Appeal No. 2005-2690
Application No. 09/935,442
Background
The specification discloses “a therapeutic medical article…which comprises a
medical article, a precursor compound and an activator compound. The medical article
is adapted, upon administration to a patient, to release the precursor compound and
the activator compound such that the activator compound interacts with the precursor
compound and converts the precursor compound into activated form for local delivery.”
Page 1-2, paragraph [0006]. One particular advantage is that these compounds “can
be generated in the body at the site of interest, rather than elsewhere in the body
where the therapeutic agents have little therapeutic effect or even a harmful effect.”
Page 3, paragraph [0012]. Specifically, the precursor compound reacts with the
activator compound, which can “lead to therapeutic outcomes, including restenosis1
prevention.” Page 10-11, paragraph [0039]. In a preferred embodiment, the
specification also states “precursor/activator compounds that can be
used…are…fibrinogen and thrombin.” Page 2, paragraph [0007]. Also, “[p]referred
medical articles include vascular medical devices (e.g., injection catheters, infusion
balloon catheters, coated balloon catheters, coated stents and coated stent-grafts).”
Page 2, paragraph [0008]. In addition, precursor and activator molecules can also be
released separately and in vivo. Page 6, paragraphs [0024]-[0026]; page 11,
paragraph [0042].
1 According to Dinh (U.S. Patent No. 5,510,077, of record), restenosis is the reclosure of a peripheral or
coronary artery following trauma to that artery, such as, for example, by balloon dilation, ablation,
atherectomy, or laser treatment of the artery. Column 1, lines 13-17. Restenosis is believed to be a natural
3
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Last modified: November 3, 2007