DolceraWiki - User contributions [en]

Quality of Service on CDMA platforms

2006-06-26T21:23:12Z

207.105.30.44: /* Rate Matching and QoS */

== Cellular Communication ==
A cellular mobile communications system uses a large number of low-power wireless transmitters to create cells — the basic geographic service area of a wireless communications system. Variable power levels allow cells to be sized according to the subscriber density and demand within a particular region. As mobile users travel from cell to cell, their conversations are handed off between cells to maintain seamless service. Channels (frequencies) used in one cell can be reused in another cell some distance away. Cells can be added to accommodate growth, creating new cells in unserved areas or overlaying cells in existing areas. [http://www.IEC.org Source]

There are three main entities in cellular communication
* Mobile Station (MS): A mobile station consists of 2 entities - equipment and SIM card
* Base Transceiver station(BTS): A base transceiver station consists of 2 entities - a base transceiver (transmitter and receiver) station and a base station controller. The BTS is the antenna tower site.
* Main Switching centre(MSC): The main switching centre is the heart of the network - the central switching office which controls all the base stations and provides connection with landline phones. It performs three main tasks. It:
# connects calls from sender to receiver,
# collects details of the calls made and received, and
# supervises operation of the rest of the network components.

== Cellular System Architecture ==
Cellular systems are increasing in demand as more users are added to their systems. The amount of frequency spectrum available for mobile cellular use was limited, and efficient use of the required frequencies was needed for mobile cellular coverage. In modern cellular telephony, rural and urban regions are divided into areas according to specific provisioning guidelines. Provisioning for each region is planned according to an engineering plan that includes cells, clusters, frequency reuse, and handovers.

==== Cells ====
A cell is the basic geographic unit of a cellular system. Cells are base stations transmitting over small geographic areas that are represented as hexagons.

==== Clusters ====
A cluster is a group of cells. No channels are reused within a cluster. Normally a cluster has seven cells in it as shown below.

==== Frequency Reuse ====
The number of radio channel frequencies is limited. The concept of frequency reuse is based on assigning to each cell a group of radio channels used within a small geographic area. Cells are assigned a group of channels that is completely different from neighboring cells. The coverage area of cells is called the footprint. This footprint is limited by a boundary so that the same group of channels can be used in different cells that are far enough away from each other so that their frequencies do not interfere.

==== Cell Splitting ====
As a service area becomes full of users, this approach is used to split a single area into smaller ones. In this way, urban centers can be split into as many areas as necessary to provide acceptable service levels in heavy-traffic regions, while larger, less expensive cells can be used to cover remote rural regions.

==== Handoff ====

The final obstacle in the development of the cellular network involved the problem created when a mobile subscriber traveled from one cell to another during a call. As adjacent areas do not use the same radio channels, a call must either be dropped or transferred from one radio channel to another when a user crosses the line between adjacent cells. Because dropping the call is unacceptable, the process of handoff was created. Handoff occurs when the mobile telephone network automatically transfers a call from radio channel to radio channel as a mobile crosses adjacent cells.

==Evolution of Cellular Systems==
[[Image:cdma1.jpg|500 px|center]]
== Multiple Access Methods ==
There are predominantly three types of multiple access methods.
=== Frequency Division Multiple Access ===
In this system, each user is allotted a different set of frequencies to operate upon. The uplink(mobile to base station) frequency is different from downlink frequency(base station to mobile).
[[Image:cdma6.jpg|thumb|700px|center|[http://www.ai.u-hyogo.ac.jp/~thai-proj/presen/20051222-Ishikawa.ppt FDMA]]]
=== Time Division Multiple Access ===
In this system, each user is allocated a different time slot. Forward link frequency and reverse link frequency is the same. A synchronous switch is responsible for the time switching.
[[Image:cdma10.jpg|thumb|600px|center|TDMA]]

=== Code Division Multiple Access ===
There is no restriction on time and frequency in this scheme. All the users can transmit at all times and at all frequencies. Because users are isolated by code, they can share the same carrier frequency, eliminating the frequency reuse problem encountered in other technologies.
[[Image:cdma11.jpg|thumb|600 px|centre|CDMA]] 

A comparative study between the above three access technologies with respect to time and frequency is as shown below.
[[Image:cdma12.jpg|thumb|600 px|centre|Comparison of cellular access schemes]]

== Code Division Multiple Access ==
The CDMA technology can be implemented in two ways
* Direct Sequence Spread Sprectrum - DSSS CDMA
* Frequency Hopping - FH CDMA
=== Direct Sequence Spread Sprectrum - DSSS CDMA ===
In this method, the direct sequence(input data) which is spread over a limited bandwidth is multiplied with a code or spreading sequence (a pseudorandom sequence) which will spread the input data over the entire bandwidth of the communication channel. The power density is also reduced and is spread over the frequency spectrum and hence is known as spread spectrum method. The modulation part of DSSS is as shown below.
[[Image:cdma13.jpg|thumb|600px|center|CDMA Modulation]]
The modulated signal is transmitted over the channel and all users can receive it but only the user which knows the correct code can decode the message. This is depicted in the figure below.
[[Image:cdma14.jpg|thumb|600px|center|CDMA Demodulation]]

=== Frequency Reuse ===
The number of radio channel frequencies is limited. The concept of frequency reuse is based on assigning to each cell a group of radio channels used within a small geographic area. Cells are assigned a group of channels that is completely different from neighboring cells. The coverage area of cells is called the footprint. This footprint is limited by a boundary so that the same group of channels can be used in different cells that are far enough away from each other so that their frequencies do not interfere.

=== Soft Handoff ===
Handoff means switching a cellular phone transmission from one cell to another as a mobile user moves into a new cellular area. It is so called because the radio link with the previous sector(s) is not broken before a link is established with a new sector; this type of handoff is described as "make before break". In CDMA, due to this soft handoff, there is no interruption of call even at the border of a cell site which means more number of customers can be accommodated, automatically increasing the capacity of the cell site.

=== Multipath Fading ===
In a mobile environment, a mobile station will receive one direct signal from the base station and multiple signals which are reflected from obstructions like buildings and towers. Each signal would have travelled a different length and would be displaced in time. Due to this, when they are combined at the mobile handset, it will cause interference resulting in poor signal quality. This is known as ''fading''. This problem is handled in a very good way in CDMA. Here, the phase of the multiple signals is modified such that only positive interference(addition) takes place and the overall signal strength increases. A receiver that implements the above principle is known as a RAKE receiver as shown in the figure below.
[[Image:cdma15.jpg|thumb|center|600px|RAKE receiver]]
=== Near Far Problem ===
The problem is best described by taking an example: Consider a receiver and two transmitters (one close to the receiver; the other far away). If both transmitters transmit simultaneously and at equal powers, then due to the inverse square law, the receiver will receive more power from the nearer transmitter. This makes the farther transmitter voice more difficult to understand. Since one transmission's signal is the other's noise the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the farther transmitter is much lower. If the nearer transmitter transmits a signal that is orders of magnitude higher than the farther transmitter, then the SNR for the farther transmitter may be below detectability and the farther transmitter may just as well not transmit. This effectively jams the communication channel. In CDMA systems, this is commonly solved by dynamic output power adjustment of the transmitters. That is, the closer transmitters use less power so that the SNR for all transmitters at the receiver is roughly the same. This sometimes can have a noticeable impact on battery life, which can be dramatically different depending on distance from the base station.
[[Image:cdma16.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Dynamic output power adjustment for CDMA transmitters]]

====Power Control==== As the propagation losses between BS and MS's are different according to individual communication distances, the received levels at the base station are different from each other when all mobile stations transmit their signals at the same power. Moreover, the received level fluctuates quickly due to fading. In order to maintain the strength of received signal level at BS, power control technique must be employed in CDMA systems. .
[[Image:cdma17.jpg]] 
Power control can be implemented in two ways : open loop power control and closed loop power control 
[[Image:cdma18.jpg]]

'''Effect of Power Control''' Power control is capable of compensating the fading fluctuation. Received power from all MS are controlled to be equal.　Near-Far problem is mitigated by the power control.
[[Image:cdma19.jpg]]

==Quality of Service(QoS)==
CDMA is being accepted as a third generation (3G) system and a specific feature of 3G systems is that they offer a radio interface adapted for all kinds of services and combination of services (such as data, voice, video etc). The big challenge is multiplexing these services which have do not have the same demands in terms of quality of service(QoS) which can be represented as BER(bit error rate), processing delay, frame error rate etc. Different QoS will require different channel encoding and interleaving strategies. The demand of BER can be satisfied when the coding bits have at least a code dependent ratio Eb/I(ratio of bit energy to interference). There are several influences that might change system performance(BER) and hence Eb/I ratio, of which the most effective is variation of Bit Rate by a step of '''Rate Matching'''.

===Rate Matching and QoS===
The patent [[Media:EP1385290.pdf|EP1385290]] titled "Method for balancing Eb/I ratio in a service multiplexing CDMA system and a telecommunication system using this method"''' targets at this concept of Rate matching and introduces an algorithm of calculating effective data output bits by a process of repetition or puncturing of the input bits governed by a '''rate matching ratio''' and '''puncturing ratio''' received from the sending entity(can be BS or MS). The following framework highlights the various steps involved in providing variable QoS. The received data from the transport block is classified into different processes based on their QoS. Data is split onto various transport channels to which a CRC code is attached for error correction. Further all these transport channels are multiplexed on one line by concatenation, interleaved, segmented and then rate matched. The rate matching step is performed using the rate matching ratio and puncturing ratio which is received from the sending entity.(an exchange of handshaking signals is occuring).
[[Image:cdma20.jpg]]

