DETAILED ACTION
Claims 1-19 are currently pending in the instant application. Claims 1-7, 10-13, and 16-18 are rejected. Claims 8, 9 and 19 are withdrawn from consideration as being for non-elected subject matter. Claim 14 is objected.
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Election/Restrictions
Applicant’s election without traverse of group I and the species compound 2;
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in the reply filed on 21 October 2025 is acknowledged.
According to MPEP 803.02, the examiner has determined whether the elected species is allowable. Applicants’ elected species appears allowable. Therefore, the search and examination has been extended to the compounds of claim 14 which are also allowable.
Claims 1-7, 10-13, and 16-18 have been examined to the extent that they are readable on the elected embodiment, the elected species and the above mentioned compounds. It has been determined that the entire scope claimed is not patentable.
Specification
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities:
The Preliminary Amendment filed 2 May 2023 is objected to under 35 U.S.C. 132(a) because it introduces new matter into the disclosure. 35 U.S.C. 132(a) states that no amendment shall introduce new matter into the disclosure of the invention. The added material which is not supported by the original disclosure is as follows: “each of these prior applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.”
MPEP 211.02 and MPEP 201.06(c)(IV) state the following in regard to “Incorporation by Reference” and PCT Rule 20.6, Rule 20.7 and Rule 4.18 are directed specifically to International applications:
MPEP 211.02, in-part
For applications filed on or after September 21, 2004, a claim under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) or 120 and 37 CFR 1.78 for benefit of a prior-filed provisional application, nonprovisional application, international application designating the United States, or international design application designating the United States that was present on the filing date of the continuation or divisional application, or the nonprovisional application claiming benefit of a prior-filed provisional application, is considered an incorporation by reference of the prior-filed application as to inadvertently omitted material, subject to the conditions and requirements of 37 CFR 1.57(b). The purpose of 37 CFR 1.57(b) is to provide a safeguard for applicants when all or a portion of the specification and/or drawing(s) is (are) inadvertently omitted from an application. See MPEP § 201.06 and 217. However, applicants are encouraged to provide in the specification an explicit incorporation by reference statement to the prior-filed application(s) for which benefit is claimed under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) or 120 if applicants do not wish the incorporation by reference to be limited to inadvertently omitted material pursuant to 37 CFR 1.57(b). See 37 CFR 1.57(c). See also MPEP §§ 217 and MPEP § 608.01(p).
When a benefit claim is submitted after the filing of an application, and the later-filed application as filed did not incorporate the prior-filed application by reference, applicant cannot add an incorporation by reference statement of the prior application. An incorporation by reference statement added after an application’s filing date is not effective because no new matter can be added to an application after its filing date (see 35 U.S.C. 132(a)). See Dart Indus. v. Banner, 636 F.2d 684, 207 USPQ 273 (C.A.D.C. 1980). See also 37 CFR 1.57(b).
MPEP 201.06(c)(IV), in-part
201.06(c) 37 CFR 1.53(b) and 37 CFR 1.63(d) Divisional-Continuation Procedure [R-07.2015]
IV. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
An applicant may incorporate by reference the prior application by including, in the continuing application-as-filed, an explicit statement that such specifically enumerated prior application or applications are “hereby incorporated by reference.” The statement must appear in the specification. See 37 CFR 1.57(c) and MPEP § 608.01(p). The inclusion of this incorporation by reference statement will permit an applicant to amend the continuing application to include subject matter from the prior application(s), without the need for a petition provided the continuing application is entitled to a filing date notwithstanding the incorporation by reference. For applications filed prior to September 21, 2004, the incorporation by reference statement may appear in the transmittal letter or in the specification. Note that for applications filed prior to September 21, 2004, if applicants used a former version of the transmittal letter form provided by the USPTO, the incorporation by reference statement could only be relied upon to add inadvertently omitted material to the continuation or divisional application.
An incorporation by reference statement added after an application’s filing date is not effective because no new matter can be added to an application after its filing date (see 35 U.S.C. 132(a)). If an incorporation by reference statement is included in an amendment to the specification to add a benefit claim under 35 U.S.C. 120 after the filing date of the application, the amendment would not be proper. When a benefit claim under 35 U.S.C. 120 is submitted after the filing of an application, the reference to the prior application cannot include an incorporation by reference statement of the prior application. See Dart Indus. v. Banner, 636 F.2d 684, 207 USPQ 273 (C.A.D.C. 1980).
