throbber
Applicentist I Application No.
`
`103502.685
`GOVIND ET AL.
`
`Examiner
`Office Action Summary
`
`
`Alton N. Pryor
`- The MAIUNG DA TE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address -
`
`
`Period for Reply
`A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR REPLY IS SET TO EXPIRE §_MONTH(S) OR THIRTY (30) DAYS,
`
`
`WHICHEVER IS LONGER, FROM THE MAILING DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION.
`
`
`- Extensions of time may be available under the provisions of 3? CFR 1.136(3).
`In no event however. may a reply be timely tiled
`3116!‘ 5|?‘ (5) MONTHS from the mailing date ol this communication.
`it hit) period for reply is specified above. the rnaxirnum statutory period will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date at this communication.
`-
`
`
`- Failure to reply within the set or extended period tor reply will, by statute. cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 us. C. § 133).
`Any reply received by the Dffice later than three months after the mailing date of this communication. even it timely tiled, may reduce any
`earned patent tenn adjustment. See 3? CFR 1.?0-tilt).
`
`
`
`
`_
`1)E_ Responsive to communication(s) filed on 21' August 2007.
`2a)El This action is FINAL.
`2b) This action is non-final.
`
`
`3)I:I Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is
`
`
`closed in accordance with the practice under Ex parte Quayle, 1935 CD. 11, 453 (3.6. 213.
`
`
`
`
`Status
`
`Disposition of Claims
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`40% Claims) 1'-3 5-9.12-24 islare pending in the application.
`4a) Of the above c|aim(s) __ isiare withdrawn from consideration.
`5)|:I _Claim(s) __ isiare allowed.
`6)E Claim{s) 1-3 5-9.12-24 isiare rejected.
`?)I:l Claim(s) __ islare objected to.
`8)D Clairn(s) __ are subject to restriction andtor election requirement.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Application Papers
`
`_
`9}|:l The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
`10)Ij The drawing(s) filed on __ isiarez a)l:l acceptedpr b)I:| objected to by the Examiner.
`Applicant may not request that any objection to the dravving(s) be held in abeyance. See 3?‘ CFR 1.85(a).
`Replacement drawing sheetts) including the correction is required if the drawing(s) is objected to. See 3'.’ CFR 1.121(d).
`11)Ij The oath or declaration is objected to by the Examiner. Note the attached Office Action or form PTO-152.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119
`12)I:| Acknowledgment is made of a claim for ‘foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a}-(d) or (f).
`a)Cl All
`b)I:| Some ' c)|:l None of:
`1.|___l Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2.E| Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No.
`3.l:I Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been received. in this National Stage
`application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2{a)).
`* See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received.
`
`
`
`Attachrnenttsj
`4) El Interview Summary (PTO-413)
`1) E] Notice of References Cited (PTO-B92}
`.
`Paper Notsllltlail Dale.
`2) D Notice of Draflspersonb Patent Drawing Review (PTO-943)
`5) El Notice of Informal Patent Application
`3) El information Disclosure Statement(s) (l='rorseros)
`at El Other:
`.
`Paper No(s)iMai| Date
`.
`
`
`
`u.s. Patent and Trademark Office
`PTOL-326 (Rev. 03-06]
`I
`Office Actlonsfiufnrnary
`Part of Paper Noflvlail Date 20071111
`Complex Ex. 1002, part 2 of 2
`Complex Ex. 1002, part 2 of 2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`301
`
`

`
`Applicationlcontrol Number: 10l502,635
`
`T
`
`,
`
`Page.2
`
`Art Unit: 1616
`
`DETAILED ACTION
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
`
`The following is a quotation of the second paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112:
`
`-
`
`The Specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly
`claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
`
`Claims 1-3.5-9.12-24 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112, second paragraph, as
`
`being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter
`
`which applicant regards as the invention.
`
`_
`
`Claims 1-3,5-9.12-24 are rejected because of abbreviations (PVP. HFA 22?,
`
`PEG, etc.). Replace abbreviations with terms.
`
`The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112:
`
`The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of
`making and using it. in such full, clear, concise. and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the
`art to which it pertains. or with which it is most neany connected. to make and use the same and shall
`set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.
`
`Claims 1—3,5-9,12-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph, as failing
`
`to comply with the written description requirement. The c|aim(s) contains subject matter
`which was not described in the specification in such'a way as to reasonably convey to
`
`one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed,
`
`had possession of the claimed invention. Claims reciting 2 mg/ml and 4 mg/ml
`
`budesonide set forth new matter issues.
`
`_ Declarations
`
`Declarations provide unexpected stability results for compositions 0.001% wlw to
`
`0.01% wlw budesonide.
`
`302
`
`302
`
`

