Patents in drug discovery

Prous Science provides a database for drug discovery and development encompassing all the areas in drug discovery, including metabolism. Integrity enables researchers to combine chemistry and genomics data with pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics databases. All the data are cumulated through available public records, literature, conferences, and patents. This database is a very useful system to acquire public information (290). 

First, the compounds must be compatible with the compound handling and screening technology used and should not cause assay artifacts. Second, the library must contain molecules with the desired activity. Last, once a hit is identified, the molecule must be optimizable into a drug candidate with suitable efficacy, bioavailability, therapeutic window, and, in the case of industrial drug discovery, patentability (see the article Lead Optimization in Drug Discovery ). 

Optimization of drug discovery strategies is driven by the actual patent situation (drug discovery and development 10 to 12 years term of patent 20 years expiry of important patents in the next few years will cause drastic drops in turnover) forcing the companies to shorten the time taken to bring a drug onto the market. 

Current Opinion in Drug Discovery Development. 2000—. U.K. Thomson Current Drugs. 6 issues/yr. ISSN 0929-1903. URL http //www.current-drugs.com/coddd/. New chemical entities, intermediates, synthetic pathways, formulations, and the latest developments in enabling technologies disclosed within patents are discussed. 

A patent examiner at the PTO examines the patent application to determine whether it meets the statutory requirements. This includes a search by the examiner of the prior art. Using the prior art uncovered in the search and information submitted by the applicant, the examiner evaluates the claims and determines whether the claimed invention is novel and nonobvious. Although rare, especially in drug discovery and biotechnology areas, the examiner may find the claims as submitted to be patentable. The patent would, on payment of the appropriate issue fees, then proceed to issue. 

These scientists qualifications surpass what M.S. chemists offer. In summary, doctorate-level chemists demonstrate mastery of organic chemistry and proficiency in synthesis if they find employment in drug discovery or development research. Their dissertations present substantial pieces of original and successful research. Scientific publications, patent inventorships, and postdoctoral research experiences represent bonuses to any employer. 

All of these things are important for obtaining a patent, the major mechanism by which IP is defined and protected in drug discovery. 

Of the three major requirements for patents, utility or usefulness is generally the easiest one to satisfy in drug discovery research. In some fields, inventions can be easier to come by than... 

Composition of matter patents are the most desirable type in drug discovery... 

Klumpp K (2004) Recent advances in the discovery and development of anti-influenza drugs. Exp Opin Ther Patents 14 1153-1168... 

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