===Power Control, Rate Matching and QoS===
According to one of the methods of dynamic power control (Code Hopping) used in W-CDMA technology, the Rate Information (RI) field in the uplink control channel in W-CDMA frame can be used to notify the base station about the variable bit rates (VBR) it wants to send, then the base station computes and assigns optimal powers according to the new spreading factor for each radio frame. Spreading factor(Gi) is defined as the ratio of bandwidth of the system to the data rate of the radio frame.
Mathematically, 
'''Gi = W / Ri''',where W=system bandwidth which is a constant for a system and Ri= data rate of radio frame. 
A power index (gi) is calculated from this Spreading Factor(Gi) using the following expression 
'''gi= (vi / (vi+Gi))''', where vi is minimum QoS for the ith session which is a constant. 
This power index will ascertain the optimal power to be alloted to each service channel. 
'''Pi = (gi*No*W )/ (Hi*(1-(Sgj)''' 
where No is AWGN(Additive White Guassian Noise)a constant, Hi is path loss which is dependent on the distance and is a costant for a path, and Sgj is sum of the power index of all the sessions which is constant for all sessions of the radio frame. 
From the above analysis, we observe that Bit Rate is inversely proportional to Spreading factor which will inversely effect the power index and hence the optimal power. Therefore, the Bit Rate and Optimal power go hand in glove and have the same effect on Eb/I and QoS.
The method and algorithm to schedule optimal power is detailed in the IEEE paper '''Dynamic Resource Scheduling for Variable QoS Traffic in W-CDMA Ozgur Gurbuz, Henry Owen'''.
Thus we conclude that by adjusting the optimal power we are actually trying to implement a rate matching step.
[[Media:IEEE1.pdf]]

===Power control and QoS===
Transmission power of mobile station is proportional to power control law, which is a function of distance from the base station, transmission rates, interference level (number of active users). In this method the Bit Error probability of the multi rate CDMA mobile station is calculated at the Base station using transmission rates of the mobile.The Optimal power control functions are derived based on the Bit error probability at the base station and these power control functions are transmitted to the mobile. The mobile calculates the optimum power using DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING and transmits its data at this power level. It is of interest to note that the optimum power level is related to power index which will determine the spreading gain and hence the overall bit rate. Thus the optimum power level is acheived by transmitting the data at the calculated bit rate.[[Media:IEEE-2.pdf]]

==Conclusion==
Substantial amount of research has been done in the field of QoS in CDMA communication system in the year 1998-99 and this has led to the invention of multitude of methodologies ranging from power control to Rate matching and so on with the sole aim of improving QoS.

Quality of Service on CDMA platforms

2006-06-26T21:22:56Z

207.105.30.44: /* Quality of Service(QoS) */

== Cellular Communication ==
A cellular mobile communications system uses a large number of low-power wireless transmitters to create cells — the basic geographic service area of a wireless communications system. Variable power levels allow cells to be sized according to the subscriber density and demand within a particular region. As mobile users travel from cell to cell, their conversations are handed off between cells to maintain seamless service. Channels (frequencies) used in one cell can be reused in another cell some distance away. Cells can be added to accommodate growth, creating new cells in unserved areas or overlaying cells in existing areas. [http://www.IEC.org Source]

There are three main entities in cellular communication
* Mobile Station (MS): A mobile station consists of 2 entities - equipment and SIM card
* Base Transceiver station(BTS): A base transceiver station consists of 2 entities - a base transceiver (transmitter and receiver) station and a base station controller. The BTS is the antenna tower site.
* Main Switching centre(MSC): The main switching centre is the heart of the network - the central switching office which controls all the base stations and provides connection with landline phones. It performs three main tasks. It:
# connects calls from sender to receiver,
# collects details of the calls made and received, and
# supervises operation of the rest of the network components.

== Cellular System Architecture ==
Cellular systems are increasing in demand as more users are added to their systems. The amount of frequency spectrum available for mobile cellular use was limited, and efficient use of the required frequencies was needed for mobile cellular coverage. In modern cellular telephony, rural and urban regions are divided into areas according to specific provisioning guidelines. Provisioning for each region is planned according to an engineering plan that includes cells, clusters, frequency reuse, and handovers.

==== Cells ====
A cell is the basic geographic unit of a cellular system. Cells are base stations transmitting over small geographic areas that are represented as hexagons.

==== Clusters ====
A cluster is a group of cells. No channels are reused within a cluster. Normally a cluster has seven cells in it as shown below.

==== Frequency Reuse ====
The number of radio channel frequencies is limited. The concept of frequency reuse is based on assigning to each cell a group of radio channels used within a small geographic area. Cells are assigned a group of channels that is completely different from neighboring cells. The coverage area of cells is called the footprint. This footprint is limited by a boundary so that the same group of channels can be used in different cells that are far enough away from each other so that their frequencies do not interfere.

==== Cell Splitting ====
As a service area becomes full of users, this approach is used to split a single area into smaller ones. In this way, urban centers can be split into as many areas as necessary to provide acceptable service levels in heavy-traffic regions, while larger, less expensive cells can be used to cover remote rural regions.

==== Handoff ====

The final obstacle in the development of the cellular network involved the problem created when a mobile subscriber traveled from one cell to another during a call. As adjacent areas do not use the same radio channels, a call must either be dropped or transferred from one radio channel to another when a user crosses the line between adjacent cells. Because dropping the call is unacceptable, the process of handoff was created. Handoff occurs when the mobile telephone network automatically transfers a call from radio channel to radio channel as a mobile crosses adjacent cells.

==Evolution of Cellular Systems==
[[Image:cdma1.jpg|500 px|center]]
== Multiple Access Methods ==
There are predominantly three types of multiple access methods.
=== Frequency Division Multiple Access ===
In this system, each user is allotted a different set of frequencies to operate upon. The uplink(mobile to base station) frequency is different from downlink frequency(base station to mobile).
[[Image:cdma6.jpg|thumb|700px|center|[http://www.ai.u-hyogo.ac.jp/~thai-proj/presen/20051222-Ishikawa.ppt FDMA]]]
=== Time Division Multiple Access ===
In this system, each user is allocated a different time slot. Forward link frequency and reverse link frequency is the same. A synchronous switch is responsible for the time switching.
[[Image:cdma10.jpg|thumb|600px|center|TDMA]]

=== Code Division Multiple Access ===
There is no restriction on time and frequency in this scheme. All the users can transmit at all times and at all frequencies. Because users are isolated by code, they can share the same carrier frequency, eliminating the frequency reuse problem encountered in other technologies.
[[Image:cdma11.jpg|thumb|600 px|centre|CDMA]] 

A comparative study between the above three access technologies with respect to time and frequency is as shown below.
[[Image:cdma12.jpg|thumb|600 px|centre|Comparison of cellular access schemes]]

== Code Division Multiple Access ==
The CDMA technology can be implemented in two ways
* Direct Sequence Spread Sprectrum - DSSS CDMA
* Frequency Hopping - FH CDMA
=== Direct Sequence Spread Sprectrum - DSSS CDMA ===
In this method, the direct sequence(input data) which is spread over a limited bandwidth is multiplied with a code or spreading sequence (a pseudorandom sequence) which will spread the input data over the entire bandwidth of the communication channel. The power density is also reduced and is spread over the frequency spectrum and hence is known as spread spectrum method. The modulation part of DSSS is as shown below.
[[Image:cdma13.jpg|thumb|600px|center|CDMA Modulation]]
The modulated signal is transmitted over the channel and all users can receive it but only the user which knows the correct code can decode the message. This is depicted in the figure below.
[[Image:cdma14.jpg|thumb|600px|center|CDMA Demodulation]]

=== Frequency Reuse ===
The number of radio channel frequencies is limited. The concept of frequency reuse is based on assigning to each cell a group of radio channels used within a small geographic area. Cells are assigned a group of channels that is completely different from neighboring cells. The coverage area of cells is called the footprint. This footprint is limited by a boundary so that the same group of channels can be used in different cells that are far enough away from each other so that their frequencies do not interfere.

=== Soft Handoff ===
Handoff means switching a cellular phone transmission from one cell to another as a mobile user moves into a new cellular area. It is so called because the radio link with the previous sector(s) is not broken before a link is established with a new sector; this type of handoff is described as "make before break". In CDMA, due to this soft handoff, there is no interruption of call even at the border of a cell site which means more number of customers can be accommodated, automatically increasing the capacity of the cell site.

=== Multipath Fading ===
In a mobile environment, a mobile station will receive one direct signal from the base station and multiple signals which are reflected from obstructions like buildings and towers. Each signal would have travelled a different length and would be displaced in time. Due to this, when they are combined at the mobile handset, it will cause interference resulting in poor signal quality. This is known as ''fading''. This problem is handled in a very good way in CDMA. Here, the phase of the multiple signals is modified such that only positive interference(addition) takes place and the overall signal strength increases. A receiver that implements the above principle is known as a RAKE receiver as shown in the figure below.
[[Image:cdma15.jpg|thumb|center|600px|RAKE receiver]]
=== Near Far Problem ===
The problem is best described by taking an example: Consider a receiver and two transmitters (one close to the receiver; the other far away). If both transmitters transmit simultaneously and at equal powers, then due to the inverse square law, the receiver will receive more power from the nearer transmitter. This makes the farther transmitter voice more difficult to understand. Since one transmission's signal is the other's noise the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the farther transmitter is much lower. If the nearer transmitter transmits a signal that is orders of magnitude higher than the farther transmitter, then the SNR for the farther transmitter may be below detectability and the farther transmitter may just as well not transmit. This effectively jams the communication channel. In CDMA systems, this is commonly solved by dynamic output power adjustment of the transmitters. That is, the closer transmitters use less power so that the SNR for all transmitters at the receiver is roughly the same. This sometimes can have a noticeable impact on battery life, which can be dramatically different depending on distance from the base station.
[[Image:cdma16.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Dynamic output power adjustment for CDMA transmitters]]

====Power Control==== As the propagation losses between BS and MS's are different according to individual communication distances, the received levels at the base station are different from each other when all mobile stations transmit their signals at the same power. Moreover, the received level fluctuates quickly due to fading. In order to maintain the strength of received signal level at BS, power control technique must be employed in CDMA systems. .
[[Image:cdma17.jpg]] 
Power control can be implemented in two ways : open loop power control and closed loop power control 
[[Image:cdma18.jpg]]

'''Effect of Power Control''' Power control is capable of compensating the fading fluctuation. Received power from all MS are controlled to be equal.　Near-Far problem is mitigated by the power control.
[[Image:cdma19.jpg]]

==Quality of Service(QoS)==
CDMA is being accepted as a third generation (3G) system and a specific feature of 3G systems is that they offer a radio interface adapted for all kinds of services and combination of services (such as data, voice, video etc). The big challenge is multiplexing these services which have do not have the same demands in terms of quality of service(QoS) which can be represented as BER(bit error rate), processing delay, frame error rate etc. Different QoS will require different channel encoding and interleaving strategies. The demand of BER can be satisfied when the coding bits have at least a code dependent ratio Eb/I(ratio of bit energy to interference). There are several influences that might change system performance(BER) and hence Eb/I ratio, of which the most effective is variation of Bit Rate by a step of '''Rate Matching'''.

