Patexia seeks prior art for patents that allegedly describes a drug formulation for a subcutaneous injection of a beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to promote the breakdown of a patient’s fatty tissue.

The patents mention a drug formulation with the following elements:

• a long acting but non-sustained lipophilic specific beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist or similar salt with the same properties
• a biocompatible inactive ingredient to be used, for example, as a suspension, solubilizer, or similar process

The patents also mention the following options for drug dosage:

• a subcutaneous injection that’s administered at a frequency of less than once per day
• an ideal dosage of less than 5 micrograms per week or a maximum dosage of 100 micrograms per week

Ideal prior art for this contest would generally describe the drug’s formulation, the use of subcutaneous inject as the method of delivery, and a dosage recommendation that is either less than 5 micrograms/week or no more than 100 micrograms/week.

Questions

1. Was the reference filed or published before July 14th, 2005? (True/False)
2. Does the reference describe a drug that acts as an agonist on the beta-2 adrenergic receptor of an adipocyte to reduce fatty tissue?
3. Does the reference describe the drug as including a long acting, non-sustained beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist or similar salt, and an inactive ingredient?
4. Is the drug delivered via a subcutaneous injection?
5. Is the drug injected at a frequency of less than once per day?
6. Is the injection delivered at a dose of less than 5 micrograms per week and/or up to a maximum dosage of 100 micrograms per week?

Glossary

• Adipocytes are specialized cells that contain a large lipid droplet (i.e. fat) and make up fatty tissue in the human body. These cells can conduct lipolysis, which is the hydrolysis (or breakdown) of lipids into glycerol and free fatty acids. These products are used for cellular energy.
• Beta-2 adrenergic receptors are cell receptors commonly found on adipocytes, which have been shown in studies (along with the beta-1 adrenergic receptor) to play a significant factor in the breakdown of fats, including during regular exercise.