`
`Applicationlcontrol Number: 10l502.685
`Art Unit: 1616
`
`-
`
`Page 3
`
`Telephonic Inquiry
`
`Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the
`
`examiner should be directed to Alton N. Pryor whose telephone number is 571-272-
`
`0621. The examiner can normally be reached on 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m..
`
`'
`
`If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful. the examiner's
`
`supervisor, Johann Richter can be reached on 571-272-0646. The fax phone number
`
`for_the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
`
`Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the
`
`Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for
`
`published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR.
`Status infonnation for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only.
`
`For more infonnation about the PAIR system, see httpzllpair-direct.uspto.gov. Should
`
`you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system. contact the Electronic
`
`Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a
`
`USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information
`
`system, call 800-736-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
`
`I4-
`
`Alton Pryor
`Primary Examiner
`AU 1616
`
`303
`
`303
`
`

`
`Index of Claims
`
`Applicationlcontrol No.
`
`10!502.685
`Examiner
`
`AppIicant{s)!Patent under
`Reexamination
`GOVIND ET AL.
`Art Unit
`
`Alton N. Pr or
`
`1 616
`
`‘*"'°c*;%.';2.:'::.°'“'*
`
`Non-Elected
`
`
`gmnu-mnnum-nnuuuulllllmIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDMMMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`
`9
`
`0
`
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`Part of Paper No. 20071 1 1 1
`
`304
`
`304
`
`

`
`
`
`
` AppIicant{s}lPatent under
`Apr.-Iicationfcontrol No.
`Reexamination
`
`1or502.6é5
`Examiner
`
`GOVIND ET AL.
`Art Unit
`
`Alton N. P or
`
`1616
`
`SEARCH NOTES
`(INCLUDING SEARCH STRATEGY)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ANP
`
`
`
`
`
`
` INTERFERENCE SEARCHED
`
`' us. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`Part of Paper No. ZOOT1 1 1 1
`
`305
`
`
`
`R
`
` Search Notes
`Wllfilliil
`llllll
`mum»
`
`
`'
`
`SEARCHED
`
`45 .43. 1“B2007
`
`305
`
`

`
`G FISH s: RICHARDSON p.c.
`
`Substitute Forrn PTOiSE!l3o (5-03)
`
`Request
`For
`continued Examination (ROE)
`Transmittal
`
`Address to:
`Mail Stop ROE
`Commissioner for Patents
`PD. Box 1450
`Alexandria. VA 22313-1450
`
`Appiication Number
`Fiiing Date
`First Named inventor
`
`Group An‘ Unit
`
`Cor.-f No.
`.
`Examiner Name
`
`101502.685
`July 27, 2oo4
`Na na Govlnd et al
`3’
`1616
`
`'
`
`7568
`
`Alton Pryor
`
`Attorne Docket Number
`
`06275-410US1
`
`1995. or to any design application. See Instruction Sheet for RCEs {not to be submitted to the USPTO) on page 2.
`
`This Is a Request for Continued Examination {ROE} under 37 C.F.R. §1.114 of the above-Identified application.
`Request for Continued Examination (ROE) practice under 37 CFR 1.11-1 does not apply to any utility or plant application filed prior to June 8.
`
`
`
` i. I] Consider the arguments in the Appeal Brief or Reply Brief previously filed on
`ii. CI Other
`
`
`If
`amendments enclosed with the RCE will be entered in the order in which they were filed unless applicant instructs otherwise.
`applicant does not wish to have any previously filed unentered amendmentis} entered. applicant must request non-entry of such
`arnendrnent(s)
`a. CI
`Previously submitted. If a final Office action is outstanding. any amendment filed after the final Ofiice action may be
`considered as a submission even if this box is not checked.
`
`
`
`1.
`
`Submission required under 37 C.F.R. §1.114
`
`Note: If the RCE is proper. any previously filed unentered amendments and
`
`
`
`ii.
`
`Affidavit(s}IDeclaraticn(s)
`
`iv.
`
`E
`
`Other Exhibits A-C and firmgl Dfimflgs
`
` b.‘ ‘E Enclosed
`
`
`
`
`2. Miscellaneous
`
`
`
`a. CI Suspension of action on the above-identified application is requested under 37 C.F.R. §1.103(c) for a
`period of
`months. (Period of suspension shall not exceed 3 months; Fee under 37 C.F.R. §1.17(i} required)
`
`b. [I Other
`
`The-ROE-fee-under 37 C.'F.R. §1.-17(e) is required by 37 C.F.R. §1.114 when the RCE is filed.
`The Director is hereby authorized to charge the following fees, or credit any overpayments. to
`
`a.
`
`>11
`
` 3. --
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`b. I] Check in the amount of $_ enclosed
`
`c. I] Payment by credit card (Form PTO-2038 enclosed)
`
`.
`
`IE _.RC_E.iee_reqUired Under. 3?. CFR 1-1719)
`
`ii.
`
`III Extension ottime fee (37 CFR 1.136 and 1.17)
`
`iii. 8 Other Excess claims fees and any deficiencies
`
`Name {Print/Type)
`sense
`
`SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT, ATTORNEY OR AGENT REQUIRED
`. Fraser. Ph.
`.
`Registration No. (Attorney/Agent}
`swaz
`._ .21 2.00
`I
`
`34,819
`
`
`
`CERTIFICATE OF MAILING OR TRANSMISSION
`I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with the United States Postal Service as first class mail In an envelope addressed to Mail Stop ROE,
`Comrnissionerfor Paents. P.0. Box 1450. Alexandria. VA 22313-1450 or facsimile transmitted to the U.3. Patent and Trademark Olfice on the date shown below.
`
`306
`
`306
`
`