===Rate Matching and QoS===
The patent [[Media:EP1385290.pdf EP1385290]] titled "Method for balancing Eb/I ratio in a service multiplexing CDMA system and a telecommunication system using this method"''' targets at this concept of Rate matching and introduces an algorithm of calculating effective data output bits by a process of repetition or puncturing of the input bits governed by a '''rate matching ratio''' and '''puncturing ratio''' received from the sending entity(can be BS or MS). The following framework highlights the various steps involved in providing variable QoS. The received data from the transport block is classified into different processes based on their QoS. Data is split onto various transport channels to which a CRC code is attached for error correction. Further all these transport channels are multiplexed on one line by concatenation, interleaved, segmented and then rate matched. The rate matching step is performed using the rate matching ratio and puncturing ratio which is received from the sending entity.(an exchange of handshaking signals is occuring).
[[Image:cdma20.jpg]]

===Power Control, Rate Matching and QoS===
According to one of the methods of dynamic power control (Code Hopping) used in W-CDMA technology, the Rate Information (RI) field in the uplink control channel in W-CDMA frame can be used to notify the base station about the variable bit rates (VBR) it wants to send, then the base station computes and assigns optimal powers according to the new spreading factor for each radio frame. Spreading factor(Gi) is defined as the ratio of bandwidth of the system to the data rate of the radio frame.
Mathematically, 
'''Gi = W / Ri''',where W=system bandwidth which is a constant for a system and Ri= data rate of radio frame. 
A power index (gi) is calculated from this Spreading Factor(Gi) using the following expression 
'''gi= (vi / (vi+Gi))''', where vi is minimum QoS for the ith session which is a constant. 
This power index will ascertain the optimal power to be alloted to each service channel. 
'''Pi = (gi*No*W )/ (Hi*(1-(Sgj)''' 
where No is AWGN(Additive White Guassian Noise)a constant, Hi is path loss which is dependent on the distance and is a costant for a path, and Sgj is sum of the power index of all the sessions which is constant for all sessions of the radio frame. 
From the above analysis, we observe that Bit Rate is inversely proportional to Spreading factor which will inversely effect the power index and hence the optimal power. Therefore, the Bit Rate and Optimal power go hand in glove and have the same effect on Eb/I and QoS.
The method and algorithm to schedule optimal power is detailed in the IEEE paper '''Dynamic Resource Scheduling for Variable QoS Traffic in W-CDMA Ozgur Gurbuz, Henry Owen'''.
Thus we conclude that by adjusting the optimal power we are actually trying to implement a rate matching step.
[[Media:IEEE1.pdf]]

===Power control and QoS===
Transmission power of mobile station is proportional to power control law, which is a function of distance from the base station, transmission rates, interference level (number of active users). In this method the Bit Error probability of the multi rate CDMA mobile station is calculated at the Base station using transmission rates of the mobile.The Optimal power control functions are derived based on the Bit error probability at the base station and these power control functions are transmitted to the mobile. The mobile calculates the optimum power using DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING and transmits its data at this power level. It is of interest to note that the optimum power level is related to power index which will determine the spreading gain and hence the overall bit rate. Thus the optimum power level is acheived by transmitting the data at the calculated bit rate.[[Media:IEEE-2.pdf]]

==Conclusion==
Substantial amount of research has been done in the field of QoS in CDMA communication system in the year 1998-99 and this has led to the invention of multitude of methodologies ranging from power control to Rate matching and so on with the sole aim of improving QoS.

Quality of Service on CDMA platforms

2006-06-26T21:00:36Z

207.105.30.44: /* Quality of Service(QoS) */

== Cellular Communication ==
A cellular mobile communications system uses a large number of low-power wireless transmitters to create cells — the basic geographic service area of a wireless communications system. Variable power levels allow cells to be sized according to the subscriber density and demand within a particular region. As mobile users travel from cell to cell, their conversations are handed off between cells to maintain seamless service. Channels (frequencies) used in one cell can be reused in another cell some distance away. Cells can be added to accommodate growth, creating new cells in unserved areas or overlaying cells in existing areas. [http://www.IEC.org Source]

There are three main entities in cellular communication
* Mobile Station (MS): A mobile station consists of 2 entities - equipment and SIM card
* Base Transceiver station(BTS): A base transceiver station consists of 2 entities - a base transceiver (transmitter and receiver) station and a base station controller. The BTS is the antenna tower site.
* Main Switching centre(MSC): The main switching centre is the heart of the network - the central switching office which controls all the base stations and provides connection with landline phones. It performs three main tasks. It:
# connects calls from sender to receiver,
# collects details of the calls made and received, and
# supervises operation of the rest of the network components.

== Cellular System Architecture ==
Cellular systems are increasing in demand as more users are added to their systems. The amount of frequency spectrum available for mobile cellular use was limited, and efficient use of the required frequencies was needed for mobile cellular coverage. In modern cellular telephony, rural and urban regions are divided into areas according to specific provisioning guidelines. Provisioning for each region is planned according to an engineering plan that includes cells, clusters, frequency reuse, and handovers.

==== Cells ====
A cell is the basic geographic unit of a cellular system. Cells are base stations transmitting over small geographic areas that are represented as hexagons.

==== Clusters ====
A cluster is a group of cells. No channels are reused within a cluster. Normally a cluster has seven cells in it as shown below.

==== Frequency Reuse ====
The number of radio channel frequencies is limited. The concept of frequency reuse is based on assigning to each cell a group of radio channels used within a small geographic area. Cells are assigned a group of channels that is completely different from neighboring cells. The coverage area of cells is called the footprint. This footprint is limited by a boundary so that the same group of channels can be used in different cells that are far enough away from each other so that their frequencies do not interfere.

==== Cell Splitting ====
As a service area becomes full of users, this approach is used to split a single area into smaller ones. In this way, urban centers can be split into as many areas as necessary to provide acceptable service levels in heavy-traffic regions, while larger, less expensive cells can be used to cover remote rural regions.

==== Handoff ====

The final obstacle in the development of the cellular network involved the problem created when a mobile subscriber traveled from one cell to another during a call. As adjacent areas do not use the same radio channels, a call must either be dropped or transferred from one radio channel to another when a user crosses the line between adjacent cells. Because dropping the call is unacceptable, the process of handoff was created. Handoff occurs when the mobile telephone network automatically transfers a call from radio channel to radio channel as a mobile crosses adjacent cells.

==Evolution of Cellular Systems==
[[Image:cdma1.jpg|500 px|center]]
== Multiple Access Methods ==
There are predominantly three types of multiple access methods.
=== Frequency Division Multiple Access ===
In this system, each user is allotted a different set of frequencies to operate upon. The uplink(mobile to base station) frequency is different from downlink frequency(base station to mobile).
[[Image:cdma6.jpg|thumb|700px|center|[http://www.ai.u-hyogo.ac.jp/~thai-proj/presen/20051222-Ishikawa.ppt FDMA]]]
=== Time Division Multiple Access ===
In this system, each user is allocated a different time slot. Forward link frequency and reverse link frequency is the same. A synchronous switch is responsible for the time switching.
[[Image:cdma10.jpg|thumb|600px|center|TDMA]]

=== Code Division Multiple Access ===
There is no restriction on time and frequency in this scheme. All the users can transmit at all times and at all frequencies. Because users are isolated by code, they can share the same carrier frequency, eliminating the frequency reuse problem encountered in other technologies.
[[Image:cdma11.jpg|thumb|600 px|centre|CDMA]] 

A comparative study between the above three access technologies with respect to time and frequency is as shown below.
[[Image:cdma12.jpg|thumb|600 px|centre|Comparison of cellular access schemes]]

== Code Division Multiple Access ==
The CDMA technology can be implemented in two ways
* Direct Sequence Spread Sprectrum - DSSS CDMA
* Frequency Hopping - FH CDMA
=== Direct Sequence Spread Sprectrum - DSSS CDMA ===
In this method, the direct sequence(input data) which is spread over a limited bandwidth is multiplied with a code or spreading sequence (a pseudorandom sequence) which will spread the input data over the entire bandwidth of the communication channel. The power density is also reduced and is spread over the frequency spectrum and hence is known as spread spectrum method. The modulation part of DSSS is as shown below.
[[Image:cdma13.jpg|thumb|600px|center|CDMA Modulation]]
The modulated signal is transmitted over the channel and all users can receive it but only the user which knows the correct code can decode the message. This is depicted in the figure below.
[[Image:cdma14.jpg|thumb|600px|center|CDMA Demodulation]]

=== Frequency Reuse ===
The number of radio channel frequencies is limited. The concept of frequency reuse is based on assigning to each cell a group of radio channels used within a small geographic area. Cells are assigned a group of channels that is completely different from neighboring cells. The coverage area of cells is called the footprint. This footprint is limited by a boundary so that the same group of channels can be used in different cells that are far enough away from each other so that their frequencies do not interfere.

=== Soft Handoff ===
Handoff means switching a cellular phone transmission from one cell to another as a mobile user moves into a new cellular area. It is so called because the radio link with the previous sector(s) is not broken before a link is established with a new sector; this type of handoff is described as "make before break". In CDMA, due to this soft handoff, there is no interruption of call even at the border of a cell site which means more number of customers can be accommodated, automatically increasing the capacity of the cell site.

