In re Morrison (BPAI 2004) (unpublished opinion).
Acarbose is an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor approved for use in the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). In 2001, James Morrison applied for a patent for using acarbose in a sustained release matrix as a weight loss stimulant. The PTO examiner assigned to the case rejected the claims as anticipated by prior art.
One reference cited by the examiner suggested the use of acarbose as a weight loss stimulant to be used alongside a lipase inhibitor. However, the Board overruled the Examiner’s rejection because the reference included the language “consisting essentially of” when describing the acarbose-lipase-inhibitor combo.
The basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition do not include inhibition of lipase enzymes. Thus, the addition of a lipase inhibitor would materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition. The claims do not read on the compositions disclosed by Bremer, which all contain a lipase inhibitor. The rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b) is reversed.
REVERSED, 37 CFR § 1.196(b)