`
`Attorney's Docket No.: 06275—410US1 $100629-1P US
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`: 1616
`Art Unit
`Applicants: Nayna Govind et at‘.
`Examiner : Alton Pryor
`Serial No.
`: 103501685
`Conf. No.
`: 7568
`Filed
`: July 27, 2004
`Title
`: COMPOSITION FOR INHALATION
`
`MAIL STOP RCE
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`
`PO. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, _VA 22313-1450
`
`SUBMISSION UNDER 3? CFR 1.114 0
`
`Please amend the above-identified application as follows:
`
`.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
`
`307
`
`307
`
`

`
`Applicant
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Page
`
`: Nayna Govind et at’.
`:
`l0r'502,685
`2 July 27, 2004
`: 2 of 12
`
`Amendments to the Claims:
`
`Attorney's Docket No.: 06275-4l0USl I 100629-ll’ US
`
`This listing of claims replaces all prior versions and listings of claims in the application:
`
`L§t_in of Claims:
`
`l._ (Currently amended) A pharmaceutical composition comprising formoterol or a salt
`
` —4
`or solvate thereof or a solvate of a salt'[[,]] budesonide[[,]]; HFA 227[[,]]; PVP and PEG,
`
`wherein ’§h_ePVP is present at a concentration f 0.001% w/w to 0.01% W/W and
`
`the budesonide is present at a concentration of 4 mg(
`
`1.
`
`2. (Currently amended) A ph armaceutical composition according to claim 1 wherein the
`
`
`
`PEG tistrtesettmmat%t°°s9¢aF#sti°n fem sbwt 0-05 *0 a'?9PFt9:3.5% WW-
`
`3. (Previously presented) A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 in which
`
`the PVP is PVP K25.
`
`4. (Canceled)
`
`tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt t 3?: t<P¥¢Vi°#%i1:rPrts$°!1F+?<1)ttattaharmacsutitsaltt¢9mP9$iti°nta9°°rdin8 *0 claim 1 in which
`
`_
`
`the PEG is PEG 1000.
`
`6. (Currently amended) A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 in which
`
`the PEG is present at a concentration in—an-amount of 0.3% wlw.
`
`7. (Previously presented) A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 in which
`
`formoterol is in the form of its fumarate dihydrate salt.
`
`308
`
`308
`
`