=== Multipath Fading ===
In a mobile environment, a mobile station will receive one direct signal from the base station and multiple signals which are reflected from obstructions like buildings and towers. Each signal would have travelled a different length and would be displaced in time. Due to this, when they are combined at the mobile handset, it will cause interference resulting in poor signal quality. This is known as ''fading''. This problem is handled in a very good way in CDMA. Here, the phase of the multiple signals is modified such that only positive interference(addition) takes place and the overall signal strength increases. A receiver that implements the above principle is known as a RAKE receiver as shown in the figure below.
[[Image:cdma15.jpg|thumb|center|600px|RAKE receiver]]
=== Near Far Problem ===
The problem is best described by taking an example: Consider a receiver and two transmitters (one close to the receiver; the other far away). If both transmitters transmit simultaneously and at equal powers, then due to the inverse square law, the receiver will receive more power from the nearer transmitter. This makes the farther transmitter voice more difficult to understand. Since one transmission's signal is the other's noise the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the farther transmitter is much lower. If the nearer transmitter transmits a signal that is orders of magnitude higher than the farther transmitter, then the SNR for the farther transmitter may be below detectability and the farther transmitter may just as well not transmit. This effectively jams the communication channel. In CDMA systems, this is commonly solved by dynamic output power adjustment of the transmitters. That is, the closer transmitters use less power so that the SNR for all transmitters at the receiver is roughly the same. This sometimes can have a noticeable impact on battery life, which can be dramatically different depending on distance from the base station.
[[Image:cdma16.jpg|thumb|600px|center|Dynamic output power adjustment for CDMA transmitters]]

====Power Control==== As the propagation losses between BS and MS's are different according to individual communication distances, the received levels at the base station are different from each other when all mobile stations transmit their signals at the same power. Moreover, the received level fluctuates quickly due to fading. In order to maintain the strength of received signal level at BS, power control technique must be employed in CDMA systems. .
[[Image:cdma17.jpg]] 
Power control can be implemented in two ways : open loop power control and closed loop power control 
[[Image:cdma18.jpg]]

'''Effect of Power Control''' Power control is capable of compensating the fading fluctuation. Received power from all MS are controlled to be equal.　Near-Far problem is mitigated by the power control.
[[Image:cdma19.jpg]]

==Quality of Service(QoS)==
CDMA is being accepted as a third generation system and a specific feature of 3G system is that it offers a radio interface adapted for all kinds of services and combination of services(data,voice,image etc). The big issue is of multiplexing of these services which have do not have the same demands in terms of quality of service(QoS) which can be represented as BER(bit error rate),processing delay,frame error rate etc. Different QoS will require different channel encoding and interleaving strategies. The demand of BER can be satisfied when the coding bits have atleast a code dependent ratio Eb/I(ratio of bit energy to interference). There are several influences that might change system performance(BER) and hence Eb/I ratio, of which the most effective is variation of Bit Rate by a step of '''Rate Matching'''. 
===Rate Matching and QoS===
The patent '''EP 1385290 titled "Method for balancing Eb/I ratio in a service multiplexing CDMA system and a telecommunication system using this method"''' targets at this concept of Rate matching and introduces an algorithm of calculating effective data output bits by a process of repetition or puncturing of the input bits governed by a '''rate matching ratio''' and '''puncturing ratio''' received from the sending entity(can be BS or MS). The following framework highlights the various steps involved in providing variable QoS. The received data from the transport block is classified into different processes based on their QoS. Data is split onto various transport channels to which a CRC code is attached for error correction. Further all these transport channels are multiplexed on one line by concatenation, interleaved, segmented and then rate matched. The rate matching step is performed using the rate matching ratio and puncturing ratio which is received from the sending entity.(an exchange of handshaking signals is occuring).[[Media:Patent.pdf]]
[[Image:cdma20.jpg]]

===Power Control, Rate Matching and QoS===
According to one of the methods of dynamic power control (Code Hopping) used in W-CDMA technology, the Rate Information (RI) field in the uplink control channel in W-CDMA frame can be used to notify the base station about the variable bit rates (VBR) it wants to send, then the base station computes and assigns optimal powers according to the new spreading factor for each radio frame. Spreading factor(Gi) is defined as the ratio of bandwidth of the system to the data rate of the radio frame.
Mathematically, 
'''Gi = W / Ri''',where W=system bandwidth which is a constant for a system and Ri= data rate of radio frame. 
A power index (gi) is calculated from this Spreading Factor(Gi) using the following expression 
'''gi= (vi / (vi+Gi))''', where vi is minimum QoS for the ith session which is a constant. 
This power index will ascertain the optimal power to be alloted to each service channel. 
'''Pi = (gi*No*W )/ (Hi*(1-(Sgj)''' 
where No is AWGN(Additive White Guassian Noise)a constant, Hi is path loss which is dependent on the distance and is a costant for a path, and Sgj is sum of the power index of all the sessions which is constant for all sessions of the radio frame. 
From the above analysis, we observe that Bit Rate is inversely proportional to Spreading factor which will inversely effect the power index and hence the optimal power. Therefore, the Bit Rate and Optimal power go hand in glove and have the same effect on Eb/I and QoS.
The method and algorithm to schedule optimal power is detailed in the IEEE paper '''Dynamic Resource Scheduling for Variable QoS Traffic in W-CDMA Ozgur Gurbuz, Henry Owen'''.
Thus we conclude that by adjusting the optimal power we are actually trying to implement a rate matching step.
[[Media:IEEE1.pdf]]

===Power control and QoS===
Transmission power of mobile station is proportional to power control law, which is a function of distance from the base station, transmission rates, interference level (number of active users). In this method the Bit Error probability of the multi rate CDMA mobile station is calculated at the Base station using transmission rates of the mobile.The Optimal power control functions are derived based on the Bit error probability at the base station and these power control functions are transmitted to the mobile. The mobile calculates the optimum power using DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING and transmits its data at this power level. It is of interest to note that the optimum power level is related to power index which will determine the spreading gain and hence the overall bit rate. Thus the optimum power level is acheived by transmitting the data at the calculated bit rate.[[Media:IEEE-2.pdf]]

==Conclusion==
Substantial amount of research has been done in the field of QoS in CDMA communication system in the year 1998-99 and this has led to the invention of multitude of methodologies ranging from power control to Rate matching and so on with the sole aim of improving QoS.

Alopecia - Hair Loss

2006-05-07T21:50:46Z

207.105.30.44:

== Rationale ==
* “Medication for men plagued by hair loss has become a topic of interest in Japan since a drug company began marketing it at the end of last year." March 5th, 2006 – [http://stophair.setupmyblog.com/?p=55]

* “An increasing number of companies are apparently turning the Chinese fear of a bald spot into big bucks with some doing so well they are branching out into other countries.” February 16, 2006 – [http://stophair.setupmyblog.com/]

== Alopecia IPMap ==
[http://www.dolcera.com/client/ds94x0s90akq9d7xb402fm/hairloss_map.htm Dolcera IPMap for Alopecia]

== Introduction ==

=== Hair Basics ===
* Hair is a complex and delicate part of the body
* Keeping it healthy and beautiful is a challenge
* Structure of Hair root - [http://www.follicle.com/hair-structure-life-cycle.html]
* Structure of Hair bulb - [http://www.pg.com/science/haircare/hair_twh_12.htm]
[[Image:Hairbasics.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Structure of Hair root and Hair bulb]]

=== Reasons for Hair loss ===
[[Image:Facts.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Survey results from Japan]]
Both men and women lose hair for similar reasons. Hair loss in men is often more dramatic, and follows a specific pattern of loss which has been termed “Male Pattern Baldness” (Androgenetic Alopecia).

'''Main reasons'''
* Hormonal effect of androgen
* Reduction of blood circulation around hair follicle
* Deactivation of hair matrix cells

'''Some facts from Japan'''

* Market size: ¥ 30 Billion
* Number of products: more than 100

(JICST-EPlus - Japanese Science & Technology)

== Goals ==

The goal of this report is to:
* Summarize IP activity over the years
* Identify major players
* Conduct patent analysis
a) Composition
b) Nature
c) Action

'''And then'''

* Analyze patents pertaining to high sebum activity

== Approach ==

* A broad search was conducted on hair loss patents.
* Patent information was sourced through SIP.
* A set of patents was selected for analysis.

Composition of treatment for causes are identified and categorized as follows:

* Anti-androgen
* Minoxidil
* Double action (Anti-androgen + Mindoxidil)
* Hair matrix cells activator
* Sebum production inhibitor

== IP activity over years ==
The graph indicates:
* Number of patents filed every 5 years (except for first 7 years).
* First solution proposed in 1973
* Filing trend indicates steep rise in activity recently.
[[Image:Year1.jpg|thumb|center|400px|IP Activity over years]]

== Major Players ==
[[Image:players.jpg|thumb|left|400px|Assignees with more than 20 patents ]]
[[Image:players1.jpg|thumb|center|400px|Assignees with fewer than 20 patents ]]

* '''Active Assignees'''
Assignees currently active with more than 5 patents to their credit during 2000-2005.
* Warner with 9 patents,
* Bristol with 6 and
* Abbott with 5.

[[Image:Active.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Active Assignees]]

== Anti-androgens ==
* Anti-androgen is a substance that inhibits biological effects of androgenic hormones
* 5-alpha reductase + Testosterone = Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
* DHT attaches to an Androgen Receptor.
* DHT causes increase in hair loss and gradual miniaturization of the follicle, which eventually dies resulting hair loss

=== Functions of Anti-androgen === [http://www.revivogen.com/revivogen/work.html Anti-androgen]

[[Image:Andogen1.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Functions of Anti-androgen]]

=== IP Map for Anti-androgen ===

{| border="1" cellpadding="8", style="#008080"
!width="30" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Pat/Pub#'''
!width="30" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nature'''
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition'''
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition action'''
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009430%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009430&RS=DN/20060009430 US20060009430]
BLOTECH (2004)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extracts
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Palmetto berry extract (fatty acids & sterols), Pumpkin seed extract (Vitamins-B, alpha-linolenic acid, amino acids and phytosterols), Quercetin (Flavonoids) and Beta-sitosterol (Rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils and soybeans)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Fatty acids – Inhibit testosterone
Sterols - Mechanism of action unknown.

Quercetin results in cell growth cycle.

Beta-sitosterol reduce inflammation on scalp
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009427%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009427&RS=DN/20060009427 US20060009427]
WARNER LAMBERT(2004)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|New class of 4-cycloalkoxy benzonitrile derivatives and salts
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Acts as androgen receptor modulators and blocks formation of DHT.
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050085467%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050085467&RS=DN/20050085467 US20050085467]
WARNER LAMBERT(2004)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|New class of 6-sulfonamido-quinolin-2-one and 6-sulfonamido-2-oxo-chromene derivatives.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|The compounds inhibit, or decrease, activation of androgen receptor by androgens.
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050118282%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050118282&RS=DN/20050118282 US20050118282]
APHIOS Corp (2003)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extracts
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Supercritical fluid isolate of Saw Palmetto and Sperol (Serenoa repens berry) and their analogs or derivatives.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Modulates androgenic activity by inhibiting 5.alpha.-reductase activity.
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009429%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009429&RS=DN/20060009429 US20060009429]
Fundacion Pablo Cassara (2003)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Nucleotide
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Pharmacologically active oligonucleotides (encompass both DNA and S-DNA bond)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Oligonucleotides inhibit androgen receptor (AR) expression at very low concentrations in skin and hair follicle
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030007941%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030007941&RS=DN/20030007941 US20030007941]
PFIZER INC (2001)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Thyromimetic compounds (structurally similar to thyronine) with finasteride, or cyproterone acetate
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Activates thyroid hormone receptors in hair follicle which in turn promote elasticisation of follicle walls and hair follicle
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030073616%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030073616&RS=DN/20030073616 US20030073616]
N/A (1995)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Peptides/nucleic acid
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Bradykinin antagonist (peptide of plasma origin from kininogen precursor-kallikrein)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Inhibit synthesis of bradykinin receptors or compounds by binding to B2 receptor
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=EP0279010&F=0 EP0279010]
KAO Corp (1987)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extracts
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Walnut extract (leaves/pericarps) with an organic solvent
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Blocks formation of DHT
|}

== Minoxidil ==
* A thick network of tiny veins and arteries lines the outer wall of the follicle. Blood pumps through the bulb and hair via this network
* Minoxidil dilates blood vessels; which is also called as “potassium channel opener”
* Minoxidil sulfate (MS) appears to be the active metabolite responsible for hair growth stimulation.