20.6 Confirmation of Incorporation by Reference of Elements and Parts
(a) The applicant may submit to the receiving Office, within the applicable time limit under Rule 20.7 , a written notice confirming that an element or part is incorporated by reference in the international application under Rule 4.18 , accompanied by:
(i) a sheet or sheets embodying the entire element as contained in the earlier application or embodying the part concerned;
(ii) where the applicant has not already complied with Rule 17.1(a) , (b) or (b-bis) in relation to the priority document, a copy of the earlier application as filed;
(iii) where the earlier application is not in the language in which the international application is filed, a translation of the earlier application into that language or, where a translation of the international application is required under Rule 12.3(a) or 12.4(a) , a translation of the earlier application into both the language in which the international application is filed and the language of that translation; and
(iv) in the case of a part of the description, claims or drawings, an indication as to where that part is contained in the earlier application and, where applicable, in any translation referred to in item (iii).
(b) Where the receiving Office finds that the requirements of Rule 4.18 and paragraph (a) have been complied with and that the element or part referred to in paragraph (a) is completely contained in the earlier application concerned, that element or part shall be considered to have been contained in the purported international application on the date on which one or more elements referred to in Article 11(1)(iii) were first received by the receiving Office.
(c) Where the receiving Office finds that a requirement under Rule 4.18 or paragraph (a) has not been complied with or that the element or part referred to in paragraph (a) is not completely contained in the earlier application concerned, the receiving Office shall proceed as provided for in Rule 20.3(b)(i) , 20.5(b) , 20.5(c) , 20.5bis(b) or 20.5bis(c) , as the case may be.
20.7 Time Limit
(a) The applicable time limit referred to in Rules 20.3(a) and (b) , 20.4 , 20.5(a) , (b) and (c) , 20.5bis(a) , (b) and (c) , and 20.6(a) shall be:
(i) where an invitation under Rule 20.3(a) , 20.5(a) or 20.5bis(a) , as applicable, was sent to the applicant, two months from the date of the invitation;
(ii) where no such invitation was sent to the applicant, two months from the date on which one or more elements referred to in Article 11(1)(iii) were first received by the receiving Office.
(b) Where neither a correction under Article 11(2) nor a notice under Rule 20.6(a) confirming the incorporation by reference of an element referred to in Article 11(1)(iii)(d) or (e) is received by the receiving Office prior to the expiration of the applicable time limit under paragraph (a), any such correction or notice received by that Office after the expiration of that time limit but before it sends a notification to the applicant under Rule 20.4(i) shall be considered to have been received within that time limit.
4.18 Statement of Incorporation by Reference
Where the international application, on the date on which one or more elements referred to in Article 11(1)(iii) were first received by the receiving Office, claims the priority of an earlier application, the request may contain a statement that, where an element of the international application referred to in Article 11(1)(iii)(d) or (e) , or a part of the description, claims or drawings referred to in Rule 20.5(a) , or an element or part of the description, claims or drawings referred to in Rule 20.5bis(a) is not otherwise contained in the international application but is completely contained in the earlier application, that element or part is, subject to confirmation under Rule 20.6 , incorporated by reference in the international application for the purposes of Rule 20.6 . Such a statement, if not contained in the request on that date, may be added to the request if, and only if, it was otherwise contained in, or submitted with, the international application on that date.
The instant application is a 371 application which has an International filing date of 4 November 2021. The incorporation by reference statement is being added by way of a Preliminary Amendment filed 2 May 2023, which is after the instant application's International filing date of 4 November 2021. Therefore, the “incorporation by reference” statement being added to the instant specification by way of the Preliminary Amendment is deemed new matter.
Applicant is required to cancel the new matter in the reply to this Office Action.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PATENT APPLICATIONS CONTAINING NUCLEOTIDE AND/OR AMINO ACID SEQUENCE DISCLOSURES
Items 1) and 2) provide general guidance related to requirements for sequence disclosures.