`
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Page
`
`: 10,502,685
`: July 27, 2004
`: 3 of 12
`
`8. (Currently amended) A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 in which
`
`the formoterol or salt or solvate thereof or solvate of a salt is in the form of the single R, R-
`
`enantiomer.
`
`9. (Currently amended) A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 in which
`
`the
`
`budesonide is in the form of the 22R~¢imfl .
`
`10-11. (Canceled)
`
`12. (Currently amended) A method of treating or—pi=e¥enti&g the symptoms of a
`
`respiratory disorder, comprising administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition
`
`according to claim 1, wherein the respiratory disorder is asthma, rhinitis, or chronic obstructive
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`. ..
`
`. ..
`
`..
`
`.
`
`13. (Previously presented) The method of claim 12, wherein the respiratory disorder is
`
`asthma.
`
`rhinitis.
`
`COPD.
`
`14. (Previously presented) The method of claim 12, wherein the respiratory disorder is
`
`15. (Previously presented) The method "of claim 12,'wherein the respiratory disorder is
`
`"
`
`"
`
`16. (New) A pharmaceutical composition comprising formoterol, or a salt or solvate
`
`thereof, or a solvate of a salt; budesonide; HFA 227; PVP; and PEG, wherein the PVP is present
`
`at a concentration of 0.0 01% wiw and the budesonide is present at a concentration of 2 mg/ml.
`
`17. (New) A pharmaceutical composition comprising forrnoterol, or a salt or solvate
`
`thereof, or a solvate of a salt; budesonide; HFA 227; PVP; and PEG, wherein the PVP is present
`
`309
`
`309
`
`

`
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Page
`
`: 10!502,68S
`: Ju1y2'?, 2004
`: 4 of 12
`
`at a concentration of 0.001 % wfw to 0.01% W/w and the budesonide is present at a concentration
`
`of 8 mg/ml.
`
`18. (New) A pharmaceutical composition comprising formoterol, or a salt or solvate
`
`thereof, or a solvate of a salt; budesonide; HFA 227; PVP; and PEG, wherein the PVP is present
`
`at a concentration of 0.0001 % to 0. 001% wfw and the budesonide is present at a concentration of
`
`19. (New) The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the concentration of
`
`PVP is 0.001% or 0.01% w/W.
`
`20. (New) The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the concentration of
`
`.. ..PVP.is.0.001%.w/w.
`
`.
`
`..
`
`..... ..
`
`21. (New) The pharmaceutical composition of claim 17, wherein the concentration of
`
`PVP is 0.001% or 0.01% w/W.
`
`22. (New) The pharmaceutical composition of claim 17, wherein the concentration of
`
`PVP is 0.001% w/w.
`
`.............................................
`
`The Phal-n-laceuticaloofnpositionDfclain-1 8’ wherein the concentration
`
`PVP is 0.0001%, 0.0005 %, or 0.001% W/W.
`
`24. (New) The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18, wherein the concentration of
`
`PVP is 0.001% W/W.
`
`310
`
`310
`
`

`
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Page
`
`: 10f502,635
`: July 27, 2004
`: 5 of 12
`
`Amendments to the Drawings:
`
`The attached replacement sheets of drawings (including FIGS. 1-16) include changes to FIGS 2
`
`and 3. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the legends were deleted, and the concentration of PVP for each data set
`
`is indicated within the graphs themselves.
`
`The attached FIGS. 1-15 are formal drawings .....;;;.;n,n,1;.;;a;.;gaggggitngaggggtt;;;.;i;.a;t.;;e“
`
`F
`
`FIGS. 1-16.
`
`311
`
`311
`
`