=== Functions of Monoxidil === [http://www.nurseminerva.co.uk/diagrams.htm#Diagram%201 Minoxidil]

[[Image:minoxidil1.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Functions of Monoxidil]]

=== IP Map for Minoxidil ===

{| border="1" cellpadding="2"
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Pat/Pub#'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nature'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition action'''
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040157856%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040157856&RS=DN/20040157856 US20040157856]
WARNER LAMBERT(2002)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Benzopyran compounds
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Rapidly metabolizes, and causes reduced cardiovascular effects as compared to other known potassium channel openers
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050053572%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050053572&RS=DN/20050053572 US20050053572]
LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE(2001)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extracts
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Sophora flavescens extract (alkaloids & flavonoids, luteolin-7-glucose and cytosine) Hinokitiol (Taiwan hinoki oil, Aomori, Western Red Cedar oil) and Nicotinamide (Vitamin B complex)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Promotes function of cell activity and dilates blood vessels
|}

== Double action (Anti-androgen + Minoxidil) ==
* Combination of Minoxidil + Anti-androgen (double action) composition for effective treatment of Male-Pattern Baldness

=== Functions of (Anti-androgen + Minoxidil) === [http://www.revivogen.com/revivogen/work.html Anti-androgen ]and [http://www.xandrox.net/articles/article01.htm Minoxidil]
[[Image:Doubleaction1.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Functions of (Anti-androgen + Minoxidil)]]

=== IP Map for (Anti-androgen + Minoxidil) ===
{| border="1" cellpadding="3"
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Pat/Pub#'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nature'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition action'''
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060052405%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060052405&RS=DN/20060052405 US20060052405]
N/A(2000)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Peptides
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Testosterone blocker or vascular toner (Flutamide, cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, progesterone, or analogs or derivatives) and minoxidil mixed along with non-retinoid penetration enhance and sunscreen
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Inhibits 5.alpha.-reductase activity (block DHT) and increase blood flow on the scalp
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050123577%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050123577&RS=DN/20050123577 US20050123577]
L'OREAL(2000)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Peptides
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Prostaglandin (polyunsaturated fatty acids) EP-2, EP-3 EP-4 receptor agonist with Minoxidil, 2,4-diaminopyrimidine 3-oxide, and Aminexil, cyclic AMP
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Minoxidil (designed to mimic nitric oxide's effects) grows hair via prostaglandin-H synthase stimulation. EP-3 and EP-4 are expressed in anagen hair follicles which induce a reduction in the level of cAMP
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6447762.PN.&OS=PN/6447762&RS=PN/6447762 US6447762]
COLOMER GROUP(1999)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extract
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Hop extract (oil contains terpenes and humulene), Rosemary extract (hydroalcohol), Swertia extract (glycol with a swertiamarin), Silanodiol salicylate (biologically active silicon compound)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Inhibits activity of 5-alpha-reductase, protects follicular cell membranes by neutralizing action of oxidation reaction in tissues, stimulates hair follicles and blood circulation to the hair root, supplies oxygen and nutrients to base of follicle, retains humidity, avoids dehydration of scalp
|}

== Hair matrix cell activator ==
* Stem cells of the hair follicle are gathered in the basal layer of the outer root sheath bulge.
* It is from these cells that matrix cells are formed.
* Growth and differentiation of the matrix cells are under the influence of substances produced by cells of the dermal papilla.

=== Functions of Hair matrix cell activator === [http://www.ijdb.ehu.es/fullaccess/fulltext.04023/ft163.pdf Hair matrix cell activator]
[[Image:Hair matrix.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Functions of Hair matrix cell activator ]]

=== IP Map for Hair matrix cell activator ===
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Pat/Pub#'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nature'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition action'''
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220020052498%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20020052498&RS=DN/20020052498 US20020052498]
SHISEIDO(1999)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|(2-substituted oxyphenyl) alkanamide derivative and its salt
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Mechanism of action has not been made clear, having excellent hair follicle activating action and regrowth promoting effect
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040071647%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040071647&RS=DN/20040071647 US20040071647]
L'OREAL(1998)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Peptides
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Metalloprotease (MMP-9) inhibitor (thiol or a hydroxamate) other than chelating calcium ions
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Reducing the expression of MMPs (Metalloproteases) in the scalp - slow down or inhibit the degradation of the perifollicular matrix (extracellular matrix surround the hair follicle)
|}

== Sebum Production Inhibitor ==
* Sebum, a complex mixture of lipid substances, is secreted from sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles.
* The inhibitor blocks the excessive sebum production produces greasy effect on hair and scalp and also responsible for thinning and loosing of hair.

=== Functions of Sebum Production Inhibitor ===
[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:HairFollicle.jpg Sebum Production Inhibitor]]
[[Image:Sebum1.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Functions of Sebum Production Inhibitor]]

=== IP map for Sebum Production Inhibitor ===

{| border="1" cellpadding="3", style="#008080"
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Pat/Pub#'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nature'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition action'''
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050277699%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050277699&RS=DN/20050277699 US20050277699]
Unilever(2005)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extract and organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Polyamine (putrescine, spermine or spermidine) analogs and/or derivatives; DFMO; N-acetyl cysteines; neutralized salts of a non-hydroxy C2-C40 dicarboxylic acids, preferably malonate salts; and mixtures thereof.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Decreasing sebum production and/or pore size
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050244362%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050244362&RS=DN/20050244362 US20050244362]
KAO COPR.(2004)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extract and organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Avocado oil (Butyl esters of fatty acids)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Reduce sebum of the hair and scalp
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=4529587.PN.&OS=PN/4529587&RS=PN/4529587 US4529587]
Unilever(1982)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan |Biotin antagonist or a salt thereof
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Decrease activity of the enzyme acetyl-SCoA-carboxylase and hence reduce lipid synthesis in sebaceous glands so that less sebum is produced
|}

== Composition nature matrix ==

=== IP map for Composition nature matrix ===

{| border="1" cellpadding="11", style="#008080"
!width="50" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Year'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Organic Compound'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Natural extracts'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Peptides'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nucleotides'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Natural extract + Organic comp'''
|- style="height:10px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2005
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|UNILEVER (1)
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2004
|bgcolor=LightCyan|WARNER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|BLOTECH (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|KAO (1)
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2003
|bgcolor=LightCyan|WARNER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|APHIOS (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|FUNDIACION (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2002
|bgcolor=LightCyan|WARNER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2001
|bgcolor=LightCyan |PFIZER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|LG HEALTH-CARE (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2000
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|L’OREAL (1) / N/A (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1999
|bgcolor=LightCyan|SHISEDIO (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|COLOMER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1998
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|L’OREAL (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1995
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|N/A (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1987
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|KAO (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1982
|bgcolor=LightCyan|UNILEVER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|}

== Focus of patents ==

{| border="1" cellpadding="17", style="#008080"
!width="600" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Focus of patents'''
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Patent no.'''
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Rec. no.'''
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2-substituted oxyphenyl alkanamide derivative having excellent hair growth effect.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220020052498%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20020052498&RS=DN/20020052498 US20020052498]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Thyromimetic compounds, and its role in treating hair loss
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030007941%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030007941&RS=DN/20030007941 US20030007941]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Saw Palmetto berry extract, pumpkin seed extract, sitosterol and quercetin for the treatment and prevention of the biologically detrimental effects of DHT
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009430%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009430&RS=DN/20060009430 US20060009430]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|3
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|4-cycloalkoxy benzonitriles and its use as androgen receptor modulators
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009427%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009427&RS=DN/20060009427 US20060009427]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|4
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Supercritical fluid isolate of Saw Palmetto, Sperol for inhibition of 5-.alpha.-reductase activity
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050118282%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050118282&RS=DN/20050118282 US20050118282]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|5
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|New class of quinolin-2-ones and chromen-2-ones andtheir use as androgen receptor antagonists
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050085467%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050085467&RS=DN/20050085467 US20050085467]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|6
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Antiandrogen oligonucleotides usable for the treatment of dermatological androgen-related disorders
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009429%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009429&RS=DN/20060009429 US20060009429]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|7
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Bradykinin antagonists for stimulating or inducing hair growth and/or arresting hair loss
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030073616%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030073616&RS=DN/20030073616 US20030073616]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|8
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Extract from walnut leaves and/or pericarps as 5 alpha -reductase inhibitor
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=EP0279010&F=0 EP0279010]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|9
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Stimulating hair growth using benzopyrans
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040157856%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040157856&RS=DN/20040157856 US20040157856]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|10
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Sophora flavescens extract, Coicis semen extract, clove extract, etc for promoting hair growth, function of cell activity and dilating peripheral blood vessels.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050053572%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050053572&RS=DN/20050053572 US20050053572]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|11
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Compositions to prevent or reduce hair loss
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060052405%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060052405&RS=DN/20060052405 US20060052405]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|12
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Prostaglandin EP-3 receptor antagonists for reducing hair loss
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050123577%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050123577&RS=DN/20050123577 US20050123577]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|13
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Synergic effect arising from the interaction of active ingredients, consisting of three plant extracts and a synthetic organosilicic compound for prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6447762.PN.&OS=PN/6447762&RS=PN/6447762 US6447762]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|14
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Metalloprotease inhibitors to induce and/or stimulate the growth
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040071647%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040071647&RS=DN/20040071647 US20040071647]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|15
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Method of decreasing sebum production and pore size
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050277699%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050277699&RS=DN/20050277699 US20050277699 ]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|16
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Method for reducing sebum on the hair and skin
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=4529587.PN.&OS=PN/4529587&RS=PN/4529587 US4529587]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|17
|}

