Appeal No. 1997-2188 Application 08/137,440 acknowledges on page 673 that: One of the more promising palliative approaches relates to potentiating the activity of the central cholinergic system. A decrease in central nervous system cholinergic markers is the most consistent and well-documented neurochemical change in Alzheimer's disease. Accordingly, several pharmacological strategies to enhance central cholinergic function are being explored: muscarinic agonists, acetylcholine releasing agents and cholinesterase inhibitors. [cites to the bibliography omitted] Thereafter in the paragraph bridging pages 673 and 674, the authors observe that: Galanthamine (1, scheme 1), a long-acting, centrally- active competitive cholinesterase inhibitor, has shown considerable promise. This natural product, an alkaloid of the Amaryllidaceae family, is hydrolysis-resistant, only moderately toxic, and more readily absorbed than physostigmine. The animal data suggest that this compound might be effective in treating the central cholinergic deficits in Alzheimer's disease. A recent clinical trial found that 1 was a well-tolerated drug during long term treatment. [cites to the bibliography omitted]3 On page 674 the parent compound 1 and nine other galanthamine derivatives are set forth. On page 679 in Table III, the IC 's for seven galanthamine derivatives is set forth and in 50 Whether or not the results of the clinical trial have3 been published and whether, if published, the results are prior art having a bearing on the patentability of the appealed claims is an issue the examiner and appellants should investigate upon return of this application to the examining group. 13Page: Previous 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 NextLast modified: November 3, 2007