`
`Applicant
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Page
`
`: Nayna Govind er al.
`:
`lO!502,685
`: July 27, 2004
`: 6 of 12
`
`Attorney’s Docket No.: 06275-410USl #100629-1P US
`
`REMARKS
`
`This submission includes an amendment and remarks responsive to the Final Office
`
`Action dated January 29, 2007.
`
`Upon entry of the amendment, claims 1-3, 5-9 and 12-24 will be pending in the
`
`application. Claims .1, 2, 6, 8, 9, and 12 are amended and new claims 16-24 added. Claims 4,
`
`10, and 11 were canceled by a previous amendment. Support for the amended and new claims
`
`'""Eaii"15e't‘oiiiid'ifi"tliespecification"'and"clai'ni§'as"6iigina11'3F'ii1edI"'l5oi"'eiEaiiip1e,"siipport'f6'fW""""""""'""
`
`amended claim 1 and new claims 19 and 20 can be found at least in FIG. 4 and at
`
`paragraphs [0005]-[0009] and [003 6] of the published application (US2005!0089478). Support
`
`for new claim 16 can be found at least in FIG. 5 and in paragraphs [0005]—[0009] and [003 6].
`
`Support for new claims 17, 21, and 22 can be found at least in paragraphs [0005]-[0009] and
`
`[0036] and the table at [0056]. Support for new claims 18, 23, and 24 can be found at least in
`
`-- FIG. 6 and in paragraphs [0005]-[0009] and [003 6]. (The support for independent claimsl and '
`
`____________________________i_.§§_n3 fl+§ad .
`
`. ..
`
`Applicants also submit herewith formal drawings and a Declaration of inventor Nayna
`
`Govind under 37 CFR § 1.132, containing Exhibits A, B, and C, which illustrate suspension
`
`stability data of certain formulations with varying concentrations of PVP. Exhibit A is a graph
`
`of OSCAR (Optical Suspension Characterization)‘ data for a formulation containing 1 mg/ml
`
`budesonide (i.e., 40 pg per dose)? Exhibits B and C are graphs of OSCAR and Turbiscan3 data,
`
`----------------- --respectively,--for a formulation containing 8 mg/ml budesonide.
`
`-
`
`' See paragraphs [0019]-[(1023].
`
`2 The graphs in this declaration and the graphs and tables in the specification characterize various formulations as
`delivering a specified amount of budesonide per dose (or per actuation), rather than stating the concentration of
`budesouide per se in each formulation. However, one can readily correlate the per—dose amounts, which range from
`40 pg to 320 ug, to the corresponding concentration of budesonide in the formulation, based on a description of the
`fonnulations in the specification at paragraph [0036]. According to this description, the formulations that were
`tested in the experiments contained a constant level of formoterol lirmarate dihydrate and a concentration of
`budesonide that varied from 1 mg/ml to 8 mg/ml. Each formulation was loaded into a canister with a valve that
`delivered a set volume that did not vary. The formulation that contained 1 mg/ml budesonide delivered 40 pg
`budesonide per actuation (or “dose"). Thus, any data presented as corresponding to a 40 pg dose of budesonide was
`obtained with a formulation containing 1 mggml budesonide. Likewise, the formulation that contained 2 mgfml
`budesonide delivered 30 pg hudegonide, the formulation that contained 4 mgjml budeggnide delivered 169 pg
`budesonide, and the formulation that contained 8 mg/ml budesonide delivered 320 pg budesonide.
`
`3 See paragraphs [0024] to [c033].
`
`_
`
`312
`
`312
`
`

`
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Page
`
`: 10/502,685
`: July 27, 2004
`1 7 of 12
`
`Applicants respectfully request that the Examiner consider the references on the
`
`Information Disclosure Statement submitted November 3, 2006, and indicate that he has done so
`
`by returning an initialed copy of the form PTO-1449.
`
`All of the pending claims were rejected on one or more grounds, as discussed below.
`
`NW"i‘Jlai'iii's"1'2l'l'5 'aré'iéj'eeied'iiiidér'3'S'UI'Sli."1I"§"I'l'2',"fii‘st'pai‘agiap1i,"for""failing"to"satisfy"'the"'""""'"W"
`
`35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph
`
`enablement requirement, because the claims “recite preventing language.” Ofiice Action at
`
`page 2, paragraph I. Applicants do not concede that the claims lack enablement for this or any
`
`other reason. However, solely in the interest of furthering prosecution, Applicants have amended
`
`claim 12 to delete the term “preventing,” while reserving the right to pursue such scope in a
`
`continuation application. In view of the amendment, Applicants respectfully request that the
`
`'---rejection-under 35-USC §-112, 1-“ paragraph, for -lack -of enablement be withdrawn.---
`
`-
`
`--
`
`35 U.S.C.
`
`103
`
`Claims 1-3, 5-9 and 12-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 (a) as being unpatentably
`
`obvious over Meade er at’. (US 20030018019). Office Action at page 2. The Ofiice Action does
`
`not say that Meade er al. is cited in combination with any other reference, which would suggest
`
`that it is cited alone. However, since a second reference, Weers er al. (US 6,3 09,623), was
`
`- ----combined-with-Meade -er at--in the -previous Office Act-ion mailed May 4, 2006, and Weers et al. -
`
`"""""""""""""" "is mentioned a'few*times'in'the “Examiner argues”'section ofpage'3 ofthe present 0ffice""
`
`Action, Applicants surmise that the Examiner may have intended it to still be part of the
`
`rejection. Clarification is requested.
`
`In sections (a) through ((1) below, Applicants respond to each ofthe E:-:a1niner’s
`
`arguments labeled (a) through (d), respectively, at page 3 of the Office Action.
`
`(a) The Examiner states that “[s]ince the prior art does not disclose any particular range
`
`of PVP, it is imperative that Applicant show the criticality of the invention comprising
`
`0.001% wiw PVP by testing the invention comprising slightly more and less than 0.001% w/w
`
`PVP.”
`
`313
`
`313
`
`