=== Focus of patents by technology ===
[[Image:Technologyfocus.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Technology focus]]

== Distribution of patents ==

=== Distribution based on patent types ===
[[Image:Didtribution.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Distribution based on patent types ]]

=== Distribution of patents by their key ingredients ===
[[Image:key1.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Distribution of key ingredients]]

=== Distribution based on target diseases ===
[[Image:target.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Distribution based on target diseases]]

=== Key ingredients vs. Target disease/disorder ===
[[Image:key&target1.jpg|thumb|center|1000px|Key ingredients vs. Target disease]]

=== Target species ===
[[Image:Species.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Target species]]

=== Mode of administration ===
[[Image:Mode.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Mode of administration]]

=== Product type vs. Product form ===
[[Image:prod.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Product type vs. Product form]]

== Distribution of patents based on different aspects ==

=== List of patents ===
{| border="1" cellpadding="9", style="#008080"
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Rec. no.'''
!width="70" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Patent no.'''
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Rec. no.'''
!width="70" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Patent no.'''
|- style="height:10px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220020052498%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20020052498&RS=DN/20020052498 US20020052498]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|10
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040157856%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040157856&RS=DN/20040157856 US20040157856]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030007941%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030007941&RS=DN/20030007941 US20030007941]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|11
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050053572%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050053572&RS=DN/20050053572 US20050053572]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|3
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009430%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009430&RS=DN/20060009430 US20060009430]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|12
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060052405%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060052405&RS=DN/20060052405 US20060052405]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|4
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009427%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009427&RS=DN/20060009427 US20060009427]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|13
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050123577%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050123577&RS=DN/20050123577 US20050123577]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|5
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050118282%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050118282&RS=DN/20050118282 US20050118282]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|14
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6447762.PN.&OS=PN/6447762&RS=PN/6447762 US6447762]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|6
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050085467%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050085467&RS=DN/20050085467 US20050085467]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|15
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040071647%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040071647&RS=DN/20040071647 US20040071647]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|7
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009429%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009429&RS=DN/20060009429 US20060009429]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|16
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050277699%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050277699&RS=DN/20050277699 US20050277699]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|8
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030073616%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030073616&RS=DN/20030073616 US20030073616]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|17
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050244362%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050244362&RS=DN/20050244362 US20050244362]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|9
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=EP0279010&F=0 EP0279010]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|18
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=4529587.PN.&OS=PN/4529587&RS=PN/4529587 US4529587]
|}

=== Distribution of patents based on target diseases ===
{| border="1" cellpadding="16", style="#008080"
!width="600" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Target disease/ disorder'''
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Patent no.'''
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Rec. no.'''
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Alopecia areata, alopecia pityrodes or alopecia seborrheica, or androgenic alopecia (i.e. male pattern baldness)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220020052498%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20020052498&RS=DN/20020052498 US20020052498]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Alopecia areata, male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030007941%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030007941&RS=DN/20030007941 US20030007941]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Androgenic alopecia (i.e. male pattern baldness), prostatic hyperplasia or both.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009430%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009430&RS=DN/20060009430 US20060009430]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|3
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Inappropriate activation of the androgen receptor, acne, oily skin, alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009427%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009427&RS=DN/20060009427 US20060009427]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|4
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic cancer, hirsutism, acne, male pattern baldness, seborrhea, and other diseases related to androgen hyperactivity
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050118282%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050118282&RS=DN/20050118282 US20050118282]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|5
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Alopecia, acne, oily skin, prostrate cancer, hirsutism, and benign prostate hyperplasia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050085467%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050085467&RS=DN/20050085467 US20050085467]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|6
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Androgen-associated hair loss and androgen-skin related disorders.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009429%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009429&RS=DN/20060009429 US20060009429]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|7
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Androgenetic or androgenic alopecia or androgeno-genetic alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030073616%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030073616&RS=DN/20030073616 US20030073616]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|8
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Diseases caused by testosterone (male-pattern alopecia)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=EP0279010&F=0 EP0279010]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|9
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Alopecia areata, female pattern hair loss, hair loss secondary to chemotherapy or radiation treatment, stress-related hair loss, self-induced hair loss, scarring alopecia, and alopecia in non-human mammal
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040157856%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040157856&RS=DN/20040157856 US20040157856]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|10
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Male pattern alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050053572%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050053572&RS=DN/20050053572 US20050053572]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|11
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Alopecia, androgenic alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060052405%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060052405&RS=DN/20060052405 US20060052405]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|12
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Hair loss
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050123577%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050123577&RS=DN/20050123577 US20050123577]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|13
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Male pattern alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6447762.PN.&OS=PN/6447762&RS=PN/6447762 US6447762]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|14
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Androgenetic, androgenic or androgenogenetic alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040071647%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040071647&RS=DN/20040071647 US20040071647]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|15
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Curing other scalp related problems
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050244362%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050244362&RS=DN/20050244362 US20050244362]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|16
|}

=== Distribution of patents based on application ===
[[Image:application.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Distribution of patents based on application]]

=== Interactive Signaling Pathway and linkages ===
[[Image:Signaling Pathway_linkage_050606.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Alopecia pathways]]

== Questions Dolcera Answers ==

'''What’s hot?'''
* What compositions/ approaches are the most promising?
* What can I license?
* Can you map blockbuster products to their patents?

'''Can you save me some time?'''
* What combinations/ compounds have already been tried?
* Is any empirical data available?
* Can you tell me the side effects?

'''Where should I focus my R&D investment?'''
* What are the most promising approaches?
* Where’s the ‘white space’ for me to play in?

'''Any hints for research?'''
* Are there any combinations I could develop?

'''What should I do in this geography?'''
* What are my competitors up to in this geography?
* What are my strengths/ weaknesses here?

'''What’s my competition up to?'''

* What’s my top competitor investing in?
* Are there any loopholes in their patents?
* When are their patents expiring?
* Will a competitor emerge from nowhere and surprise me?
* What are the crowded areas?

'''How do I play defense?'''
* What should my blocking/reactive strategies be?

== New Combinations based on IP study? ==

Yes, new Combinations can be made with '''natural products''' based on IP study
* Walnut extract containing [[Image:5ar.jpg]] inhibitor (as anti-androgen) and Flavnones (for vasodilation).
* Sophora Flavnones (for vasodilation) in combination with Saw Palmetto berry (as anti-androgen).

'''Note:''' The above combinations are based on limited study and are only possible examples

== IP studies provides ==

=== Technology trends ===
* Use of saw palmetto berry for treating alopecia was first patented in 1996.
* Since then, 144 patents (including family patents) have been filed till 2006.
* Most patents use saw palmetto berry in combination with other products.
[[Image:Technology1.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Technology trends]]

=== New opportunities ===
Yes, the IP studies provide new opportunities in the following area.
* Sophora Flavescens contain flavnoids.
* Natural extract Sophora Flavescens cited in LG patent of 2001.
* Research shows fewer than 7 patents based on Sophora Flavescens for hair loss or alopecia.

== Conclusions ==
* Hair loss medication is a very active area of research and intellectual property development.
* One of the most promising areas of development is the area of Anti-androgens.
* The top companies are Merck, L’Oreal and Smithkline.

== Useful links ==
* [http://www.biocarta.com/pathfiles/h_ghPathway.asp Pathways example]
* [http://www.cellsignal.com/category.asp?catalog_name=CellSignal&category_name=MAPK+Signaling Signaling Pathways]

== Summary ==

Alopecia - Hair Loss

2006-05-07T21:49:35Z

207.105.30.44:

{{compactTOC}}
== Rationale ==
* “Medication for men plagued by hair loss has become a topic of interest in Japan since a drug company began marketing it at the end of last year." March 5th, 2006 – [http://stophair.setupmyblog.com/?p=55]

* “An increasing number of companies are apparently turning the Chinese fear of a bald spot into big bucks with some doing so well they are branching out into other countries.” February 16, 2006 – [http://stophair.setupmyblog.com/]

== Alopecia IPMap ==
[http://www.dolcera.com/client/ds94x0s90akq9d7xb402fm/hairloss_map.htm Dolcera IPMap for Alopecia]

== Introduction ==

=== Hair Basics ===
* Hair is a complex and delicate part of the body
* Keeping it healthy and beautiful is a challenge
* Structure of Hair root - [http://www.follicle.com/hair-structure-life-cycle.html]
* Structure of Hair bulb - [http://www.pg.com/science/haircare/hair_twh_12.htm]
[[Image:Hairbasics.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Structure of Hair root and Hair bulb]]

=== Reasons for Hair loss ===
[[Image:Facts.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Survey results from Japan]]
Both men and women lose hair for similar reasons. Hair loss in men is often more dramatic, and follows a specific pattern of loss which has been termed “Male Pattern Baldness” (Androgenetic Alopecia).

'''Main reasons'''
* Hormonal effect of androgen
* Reduction of blood circulation around hair follicle
* Deactivation of hair matrix cells

'''Some facts from Japan'''

* Market size: ¥ 30 Billion
* Number of products: more than 100

(JICST-EPlus - Japanese Science & Technology)

== Goals ==

The goal of this report is to:
* Summarize IP activity over the years
* Identify major players
* Conduct patent analysis
a) Composition
b) Nature
c) Action

'''And then'''

* Analyze patents pertaining to high sebum activity

== Approach ==

* A broad search was conducted on hair loss patents.
* Patent information was sourced through SIP.
* A set of patents was selected for analysis.

Composition of treatment for causes are identified and categorized as follows:

* Anti-androgen
* Minoxidil
* Double action (Anti-androgen + Mindoxidil)
* Hair matrix cells activator
* Sebum production inhibitor

== IP activity over years ==
The graph indicates:
* Number of patents filed every 5 years (except for first 7 years).
* First solution proposed in 1973
* Filing trend indicates steep rise in activity recently.
[[Image:Year1.jpg|thumb|center|400px|IP Activity over years]]

== Major Players ==
[[Image:players.jpg|thumb|left|400px|Assignees with more than 20 patents ]]
[[Image:players1.jpg|thumb|center|400px|Assignees with fewer than 20 patents ]]

* '''Active Assignees'''
Assignees currently active with more than 5 patents to their credit during 2000-2005.
* Warner with 9 patents,
* Bristol with 6 and
* Abbott with 5.