37 CFR 1.821(c) requires that patent applications which contain disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences that fall within the definitions of 37 CFR 1.821(a) must contain a "Sequence Listing," as a separate part of the disclosure, which presents the nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences and associated information using the symbols and format in accordance with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.821 - 1.825. This "Sequence Listing" part of the disclosure may be submitted:
In accordance with 37 CFR 1.821(c)(1) via the USPTO patent electronic filing system (see Section I.1 of the Legal Framework for Patent Electronic System (https://www.uspto.gov/PatentLegalFramework), hereinafter "Legal Framework") as an ASCII text file, together with an incorporation-by-reference of the material in the ASCII text file in a separate paragraph of the specification as required by 37 CFR 1.823(b)(1) identifying:
the name of the ASCII text file;
ii) the date of creation; and
iii) the size of the ASCII text file in bytes;
In accordance with 37 CFR 1.821(c)(1) on read-only optical disc(s) as permitted by 37 CFR 1.52(e)(1)(ii), labeled according to 37 CFR 1.52(e)(5), with an incorporation-by-reference of the material in the ASCII text file according to 37 CFR 1.52(e)(8) and 37 CFR 1.823(b)(1) in a separate paragraph of the specification identifying:
the name of the ASCII text file;
the date of creation; and
the size of the ASCII text file in bytes;
In accordance with 37 CFR 1.821(c)(2) via the USPTO patent electronic filing system as a PDF file (not recommended); or
In accordance with 37 CFR 1.821(c)(3) on physical sheets of paper (not recommended).
When a “Sequence Listing” has been submitted as a PDF file as in 1(c) above (37 CFR 1.821(c)(2)) or on physical sheets of paper as in 1(d) above (37 CFR 1.821(c)(3)), 37 CFR 1.821(e)(1) requires a computer readable form (CRF) of the “Sequence Listing” in accordance with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.824.
If the "Sequence Listing" required by 37 CFR 1.821(c) is filed via the USPTO patent electronic filing system as a PDF, then 37 CFR 1.821(e)(1)(ii) or 1.821(e)(2)(ii) requires submission of a statement that the "Sequence Listing" content of the PDF copy and the CRF copy (the ASCII text file copy) are identical.
If the "Sequence Listing" required by 37 CFR 1.821(c) is filed on paper or read-only optical disc, then 37 CFR 1.821(e)(1)(ii) or 1.821(e)(2)(ii) requires submission of a statement that the "Sequence Listing" content of the paper or read-only optical disc copy and the CRF are identical.
Specific deficiencies and the required response to this Office Action are as follows:
Specific deficiency - This application fails to comply with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.821 - 1.825 because it does not contain a "Sequence Listing" as a separate part of the disclosure or a CRF of the “Sequence Listing.”.
Specific deficiency – Nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences appearing in the specification are not identified by sequence identifiers in accordance with 37 CFR 1.821(d). Please see page 8 of the instant specification and page 25 of the instant specification wherein sequences are found with no sequence identifiers.
Claim Objections
Claim 14 is objected to because of the following informalities: For sake of clarity, claim 14 should read as follows:
14. The compound, the stereoisomer thereof or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof according to claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:…..
with an “and” between the last two listed compounds 20 and 21.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a):
(a) IN GENERAL.—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 nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention.
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 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 nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.
Claims 1-7, 10-13, and 15-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The claim(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 or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention. Applicant’s instant claims are drawn a compound of the formula:
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(instant claim 1) with dependent claims 2-7 and 10-13 further limiting ULM, Linker and NTM. NTM is limited in instant claims 3-5 as:
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(instant claim 3)
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(instant claim 4)
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(instant claim 5). ULM is limited in instant claims 6 and 7 as:
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(instant claim 6) and
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(instant claim 7). Linker is limited in instant claims 10-12 as follows:
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(instant claim 10),
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(instant claim 11), and
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(instant claim 12). Instant claim 14 lists 21 specific compounds. Instant claims 15-18 are pharmaceutical composition claims comprising the compound of claim 1 for preventing or treating NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases (instant claim 17) such as:
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The claim(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 or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention as the compounds are defined by their function as NTM is an NLRP3 protein binding moiety, ULM is a CRBN or VHL E3 ubiquitin ligase binding moiety, and Linker is a group that chemically connects ULM and NTM. While the dependent claims limit one of NTM, ULM or the Linker, the dependent claims, excluding claim 14, always have at least two of NTM, ULM, or the Linker defined the same as in claim 1 by the function of binding to NLRP3, CRBN or VHL E3 ubiquitin ligase. Defining any one of the compound variables by function requires testing after the structure is prepared to determine if the binding happens. There is no constant core structure from which the common use would flow. As seen in the specification, multiple compounds with varying structures can be utilized, see pages 5-33 with such structures for the NLRP3 protein binding moiety as:
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(page 6), for ULM see page 23 such as:
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and page 28:
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.