`
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Page
`
`l0l502,685
`:
`: July 27, 2004
`: 8 of 12
`
`Applicants disagree that they must show experimental evidence to overcome the
`
`obviousness rejection, as the Examiner has not met his burden of establishing that it was prima
`
`facie obvious to use 0.001% wfw PVP (or any other particular concentration of PVP) in the
`
`claimed formulations. Nevertheless, Applicants note that such evidence is present in the
`
`application as filed, and is further supported by supplemental data presented in the attached
`
`Declaration and exhibits.
`
`'é1s'ééi'fi'¢ati6fi"dés;t$fiEé§"5lfiiifiifiéfar'oSC1o;R"afia'Tfi&b'il§éah"fiiéa§iii*éiiiéiifél'6f""'”"""""“"""""""
`
`'
`
`suspension stability carried out on formulations containing budesonide at concentrations of
`
`1 mgfn1L, 2 mg/mL, 4 mg/mL, and 8 mg/mL (equivalent to 40 ,ug, 80 pg, 160 pig, and 320 ,ug
`
`budesonide per actuation) and various concentrations of PVP ranging from 0.000l% to
`
`0.05% w/w. See the description of these test formulations in the specification at paragraph
`
`[003 6]. The results of these experiments are shown in FIGS. 2-6 in the application and in
`
`-- Exhibits -A,--B," and-C -attached to-the enclosed -Declaration of Nanya Govind. - For the -Examiner’-s
`
`-
`
`Budesonide
`
`Budesonide er
`
`OSCAR
`
`Turbiscan
`
`Preferred PVP
`
`40 pg
`
`Exhibit A
`
`FIG. as
`
`0.o001%-0.001%
`
`
`
`........Eflfibit.C............._0...O01.%;0.;01.%................................ ..
`
`In addition to the OSCAR and Turbiscan measurements, the specification at paragraphs [0040] to
`
`[0055] describes digital photographic analyses of the same formulations, with the data from
`
`those analyses set forth in the table at paragraph [0056] of the specification.
`
`Because the data, taken as a whole, indicate that the preferred amount of PVP varies
`
`somewhat with the concentration of budesonide in the formulation, Applicants present four
`
`independent claims, each limited to a different concentration of budesonide and a corresponding
`
`level or range of PVP. For example, claim 1 is now limited to one particular concentration of
`
`314
`
`314
`
`

`
`Applicant
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Page
`
`: Nayna Govind et al.
`: 10I'502,685
`: July 27, 2004
`: 9 of 12
`
`Attorney's Docket No.: 06275-4 l0USl I 100629-1P US
`
`budesonide, 4 mg/ml (corresponding to 160 pg budesonide per actuation in the experiments
`
`reported in the application, as explained in footnote 2 above), while new independent claims 16-
`
`18 are respectively limited to 2, 8 and 1 mg/ml budesonide. The concentration of PVP specified
`
`in each of the four independent claims is derived from data in the specification indicating the
`
`best concentration or range of concentrationsof PVP to use with each particular concentration of
`
`budesonide, as explained below. Though not necessary for support, additional data in
`"""E)'iliil:ii'ts'K',' 'B','"a'iid"C' of'thFD'éclar"atioii"ar'é"proiiided"for conipleter'iess'.'"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
`
`Amended claim 1 now specifies that the concentration of budesonide is 4 mg/ml and the
`
`concentration of PVP is 0.001% w/w to 0.01% W/w. These concentrations of PVP are derived
`
`from the data in FIG. 4 (obtained using the Turbiscan method) and in the table at [0056]
`
`(obtained using a digital photograph analysis such as illustrated in FIGS. 9-11), all regarding a
`
`formulation that in the experiments described in the specification contains 4 mg/ml and delivers
`
`-
`
`160 pg budesonide per actuation. As can be seen-both in this table and in FIG. 4, for-a --
`
`-
`
`0.001 % wiw to 0.01% w/w would be expected to give the best suspension stability over time,
`
`better than higher (0.03 and 0.05%) or lower (0.0001%) concentrations of PVP produced with
`
`this amount of budesonide.4 Nothing in the prior art would have led one to expect that this
`
`amount of PVP would produce superior results with 4 mg/ml budesonide (or any other
`
`concentration of budesonide, for that matter).
`
`New claim 16 is limited to a budesonide concentration of 2-mg/ml (corresponding to a
`
`""""""""""""" "dose-of-80-pg per actuation-in-the experiments described in the specification)-and aPVP
`
`--
`
`--
`
`concentration of 0.001% w/w. The criticality of 0.001% W/w PVP in a formulation containing
`
`2 mg/ml budesonide is -illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 5; this concentration of PVP also produced the
`
`best results when measured by digital photography as indicated in the table at [0056]. These data
`
`show that formulations with higher or lower concentrations of PVP were less able to maintain a
`
`good suspension of a 2 mg/ml budesonide formulation over time. Nothing in the prior art would
`
`4 The data in FIG. 2 (also obtained with 4 mg/ml budesonide, but using the OSCAR method) also support the
`superiority of 0.001% PVP in particular, and to a lesser extent that of 0.01%; however, it is clear that the range from
`0.01% to 0.001% would be better than higher or lower concentrations ofPVP.
`
`315
`
`315
`
`