[[Image:Active.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Active Assignees]]

== Anti-androgens ==
* Anti-androgen is a substance that inhibits biological effects of androgenic hormones
* 5-alpha reductase + Testosterone = Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
* DHT attaches to an Androgen Receptor.
* DHT causes increase in hair loss and gradual miniaturization of the follicle, which eventually dies resulting hair loss

=== Functions of Anti-androgen === [http://www.revivogen.com/revivogen/work.html Anti-androgen]

[[Image:Andogen1.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Functions of Anti-androgen]]

=== IP Map for Anti-androgen ===

{| border="1" cellpadding="8", style="#008080"
!width="30" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Pat/Pub#'''
!width="30" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nature'''
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition'''
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition action'''
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009430%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009430&RS=DN/20060009430 US20060009430]
BLOTECH (2004)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extracts
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Palmetto berry extract (fatty acids & sterols), Pumpkin seed extract (Vitamins-B, alpha-linolenic acid, amino acids and phytosterols), Quercetin (Flavonoids) and Beta-sitosterol (Rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils and soybeans)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Fatty acids – Inhibit testosterone
Sterols - Mechanism of action unknown.

Quercetin results in cell growth cycle.

Beta-sitosterol reduce inflammation on scalp
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009427%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009427&RS=DN/20060009427 US20060009427]
WARNER LAMBERT(2004)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|New class of 4-cycloalkoxy benzonitrile derivatives and salts
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Acts as androgen receptor modulators and blocks formation of DHT.
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050085467%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050085467&RS=DN/20050085467 US20050085467]
WARNER LAMBERT(2004)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|New class of 6-sulfonamido-quinolin-2-one and 6-sulfonamido-2-oxo-chromene derivatives.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|The compounds inhibit, or decrease, activation of androgen receptor by androgens.
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050118282%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050118282&RS=DN/20050118282 US20050118282]
APHIOS Corp (2003)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extracts
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Supercritical fluid isolate of Saw Palmetto and Sperol (Serenoa repens berry) and their analogs or derivatives.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Modulates androgenic activity by inhibiting 5.alpha.-reductase activity.
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009429%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009429&RS=DN/20060009429 US20060009429]
Fundacion Pablo Cassara (2003)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Nucleotide
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Pharmacologically active oligonucleotides (encompass both DNA and S-DNA bond)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Oligonucleotides inhibit androgen receptor (AR) expression at very low concentrations in skin and hair follicle
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030007941%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030007941&RS=DN/20030007941 US20030007941]
PFIZER INC (2001)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Thyromimetic compounds (structurally similar to thyronine) with finasteride, or cyproterone acetate
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Activates thyroid hormone receptors in hair follicle which in turn promote elasticisation of follicle walls and hair follicle
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030073616%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030073616&RS=DN/20030073616 US20030073616]
N/A (1995)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Peptides/nucleic acid
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Bradykinin antagonist (peptide of plasma origin from kininogen precursor-kallikrein)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Inhibit synthesis of bradykinin receptors or compounds by binding to B2 receptor
|- style="height:20px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=EP0279010&F=0 EP0279010]
KAO Corp (1987)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extracts
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Walnut extract (leaves/pericarps) with an organic solvent
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Blocks formation of DHT
|}

== Minoxidil ==
* A thick network of tiny veins and arteries lines the outer wall of the follicle. Blood pumps through the bulb and hair via this network
* Minoxidil dilates blood vessels; which is also called as “potassium channel opener”
* Minoxidil sulfate (MS) appears to be the active metabolite responsible for hair growth stimulation.

=== Functions of Monoxidil === [http://www.nurseminerva.co.uk/diagrams.htm#Diagram%201 Minoxidil]

[[Image:minoxidil1.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Functions of Monoxidil]]

=== IP Map for Minoxidil ===

{| border="1" cellpadding="2"
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Pat/Pub#'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nature'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition action'''
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040157856%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040157856&RS=DN/20040157856 US20040157856]
WARNER LAMBERT(2002)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Benzopyran compounds
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Rapidly metabolizes, and causes reduced cardiovascular effects as compared to other known potassium channel openers
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050053572%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050053572&RS=DN/20050053572 US20050053572]
LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE(2001)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extracts
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Sophora flavescens extract (alkaloids & flavonoids, luteolin-7-glucose and cytosine) Hinokitiol (Taiwan hinoki oil, Aomori, Western Red Cedar oil) and Nicotinamide (Vitamin B complex)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Promotes function of cell activity and dilates blood vessels
|}

== Double action (Anti-androgen + Minoxidil) ==
* Combination of Minoxidil + Anti-androgen (double action) composition for effective treatment of Male-Pattern Baldness

=== Functions of (Anti-androgen + Minoxidil) === [http://www.revivogen.com/revivogen/work.html Anti-androgen ]and [http://www.xandrox.net/articles/article01.htm Minoxidil]
[[Image:Doubleaction1.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Functions of (Anti-androgen + Minoxidil)]]

=== IP Map for (Anti-androgen + Minoxidil) ===
{| border="1" cellpadding="3"
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Pat/Pub#'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nature'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition action'''
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060052405%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060052405&RS=DN/20060052405 US20060052405]
N/A(2000)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Peptides
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Testosterone blocker or vascular toner (Flutamide, cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, progesterone, or analogs or derivatives) and minoxidil mixed along with non-retinoid penetration enhance and sunscreen
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Inhibits 5.alpha.-reductase activity (block DHT) and increase blood flow on the scalp
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050123577%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050123577&RS=DN/20050123577 US20050123577]
L'OREAL(2000)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Peptides
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Prostaglandin (polyunsaturated fatty acids) EP-2, EP-3 EP-4 receptor agonist with Minoxidil, 2,4-diaminopyrimidine 3-oxide, and Aminexil, cyclic AMP
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Minoxidil (designed to mimic nitric oxide's effects) grows hair via prostaglandin-H synthase stimulation. EP-3 and EP-4 are expressed in anagen hair follicles which induce a reduction in the level of cAMP
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6447762.PN.&OS=PN/6447762&RS=PN/6447762 US6447762]
COLOMER GROUP(1999)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extract
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Hop extract (oil contains terpenes and humulene), Rosemary extract (hydroalcohol), Swertia extract (glycol with a swertiamarin), Silanodiol salicylate (biologically active silicon compound)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Inhibits activity of 5-alpha-reductase, protects follicular cell membranes by neutralizing action of oxidation reaction in tissues, stimulates hair follicles and blood circulation to the hair root, supplies oxygen and nutrients to base of follicle, retains humidity, avoids dehydration of scalp
|}

== Hair matrix cell activator ==
* Stem cells of the hair follicle are gathered in the basal layer of the outer root sheath bulge.
* It is from these cells that matrix cells are formed.
* Growth and differentiation of the matrix cells are under the influence of substances produced by cells of the dermal papilla.

=== Functions of Hair matrix cell activator === [http://www.ijdb.ehu.es/fullaccess/fulltext.04023/ft163.pdf Hair matrix cell activator]
[[Image:Hair matrix.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Functions of Hair matrix cell activator ]]

=== IP Map for Hair matrix cell activator ===
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Pat/Pub#'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nature'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition action'''
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220020052498%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20020052498&RS=DN/20020052498 US20020052498]
SHISEIDO(1999)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|(2-substituted oxyphenyl) alkanamide derivative and its salt
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Mechanism of action has not been made clear, having excellent hair follicle activating action and regrowth promoting effect
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040071647%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040071647&RS=DN/20040071647 US20040071647]
L'OREAL(1998)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Peptides
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Metalloprotease (MMP-9) inhibitor (thiol or a hydroxamate) other than chelating calcium ions
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Reducing the expression of MMPs (Metalloproteases) in the scalp - slow down or inhibit the degradation of the perifollicular matrix (extracellular matrix surround the hair follicle)
|}

== Sebum Production Inhibitor ==
* Sebum, a complex mixture of lipid substances, is secreted from sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles.
* The inhibitor blocks the excessive sebum production produces greasy effect on hair and scalp and also responsible for thinning and loosing of hair.

=== Functions of Sebum Production Inhibitor ===
[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:HairFollicle.jpg Sebum Production Inhibitor]]
[[Image:Sebum1.jpg|thumb|center|500px|Functions of Sebum Production Inhibitor]]

=== IP map for Sebum Production Inhibitor ===

{| border="1" cellpadding="3", style="#008080"
!width="100" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Pat/Pub#'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nature'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition'''
!width="300" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Composition action'''
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050277699%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050277699&RS=DN/20050277699 US20050277699]
Unilever(2005)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extract and organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Polyamine (putrescine, spermine or spermidine) analogs and/or derivatives; DFMO; N-acetyl cysteines; neutralized salts of a non-hydroxy C2-C40 dicarboxylic acids, preferably malonate salts; and mixtures thereof.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Decreasing sebum production and/or pore size
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050244362%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050244362&RS=DN/20050244362 US20050244362]
KAO COPR.(2004)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Natural extract and organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Avocado oil (Butyl esters of fatty acids)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Reduce sebum of the hair and scalp
|- style="height:100px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=4529587.PN.&OS=PN/4529587&RS=PN/4529587 US4529587]
Unilever(1982)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|organic compound
|bgcolor=LightCyan |Biotin antagonist or a salt thereof
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Decrease activity of the enzyme acetyl-SCoA-carboxylase and hence reduce lipid synthesis in sebaceous glands so that less sebum is produced
|}

== Composition nature matrix ==

=== IP map for Composition nature matrix ===

{| border="1" cellpadding="11", style="#008080"
!width="50" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Year'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Organic Compound'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Natural extracts'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Peptides'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Nucleotides'''
!width="75" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Natural extract + Organic comp'''
|- style="height:10px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2005
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|UNILEVER (1)
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2004
|bgcolor=LightCyan|WARNER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|BLOTECH (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|KAO (1)
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2003
|bgcolor=LightCyan|WARNER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|APHIOS (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|FUNDIACION (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2002
|bgcolor=LightCyan|WARNER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2001
|bgcolor=LightCyan |PFIZER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|LG HEALTH-CARE (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2000
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|L’OREAL (1) / N/A (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1999
|bgcolor=LightCyan|SHISEDIO (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|COLOMER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1998
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|L’OREAL (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1995
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|N/A (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1987
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|KAO (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1982
|bgcolor=LightCyan|UNILEVER (1)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|bgcolor=LightCyan|....
|}

