drug Substance: The device contains at least one drug substance selected from amino amide anesthetics, amino ester anesthetics, or mixtures thereof. These substances are dispersed homogeneously within the collagen matrix.
- Duration of Action: The device is designed to provide a duration of local analgesia, anesthesia, or nerve blockade that lasts for at least about one day after administration[5].
Claims Analysis
The claims of a patent are crucial as they define the scope of the invention and what is protected by the patent.
Independent Claims
- The independent claims typically outline the broadest scope of the invention. For RE47826, these claims would include:
- A drug delivery device comprising a fibrillar collagen matrix.
- The inclusion of at least one drug substance (amino amide anesthetics, amino ester anesthetics, or mixtures thereof) dispersed within the matrix.
- The device's ability to provide local analgesia, anesthesia, or nerve blockade for an extended period.
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims further narrow down the scope by adding additional features or limitations to the independent claims. Examples might include:
- Specific concentrations of the drug substance within the collagen matrix.
- Particular methods of preparing the device.
- Additional components or materials used in conjunction with the collagen matrix.
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is essential for identifying gaps, opportunities, and potential competitors.
Competitors and Similar Technologies
- Other companies or researchers may be working on similar drug delivery systems using different materials or mechanisms. For instance, other biodegradable matrices or different types of anesthetics could be in development.
- The landscape might also include patents on related medical devices or pharmaceutical formulations that offer similar therapeutic benefits.
Claim Coverage and Scope Concepts
Using tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts, as described in patent analytics, can help in categorizing and analyzing the claims of RE47826. This involves:
- Identifying the key scope concepts that link claims on similar patents.
- Determining the value of the patent claims based on their current and potential future relevance.
- Spotting gaps in the current claim coverage and highlighting future design opportunities[3].
Expiration and Future Implications
The patent RE47826 is set to expire on May 20, 2029. This expiration date is crucial for several reasons:
Generic Availability
- After the patent expires, generic versions of the drug delivery device could become available, potentially reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
- Companies may start developing generic equivalents, which could lead to increased competition in the market[5].
Innovation and Improvement
- The expiration of the patent can also spur innovation as other companies may build upon or improve the existing technology without the constraints of patent protection.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent covers a drug delivery device using a fibrillar collagen matrix for local analgesia, anesthesia, or nerve blockade.
- Claims Analysis: Independent and dependent claims define the scope and specific features of the invention.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding competitors and similar technologies is crucial for strategic planning.
- Expiration Date: The patent expires on May 20, 2029, which will impact generic availability and future innovations.
FAQs
-
What is the primary material used in the drug delivery device described in RE47826?
- The primary material is a fibrillar collagen matrix.
-
What types of anesthetics are used in this device?
- The device uses amino amide anesthetics, amino ester anesthetics, or mixtures thereof.
-
How long does the device provide local analgesia or anesthesia?
- The device provides local analgesia, anesthesia, or nerve blockade for at least about one day after administration.
-
When is the patent set to expire?
- The patent is set to expire on May 20, 2029.
-
What happens after the patent expires?
- After the patent expires, generic versions of the drug delivery device could become available, and other companies may develop improvements or alternatives to the existing technology.
Cited Sources
- https://www.drugs.com/availability/generic-xaracoll.html
- https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
- https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/