`
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Page
`
`: 10f502,68S
`: July 27, 2004
`: 10 of 12
`
`have led one to expect that 0.001% wfw PVP would provide this benefit in a formulation
`
`containing 2 mg/ml budesonide (or any other concentration of budesonide, for that matter).
`
`New claim 17 is limited to a budesonide concentration of 8 mg/ml (corresponding to a
`
`dose of 320 pg per actuation in the experiments described in the specification) and a PVP
`
`concentration of 0.001%.-.w!w. to .0.01_% w/.w._ This PV-P concentration range is derived from the
`
`digital photographic data summarized in the table at [0056].
`
`It can be seen from the table that,
`
`"""refs"faaai11aa6a'saa'taifiiag"3'ai;g7fii1"s'aassssias;"o;'0 l'%'w?\FPVP produced optii'1'i'5I'§'t'z'|}3i1ity "
`
`'
`
`'
`
`"
`
`results when analyzed by the digital photographic method, with 0.001% also producing good
`
`results. Further data regarding formulations containing this concentration ofbudesonide are
`
`shown in Exhibits B and C attached to the enclosed Declaration. Exhibit B shows that, when
`
`measured by OSCAR over a 2 minute time period, 0.01% PVP produces the most stable
`
`formulations with 8 mg/ml budesonide. When the stability of the 8 mg/ml fonnulations was
`
`measured by the Turbiscan method over a 15 min time period, 0.01% and 0.001% PVP both --
`
`- -
`
`proved far more mHe4 mmm£P¥P{sw Ex-hibiteG).a------------------------------------
`
`-
`
`New claim 18 is limited to a budesonide concentration of I mg/ml (corresponding to a
`
`dose of 40 pg per actuation in the experiments described in the specification) and a PVP
`
`concentration of 0.0001 % wlw to 0.001% wfw. This range of PVP concentrations is derived
`
`fi'om the FIG. 6 Turbiscan data and the digital photographic data shown in the table at [0056] for
`
`1 mg/ml budesonide formulations. As shown in both FIG. 6 and the table, concentrations of
`
`- PVP at or below 0.001% produced relatively stable formulations of 1 mg/ml budesonide. This
`
`.......................... .. cOnc1uSiOn_iS_bumeSSed_by the OSCA_R_data provided in_Exhibit_A_ attached tomeenclosed..................
`
`Declaration.
`
`There is no suggestion in Meade that varying concentrations of PVP would have any
`
`effect on suspension stability whatsoever, and there is further no indication which concentrations
`
`of PVP are best suited for any composition containing budesonide, much 13 the particular
`
`budesonide concentrations specified in the present claims. It is clear from the data in the
`
`specification that the stability of any given budesonide formulation depends on the concentration
`
`of PVP utilized. One can derive a few generalizations from these data: (1) higher budesonide
`
`concentrations tended to require more PVP to maintain a stable suspension; (2) all of the
`
`budesonide concentrations tested (from 1 mg/ml to 8 mg/ml) were more stable if the PVP
`
`316
`
`316
`
`