As a result of the definition of the structural limitation (i.e. the particular structure of the ULM, and NTM) with functional language (i.e. whether or not the moiety binds to a particular Protein), the metes and bounds of the claims cannot be fully ascertained and does not have written description. MPEP 2173.05(g) provides that, while there are permissible instances for the use of functional language to define a claim, “A functional limitation must be evaluated and considered, just like any other limitation of the claim, for what it fairly conveys to a person of ordinary skill in the pertinent art in the context in which it is used.” Further, “Examiners should consider the following factors when examining claims that contain functional language to determine whether the language is ambiguous: (1) whether there is a clear cut indication of the scope of the subject matter covered by the claim; (2) whether the language sets forth well-defined boundaries of the invention or only states a problem solved or a result obtained; and (3) whether one of ordinary skill in the art would know from the claim terms what structure or steps are encompassed by the claim. These factors are examples of points to be considered when determining whether language is ambiguous and are not intended to be all inclusive or limiting. The primary inquiry is whether the language leaves room for ambiguity or whether the boundaries are clear and precise. In the instant case the boundaries are not clear and precise as there is no written description to determine structures intended for the claimed compound as ULM and NTM except as defined by functional language, which would require testing to determine if the moiety would bind. There is no description of how much binding is required. The examples provided differ in structure which makes it difficult to ascertain what is required to provide the required binding. In the present case, it is unclear precisely what structures are intended for the claimed molecules, at least because the functional language used leaves room for ambiguity. For example, there is no definition or guidance as to what structural features are necessary for a compound to be capable of binding as claimed. While there are a multitude of examples, these examples vary extensively and there is no written description as to which particular structural features, at a minimum, are necessary to render the compound capable of binding to the target proteins, and how much binding is required, the skilled artisan would not be reasonably apprised as to the claimed invention. As seen on page 4 of the instant specification:
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There is no written description to specific required structures of the ULM, Linker, and NTM that would place the NLRP3 protein and the E3 ubiquitin ligase in close proximity. Additionally, defining the structures by function of binding does not provide written description for the claimed products as page 7 of the specification provides that the NTM moiety of formula I of the present invention is functionally distinct from the NLRP3 inhibitor as a single compound. There is no written description provided on how to determine chemical structures capable of being used as the NTM moiety of formula I based on the NLRP3 protein binding ability according to the NLRP3 inhibitor structure known in the art without testing after synthesis. Page 30 provides that the linker needs to provide an appropriate physical distance, thereby inducing ubiquitination of the target NLRP3 protein, however, there is no written description as to how to determine the appropriate physical distance. Page 31 provides that the linker is included without limitation as long as the compound of formula I is capable of performing the function of PROTAC to induce ubiquitination of the target NLRP3 protein. There is no description as to how to determine the appropriate physical distance or what the linker can be without testing after synthesis to determine if the compound would perform the required ubiquitination of the target NLRP3 protein. The examples in the specification, compounds 1-21, provided on pages 44-47, are the only examples that are synthesized and the only compounds which are tested on pages 129-132. These 21 compounds are of similar structure and composition and do not vary as the broad definitions provided in the specification for ULM, NTM, and linker. In regards to the intended use of claims 17-18, while pages 39-40 provide a listing of a multitude of diseases and disorders that are listed as being treated or prevented. The only written description provided is for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) as the testing on pages 129-132 only provide one cell line, THP 1, page 30, which corresponds to treating acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). There is no other written description for treating any other disease or disorder and there is no written description for preventing any disease or disorder.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim(s) 1-7, 10-13, and 15-18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over WO 2019/140380 in view of US Pre-Grant Publication 2018/0044287.
Determining the scope and contents of the prior art and considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Applicant’s instant claim 1 claims the compound
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. WO 2019/140380 discloses a bifunctional compound having the structure of
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, wherein TBM is a target binding moiety capable of binding to a target protein, L is a bivalent linking group for linking TBM to UBM, and UBM is a ubiquitin binding moiety capable of binding to a ubiquitin ligase such as an E3 ubiquitin ligase (for example, cereblon) (paragraph [0011]). TBM is defined to be a target binding moiety capable of binding to a target protein, such as NLRP3 as the target protein, see claim 15 and paragraph [0230] line 9 page 382. L is defined to include, for example,
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, on page 53, line 10. UBM is defined to be, for example,
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, see examples I-1 to I-16, pages 116-120. Pharmaceutical compositions, including a carrier, are disclosed on pages 330-334, with the utility disclosed on page 334 [00213]:
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which is the same utility of the instant application, see instant page 4:
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. Diseases to be treated in the ‘380 WO are disclosed to include cancer, on pages 337-341.
US Pre-Grant Publication 2018/0044287 discloses sulfonyl ureas which show useful activity in the inhibition of activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome (abstract). US Pre-Grant Publication 2018/0044287 provides an inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome activity , specifically a sulfonylurea compound represented by chemical formula 1; and a modified biotinylated probe:
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prepared by binding same to a linking moiety and biotin, see abstract, claim 1 and paragraph [0246]. Pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed on page 37, and methods of treatment of diseases such as cancer is disclosed on page 39.
Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue and resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
The difference between the prior art and the claims at issue is that claim 1 differs from the ‘380 WO by the position equivalent to TBM is NTM in the instant claims which is a NLRP3 protein binding moiety. However, the ‘380 WO provides that the bifunctional compound can have NLRP3 as the target protein (see claim 15 and paragraph [0230] line 9 on page 382. The additional features in claim 2 corresponds to a feature experimentally identified by a person skilled in the art, and the effects would not be considered to be any remarkable effects which can not be predicted by a person skilled in the art. Additionally, the inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome activity in US Pre-Grant Publication 2018/0044287, is of the same formula as found in instant claim 3 and would have the features of instant claim 2. Claims 6 and 7 differ from the prior art with the specific structure of the ULM, the position UBM in the prior ‘380 WO. However, the ‘380 WO provides the formula V-a’ in claim 7:
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. For the linker of instant claims 10-13, the prior art provides the linker in claim 7 and line 10 on page 53:
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which corresponds to the compound in instant claim 10 wherein Lulm is -CH2CH2-, Lint is -OCH2CH2-, p is 1 and Lntm is -NH-; the compound in claim 11 wherein Lu1 is -CH2CH2-, and ring Lu and Lu2 are a single bond, the compound in claim 12 wherein Lp1 is -NH- and rings Lp and Lp2 are a single bond; and the compound in claim 13 wherein Lint1 is O, ring Ln1 is a single bond, Lint2 is -CH2-, q is 1 and r is 2. In regards to instant claims 15-18, the ‘380 WO provides a pharmaceutical composition containing the bifunctional compound and a carrier, discloses treating target protein-associated diseases by using the same, and discloses, cancer, autoimmune diseases and the like as the diseases (see claims 18-23 of the ‘380 WO). In regards to claims 3-5 which specify the NLRP3 protein binding moiety compound, US Pre-Grant Publication 2018/0044287 provides an inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome activity which corresponds to the compound in claim 3 wherein R1 is phenyl; Q1 is a single bond; R3 and Q2 are O; and R2 is heteroaryl, the compound in claim 4 wherein ring U is phenyl; R3 is O; R2 is represented by the first structure in which t is 0; T1 to T6 are -CH2, Rx is hydrogen; and R5 is -C0-4 alkylene-R6 in which R6 is heteroaryl, and the compound in claim 5 wherein ring U is phenyl; R3 is O; Rx is hydrogen; R5B is –(C0-C4-alkylene)-R6 in which R6 is hydrogen; and R5A is –(c0-C4alkylene)-R6 in which R6 is heteroaryl, and one of hydrogen thereof is replaced by a single bond so as to be connected to the liner by a covalent bond (see paragraph [0320]). Considering that the ‘380 WO indicates that the ubiquitin binding moiety and the target protein binding moiety are bound to each other by a linker ( see claim 7 and paragraph [0011], and US Pre-Grant Publication 2018/0044287 indicates that an NLRP3 protein binding moiety compound is modified using the linking moiety (see paragraph [0321], claims 3-5 could be readily derived by a person skilled in the art by applying the compound of US Pre-Grant Publication 2018/0044287 as the TBM compound which targets NLRP3 thus achieving the predicted effects.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to REBECCA L ANDERSON whose telephone number is (571)272-0696. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday from 6am-2pm.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Andrew Kosar can be reached at 571-272-0913. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/REBECCA L ANDERSON/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1626 ____________________ 10 February 2026
Rebecca Anderson
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 1626, Group 1620
Technology Center 1600