== Focus of patents ==

{| border="1" cellpadding="17", style="#008080"
!width="600" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Focus of patents'''
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Patent no.'''
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Rec. no.'''
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2-substituted oxyphenyl alkanamide derivative having excellent hair growth effect.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220020052498%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20020052498&RS=DN/20020052498 US20020052498]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Thyromimetic compounds, and its role in treating hair loss
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030007941%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030007941&RS=DN/20030007941 US20030007941]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Saw Palmetto berry extract, pumpkin seed extract, sitosterol and quercetin for the treatment and prevention of the biologically detrimental effects of DHT
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009430%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009430&RS=DN/20060009430 US20060009430]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|3
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|4-cycloalkoxy benzonitriles and its use as androgen receptor modulators
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009427%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009427&RS=DN/20060009427 US20060009427]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|4
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Supercritical fluid isolate of Saw Palmetto, Sperol for inhibition of 5-.alpha.-reductase activity
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050118282%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050118282&RS=DN/20050118282 US20050118282]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|5
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|New class of quinolin-2-ones and chromen-2-ones andtheir use as androgen receptor antagonists
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050085467%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050085467&RS=DN/20050085467 US20050085467]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|6
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Antiandrogen oligonucleotides usable for the treatment of dermatological androgen-related disorders
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009429%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009429&RS=DN/20060009429 US20060009429]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|7
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Bradykinin antagonists for stimulating or inducing hair growth and/or arresting hair loss
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030073616%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030073616&RS=DN/20030073616 US20030073616]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|8
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Extract from walnut leaves and/or pericarps as 5 alpha -reductase inhibitor
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=EP0279010&F=0 EP0279010]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|9
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Stimulating hair growth using benzopyrans
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040157856%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040157856&RS=DN/20040157856 US20040157856]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|10
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Sophora flavescens extract, Coicis semen extract, clove extract, etc for promoting hair growth, function of cell activity and dilating peripheral blood vessels.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050053572%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050053572&RS=DN/20050053572 US20050053572]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|11
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Compositions to prevent or reduce hair loss
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060052405%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060052405&RS=DN/20060052405 US20060052405]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|12
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Prostaglandin EP-3 receptor antagonists for reducing hair loss
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050123577%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050123577&RS=DN/20050123577 US20050123577]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|13
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Synergic effect arising from the interaction of active ingredients, consisting of three plant extracts and a synthetic organosilicic compound for prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6447762.PN.&OS=PN/6447762&RS=PN/6447762 US6447762]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|14
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Metalloprotease inhibitors to induce and/or stimulate the growth
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040071647%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040071647&RS=DN/20040071647 US20040071647]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|15
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Method of decreasing sebum production and pore size
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050277699%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050277699&RS=DN/20050277699 US20050277699 ]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|16
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Method for reducing sebum on the hair and skin
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=4529587.PN.&OS=PN/4529587&RS=PN/4529587 US4529587]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|17
|}

=== Focus of patents by technology ===
[[Image:Technologyfocus.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Technology focus]]

== Distribution of patents ==

=== Distribution based on patent types ===
[[Image:Didtribution.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Distribution based on patent types ]]

=== Distribution of patents by their key ingredients ===
[[Image:key1.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Distribution of key ingredients]]

=== Distribution based on target diseases ===
[[Image:target.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Distribution based on target diseases]]

=== Key ingredients vs. Target disease/disorder ===
[[Image:key&target1.jpg|thumb|center|1000px|Key ingredients vs. Target disease]]

=== Target species ===
[[Image:Species.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Target species]]

=== Mode of administration ===
[[Image:Mode.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Mode of administration]]

=== Product type vs. Product form ===
[[Image:prod.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Product type vs. Product form]]

== Distribution of patents based on different aspects ==

=== List of patents ===
{| border="1" cellpadding="9", style="#008080"
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Rec. no.'''
!width="70" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Patent no.'''
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Rec. no.'''
!width="70" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Patent no.'''
|- style="height:10px"
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220020052498%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20020052498&RS=DN/20020052498 US20020052498]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|10
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040157856%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040157856&RS=DN/20040157856 US20040157856]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030007941%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030007941&RS=DN/20030007941 US20030007941]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|11
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050053572%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050053572&RS=DN/20050053572 US20050053572]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|3
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009430%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009430&RS=DN/20060009430 US20060009430]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|12
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060052405%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060052405&RS=DN/20060052405 US20060052405]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|4
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009427%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009427&RS=DN/20060009427 US20060009427]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|13
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050123577%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050123577&RS=DN/20050123577 US20050123577]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|5
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050118282%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050118282&RS=DN/20050118282 US20050118282]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|14
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6447762.PN.&OS=PN/6447762&RS=PN/6447762 US6447762]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|6
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050085467%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050085467&RS=DN/20050085467 US20050085467]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|15
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040071647%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040071647&RS=DN/20040071647 US20040071647]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|7
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009429%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009429&RS=DN/20060009429 US20060009429]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|16
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050277699%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050277699&RS=DN/20050277699 US20050277699]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|8
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030073616%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030073616&RS=DN/20030073616 US20030073616]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|17
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050244362%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050244362&RS=DN/20050244362 US20050244362]
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|9
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=EP0279010&F=0 EP0279010]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|18
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=4529587.PN.&OS=PN/4529587&RS=PN/4529587 US4529587]
|}

=== Distribution of patents based on target diseases ===
{| border="1" cellpadding="16", style="#008080"
!width="600" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Target disease/ disorder'''
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Patent no.'''
!width="20" bgcolor=DodgerBlue|'''Rec. no.'''
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Alopecia areata, alopecia pityrodes or alopecia seborrheica, or androgenic alopecia (i.e. male pattern baldness)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220020052498%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20020052498&RS=DN/20020052498 US20020052498]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|1
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Alopecia areata, male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030007941%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030007941&RS=DN/20030007941 US20030007941]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|2
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Androgenic alopecia (i.e. male pattern baldness), prostatic hyperplasia or both.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009430%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009430&RS=DN/20060009430 US20060009430]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|3
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Inappropriate activation of the androgen receptor, acne, oily skin, alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009427%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009427&RS=DN/20060009427 US20060009427]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|4
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic cancer, hirsutism, acne, male pattern baldness, seborrhea, and other diseases related to androgen hyperactivity
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050118282%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050118282&RS=DN/20050118282 US20050118282]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|5
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Alopecia, acne, oily skin, prostrate cancer, hirsutism, and benign prostate hyperplasia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050085467%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050085467&RS=DN/20050085467 US20050085467]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|6
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Androgen-associated hair loss and androgen-skin related disorders.
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060009429%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060009429&RS=DN/20060009429 US20060009429]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|7
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Androgenetic or androgenic alopecia or androgeno-genetic alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030073616%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030073616&RS=DN/20030073616 US20030073616]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|8
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Diseases caused by testosterone (male-pattern alopecia)
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=EP0279010&F=0 EP0279010]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|9
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Alopecia areata, female pattern hair loss, hair loss secondary to chemotherapy or radiation treatment, stress-related hair loss, self-induced hair loss, scarring alopecia, and alopecia in non-human mammal
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040157856%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040157856&RS=DN/20040157856 US20040157856]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|10
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Male pattern alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050053572%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050053572&RS=DN/20050053572 US20050053572]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|11
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Alopecia, androgenic alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220060052405%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060052405&RS=DN/20060052405 US20060052405]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|12
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Hair loss
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050123577%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050123577&RS=DN/20050123577 US20050123577]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|13
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Male pattern alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://patft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6447762.PN.&OS=PN/6447762&RS=PN/6447762 US6447762]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|14
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Androgenetic, androgenic or androgenogenetic alopecia
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040071647%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040071647&RS=DN/20040071647 US20040071647]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|15
|-
|bgcolor=LightCyan|Curing other scalp related problems
|bgcolor=LightCyan|[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220050244362%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20050244362&RS=DN/20050244362 US20050244362]
|bgcolor=LightCyan|16
|}

=== Distribution of patents based on application ===
[[Image:application.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Distribution of patents based on application]]

=== Interactive Signaling Pathway and linkages ===
[[Image:Signaling Pathway_linkage_050606.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Alopecia pathways]]

== Questions Dolcera Answers ==

'''What’s hot?'''
* What compositions/ approaches are the most promising?
* What can I license?
* Can you map blockbuster products to their patents?

'''Can you save me some time?'''
* What combinations/ compounds have already been tried?
* Is any empirical data available?
* Can you tell me the side effects?

'''Where should I focus my R&D investment?'''
* What are the most promising approaches?
* Where’s the ‘white space’ for me to play in?

'''Any hints for research?'''
* Are there any combinations I could develop?

'''What should I do in this geography?'''
* What are my competitors up to in this geography?
* What are my strengths/ weaknesses here?

'''What’s my competition up to?'''

* What’s my top competitor investing in?
* Are there any loopholes in their patents?
* When are their patents expiring?
* Will a competitor emerge from nowhere and surprise me?
* What are the crowded areas?

'''How do I play defense?'''
* What should my blocking/reactive strategies be?

== New Combinations based on IP study? ==

Yes, new Combinations can be made with '''natural products''' based on IP study
* Walnut extract containing [[Image:5ar.jpg]] inhibitor (as anti-androgen) and Flavnones (for vasodilation).
* Sophora Flavnones (for vasodilation) in combination with Saw Palmetto berry (as anti-androgen).

'''Note:''' The above combinations are based on limited study and are only possible examples

== IP studies provides ==

=== Technology trends ===
* Use of saw palmetto berry for treating alopecia was first patented in 1996.
* Since then, 144 patents (including family patents) have been filed till 2006.
* Most patents use saw palmetto berry in combination with other products.
[[Image:Technology1.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Technology trends]]

=== New opportunities ===
Yes, the IP studies provide new opportunities in the following area.
* Sophora Flavescens contain flavnoids.
* Natural extract Sophora Flavescens cited in LG patent of 2001.
* Research shows fewer than 7 patents based on Sophora Flavescens for hair loss or alopecia.

== Conclusions ==
* Hair loss medication is a very active area of research and intellectual property development.
* One of the most promising areas of development is the area of Anti-androgens.
* The top companies are Merck, L’Oreal and Smithkline.

== Useful links ==
* [http://www.biocarta.com/pathfiles/h_ghPathway.asp Pathways example]
* [http://www.cellsignal.com/category.asp?catalog_name=CellSignal&category_name=MAPK+Signaling Signaling Pathways]

== Summary ==