`
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Page
`
`: 10f502,685
`: July 27, 2004
`:
`ll of 12
`
`concentration was kept below 0.05% w/W; and (3) the best results overall were obtained using
`
`0.001% PVP wfw. None of those results could have been predicted based on the prior art cited
`
`by the Examiner, which in fact gave no reason to expect any improvement in stability by adding
`
`PVP, much less by keeping the concentration of PVP below 0.05% wfw.
`
`(b) The Examiner states that “[i]t is improper to conclude that amount of
`
`phosphatidylcholineused in Weers wc'uld‘eq'uate to the amount of‘PVP that shouldbe used since
`
`structures differ in both chemical and physical properties. In addition it is important to note that
`
`Weers is not relied upon for the use of PVP since Meade uses PVP.” As explained in the
`
`November 3'6 reply at page 10, neither Meade nor Weers discloses fly particular concentration
`
`of PVP, and neither provides any motivation to select the particular concentration or range of
`
`concentrations of PVP required by Applicants’ claims. As amended, the claims specify the
`
`......................... ..preferred.concentration.of P.VP..to be usedwith.specified.concent:rations ofbudesonide. There is
`
`.
`
`-----------------------------ncuteaching or.suggcstionJr1_Ld.ca.de_o:_V'{ee:s_thaL\uou1dJ.eadom:_to s11ch_a p1:efe1::ed_._.._.
`
`..
`
`..
`
`.
`
`concentration.
`
`(c) and (d) The Examiner states that Applicants failed “to provide examples, which show
`
`the criticality of 0.001% w/w PVP versus the invention where the PVP concentration is slightly
`
`greater or less than 0.001% w/w PVP.” Applicants do not understand why the Examiner
`
`believes the examples need to concern concentrations that are “slightly greater or less than
`
`........................... .. 0_001% W/W _pVp_~_»’_es any diff-erenees in effeet _fe1._differem _eeneenu.atiens ef pm: would appear...
`
`to be surprising in view of prior art that taught nothing about specific concentrations of PVP and
`
`nothing about improved stability ofbudesonide suspensions or other benefits attributable to PVP.
`
`Applicants submit that the examples provided in the specification and discussed above are more
`
`than ample to support the ncncbviousness of the present claims.
`
`In view of the foregoing, Applicants respectfully request that the rejection under 35 USC
`
`§ 103(a) be withdrawn.
`
`317
`
`317
`
`

`
`Applicant
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Page
`
`: Nayna Govind at al.
`: 10,502,685
`: July 27, 2004
`: 12 of 12
`
`Attorney's Docket No.: 06275-410USI I 100629-1P US
`
`Please apply the excess claims fee of $400 and any other necessary charges or credits to
`
`Deposit Account No. 06-1050, referencing Attorney Docket No. 06275-410USl.
`
`Respect - lly submitted,
`
`
`
`
`5.
`
`iK. Fraser, Ph.
`J
`Reg. No. 34,819
`
`Fish & Richardson P.C.
`
`225 Franklin Street
`
`Boston, MA 02110
`Telephone: (617) 542-5070
`Facsimile: (617) 542-8906
`
`DocNo 21559455
`
`318
`
`318
`
`

`
`Attorney's Docket Nth: ‘$16275-4l0U3| I M0629-I P US
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Applicant
`Serial No.
`Filed
`Title
`
`Art Unit
`: Nayne Govind eral.
`Examiner
`:
`ll}!502,68S
`Com".No.
`: July 27, 2004
`: COMPOSITION FOR INHALATION
`
`16 I6
`:
`: Allan Pryor
`: 7568
`
`Mail Stop Amendment
`Cornmissionar for
`P.O. Box I450
`
`Alexandria, VA 22313-I450
`
`--
`
`--
`
`-- -
`
`DE‘.CLARA'l‘ION FNAYNA
`
`V
`
`l, Nayna Govind. a citizen of the UK residing in Nottingham U.K.. hereby declare as
`
`follows:
`
`"T..'cTuflil:'«'::'i-'t':L‘igh‘."l reeeI'\'iE'
`
`E l’l1'tirr'Il'(l'lon§)'(iegree'iri PI1-a'n‘1ia'i:ji' fi'om Bradford University.
`
`I
`
`have over 12 years experience in the field of pressurized metered dose inhalers.
`
`I have published
`
`over 6 scientific articles. A copy of‘ my CV is attached as E

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket